PBA Freaky Friday

After looking at the number of runs that we could participate at, we finally decided at the following events:

1. Philippine International Marathon 2009: A Run for the Pasig River on November 8, 2009
2. The 2009 Timex Run on November 15, 2009
3. The 2009 Men’s Health Urbanathlon on November 22, 2009
4. New Balance Power Run Raising Hope on November 29, 2009

That’s a loaded November weekends. But I am really hoping that we could attend to all those events. It’ll surely be an enjoyable one.

Since The 2009 Timex Run registration is only up to November 1, and that late registrant’s won’t be given singlet, we have our almost last minute registration at Grand Showroom, Robinsons Land Corporation, Robinsons Galleria.

The 2009 Timex Run Singlet

After the registration, we drop by at my cousin’s office to get our free PBA Freaky Friday tickets. Game 1 is between Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) and Coca Cola Tigers; while Game 2 is between Burger King Whoppers (BK) and Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). I really wanted to watch this game live. It’s like hitting 2 birds with one stone. PF is my favorite team and Chris Pacana, my favorite player, is playing for SLR.

At the Araneta Coliseum’s entrance, the security got his eyes on my Oreo. It was my pasalubong for Stephanie. But the kinda rude guard made us eat the Oreo before entering the venue. We ate half of the pack, and just threw the leftover. I bet my angel is annoyed. I should have placed the pack where the guard won’t be able to see it.

Okay, now that we’re seated at Lower Box, Section 202, Seats D1 and D2, we started cheering for PF. It is really fun watching PF’s bench cheering for their team. They were even warned by the KJ officials. I love seeing Rico Maierhofer’s dunks and blocks, Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi’s fun inside and outside the court, King James Yap's one handed shots, Roger Yap’s bravery, PF’s bench, coaching staff, and team manager’s support, and Kerby Raymundo’s leadership and smile. They lead the game by 12 points, I guess. But sadly, they were beaten by the Tigers courtesy of Wesley Gonzales and Norman Gonzales’ 3-point shots. I also have to give credits to the officials. I guess PF had been the TOP fouling team? *annoyed* Each play made by the Tigers, PF commits a foul. But on the other side of the court, it takes a serious contact before a foul will be called. I had compared the fouls called in Game 1 and Game 2. The second game got relatively low number of calls. I REALLY wonder why it had always been like that whenever it was PF’s game.

Game 2, I find myself cheering for SLR. I even cheer for Ardy Larong, he’s a former PF anyway. But I also cheer for Chico Lanete, Richard Yee, and Aaron Aban of BK. They all came from PF; that’s why they have the face quality beyond their basketball skills. And of course, I cheer for Pacana. Unfortunately, he failed to do well, just like last game. Probably he’s sick? I don’t know. But he got to wear his jacket while doing the warm-up. I also saw him sniff. Surprisingly, Kelly Williams did not do well too. But their main man had been Josh Urbiztondo. He got many steals and POINTS. He had been the game’s Best Player.

So, I never really went home heartbroken with PF’s loss. At least Pacana’s team won. And since it is PBA’s Freaky Friday, they have a Trick or Treat for the kids. They have people in Halloween costume that gave candies to children. Luckily, a lollipop dropped at our seats. That’ll be my pasalubong for Stephanie, a replacement to the Oreo. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Jaypee Online's Thanksgiving Giveaway

For blog contest enthusiasts, this one is something you should really take into account of. Jaypee Online will be giving away a whopping $1,500 worth of cash, premium WordPress theme, and web hosting. This is his way of celebrating Thanksgiving, which will be celebrated on November 3 in the US.

For contest mechanics, see it at $1,500 Thanksgiving Giveaway at JaypeeOnline. The contest will end on the 30th of November. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. So, this one's really a game of luck! Winners will be announced at December 1.

Here's the list of the eye-popping and jaw-dropping prizes:
1st Prize

Pro Plus All-Theme Package from StudioPress ($199.95)
Single Theme License from Pro Theme Design ($79)
Single Theme License from Press75 ($75)
Single Theme License from WP Zoom ($49)
1 Year Theme Club Membership from Elegant Themes ($19.95)
1 Year Hosting w/ Free Domain from DreamHost courtesy of Jehzeel Laurente
$50 Cash via PayPal from Jehzeel Laurente

2nd Prize

Single Theme License from Pro Theme Design ($79)
Single Theme License from Press75 ($75)
Single Theme Package from StudioPress ($59.95)
Single Theme License from WP Zoom ($49)
1 Year Freedom Plan Hosting from WP Web Host ($80)
$25 Cash via PayPal from JaypeeOnline

3rd Prize

Single Theme License from Pro Theme Design ($79)
Single Theme Package from StudioPress ($59.95)
Single Theme License from WP Zoom ($49)
Single Theme Licenses from WP Now ($29)
1 Year Freedom Plan Hosting from WP Web Host ($80)
$10 Cash via PayPal from JaypeeOnline

Consolation Prizes

Single Theme Package from StudioPress ($59.95)
Single Theme Licenses from WP Now ($29)

And here's the generous at heart, aside from Jaypee, who sponsored this Thanksgiving Giveaway:

1. StudioPress
2. Pro Theme Design
3. Press75
4. WP Zoom
5. WP Now
6. Elegant Themes
7. WP WebHost
8. Jehzeel Laurente

Let's toast for the Thanksgiving. And I am wishing each contest participant GOOD LUCK!

Looking Forward for a Vacation

Aren’t you having a hard time waking up each morning? I do. Not because I am lazy, but because of the weather, and the season. I am already feeling the Christmas breeze. With that, I am already looking forward for a vacation, a long one.

Honestly, I am eyeing Davao as our destination this coming January. But knowing that there is an Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific, I guess we can change our plans and have an out of country trip instead. Budget had always been the utmost consideration in our family day outs. Since this Super Sale offers as low as US$30 per night in over one million rooms. However, we have to make up or minds right away for the promo mechanics states that we should book on-line between October 27-39, 2009 for stays between December 2009 and April 2010.

Here's a photo of one of the many outstanding hotel rooms included in the Super Sale.

The country destinations included in the Super Sale are Australia, Bali, China, Ibis China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Ibis Thailand, and Vietnam. Whew! That is a lot to choose from. That list is overwhelming. My personal choice would be Hong Kong, mainly because of Disney Land.

Let’s see. All I am looking forward for is a vacation with my family.

Finally, My Second Run

After so many reasons for not being able to have my second run, I finally have it last Sunday, October 25, 2009 at The Fort Bonifacio for the Adidas King of the Road 2009. However, this one is EXXXTRAAA special than my first, because I ran with my angel.

Supposedly, I have to wake up quarter to 3 in the morning. But I don't know why I had soundly slept that night. Probably because I grew tired of my Saturday activity. I woke up around 3:20AM, with 3 missed calls from my angel and 2 text messages. With that, I hurriedly stand up from my bed, woke up my mom (I asked her to prepare my breakfast - fried egg), drank hot milo, took a bath, and set myself to go. Good thing is, I already prepared everything the night before, so I really need not to cram or miss to bring any.

I was sent by my uncle at Pulilan Junction. He stayed there until I had myself ridden in a bus to Cubao. It took me more than 10minutes before I finally hop in one. I thought that there won't be any heavy traffic in EDSA for it is past 4AM yet. But I was wrong, there was a moderate to heavy traffic from Cloverleaf to Muñoz that time. The gunstart for the 5KM run will be by 6AM. I was already nervous at that time. My angel already arrived at our meeting place, GMA MRT Station, at around 5:05AM. I arrived 15 minutes later. We hurriedly hailed on a cab. Unluckily, we hailed an airport-metered taxi that had a meter reading twice that of the ordinary fare. It was a lesson for us. Next time, we won't ride that kind of taxi anymore.

While still on the cab, we were already able to see several runners (21KM participants) on their way to their route. We alight the taxi a little farther from the Starting Line. We hurriedly look for our colleague's vehicle to drop by our things. Then, I still have to pee. The gunstart for the 10KM had already started while I was still at the line. I thought I could catch up with the warm-up and gunstart of the 5KM but I was wrong. While the runners at the starting line were doing their stretching, I did mine while on the queue of those who would respond to nature's call. And while I am already at the cubicle, I heard the gunstart for our category, ha ha.

My angel patiently waited for me, we crossed the starting line together. At first I thought I was still physically fit as my first run. But I was disappointed for I easily tire myself with the first few steps. Probably because my angel really ran faster than I do. And I got really tired out running after him. I told him to go ahead and just meet me at the finish line. But he was so sweet that he waited for me and walk instead just so to keep with my pace. Aside from that, he had been my official photographer. So romantically sweet :D

Definitely, I could give MORE!

Along the 5KM stretch, I was able to relate to him the happenings of my first run. And it just seems that the route we're traversing is farther than 5KM. At around 3.5KM mark, I accidentally had my foot fallen at the wrong place. I really felt the pain in my knees. And what could be much better to cure that pain by holding my angel's hand, hee hee. And with him, I was able to cross the FINISH line.

I Ran With My Angel

We had indulged ourselves then with the free banana, gatorade, and pandesal to satisfy our hungry stomachs. We also got the chance of taking pictures at the wall provided by Adidas.

I finished the 5KM (6.41KM to be precise) for 59 minutes.

21KM wall

I am glad that I was able to claim my singlet at an earlier date than the race day. For most probably, I won't be able to participate in the event, given I am late, and I still don't have my race kit.

After the picture taking, we changed our clothes and headed on our way home. It was a tiring, enjoyable, and loving activity, at least, for me. Simply because, I ran with my angel *wink*

Movie Downloader

Photo Credits: Mozilla Firefox

In my previous post, I had mentioned that I had the good heart of my colleague downloading the films that I wanted to watch. He is my movie downloader. I am really not aware how he does the downloading. There’s an instance when I requested a film from him today, and would give me the file the following day. WOW! It was so fast. I expected him to give me the file a week after.

He told me that previously, there were moments when he could download incomplete, or worse, empty file. Until he had found this torrents download site that is built with a simple interface and is provided with a powerful search engine. And that site is the main reason why he had successfully downloaded my request completely.

Severe Headache

After I had confessed that I Need a Professional Advice, I had suffered from a very severe headache last Sunday. Apparently, it is still contributed by my Hate Day of the Month. I just could not bear the pain anymore that I shed a tear.

I really don't know what had been happening to my system. My cousin told me that she had already been spared from dysmenorrhea the moment she had become physically active. Well, I had been running and I am also playing badminton now. But this menstrual cramps did not leave me at the onset of my monthly period. While this severe headache happens at the end of it.

*Sigh* *Deep breath* Good thing, I still managed to work. I just hope that I could be spared from this pain each month :(

Photo Credits: Migraine

Shop for Bath Robe Online

I have been from a birthday party earlier. Me and my angel had bought a gift for his goddaughter’s birthday too. It had been a tiring day for us. And I am having a headache now. I just realized, if we just purchase the birthday gift online, we could have saved ourselves from being tired, and from having a headache. This coming season, maybe I would try online shopping. I might save myself from pickpockets too.

I am thinking if it would be nice to have a towel wrap as present to my mother. I found it from Posy Lane and had been mesmerized from these colorful wraps. And the best thing about it, it can be personalized. I could have my mom’s name embroidered or monogrammed on it. But, I am having thoughts of buying her bath robes instead. Which do you think is better? A terry bath robe that had been a gold standard or a waffle bath robe that is lighter? Both, anyway, has ¾ length sleeves, mid-calf length, two patch pockets, double belt loops, and a matching belt. Think, think, and think.

See, even shopping online could be tiring. At least I need not to go physically from one shop to the other.

Photo Credits: Naturally Online

I Need a Professional Advice

Last Wednesday, I prefer to have my sick leave from office, for I had predicted that it would be my Hate Day of the Month.

And I was definitely right, I indeed suffer from menstrual cramps that day. My world seemed to turn upside down once more. I felt like I want to vomit, I got cold sweat, and I hate ventilation. Not to mention that I don't want to eat anything but hot chocolate.

It had always been like these since my 4th year in college. And I have to say that I really hated this day of the month.

My angel told me to seek for a professional advice about my dysmenorrhea. I am hesitant. But now, I felt that I can't stand the agony anymore. Probably would ask his company one of these days to have my check-up. I definitely need a professional advice about this one.

Photo Credits: Consumer Reports

Walmart’s Parent’s Choice Infant Formula: 2 Cans for $10

A very well used saying is, “Breast Milk is still best for babies.” And that is very much truthful. I even learned from my high school years that the very first drop of milk that comes out from a mother’s breast is as good as a vaccine from the most common infant illnesses.

However, even if breast feeding is vital to a child’s nourishment, most of the working moms resort to infant formula. And I am aware how expensive it is for parents. Good thing is, Walmart offers a special store brand formula sale: that is 2 Cans Parent’s Choice Infant Formula for $10. That is indeed a great deal, especially now that we are considering the outbreak of recession.

To the minds of most parents, nutritional facts of these store brand formulas are not at par with the branded ones. But I beg to disagree, for I have known that all these baby formulas are subject to the same regulations as stated in the Infant Formula Act. Thus, these store brand formulas are nutritionally equivalent to name brand formulas.

Do grab the special promo of Parent’s Choice Infant Formula that is exclusively available at Walmart. Their current offers are:

1. Parent’s Choice Milk Infant Formula is on sale in a 15.5 oz (440 gram) can for $5.00 each.
2. Parent’s Choice Gentle Infant Formula for babies with fussiness or gas is on sale in a special 12.9 oz (366 gram) can for $5.00 each.

And yes, do purchase in a hurry, the offer is for LIMITED TIME only.



Photo Credits: ConsumerReports.org

Grow Old With You

All I wanna do, is grow old with you.

I guess it is with the song why I fell in love with the movie "The Wedding Singer". But I admit that I do love Adam Sandler. I love his movies such as 50 First Dates and Click. Anyhow, the song title itself is really romantic - growing old with the one you love. And how can it be more romantic when it is sung to me by my angel?

My Angel singing Grow Old With You

And he had sung it in front of his office mates. So sweet.

It is the birthday of his office mate. We celebrated it at Music 21, a KTV, last August 28, 2009. More than the fun of singing "Way Back Into Love" and "Flying Without Wings", it is being with my angel that made the night worthwhile. Ü

House Hunting

Whenever I do the math of my daily expenses, I can’t help but regret the money that had been into transportation expenses alone. If only our home is nearby our office, I would surely save around PhP4,000.00 a month. With that, I am really trying to look around and see if there would be an affordable home for me.

Finding one online is really hard. What I get from the popular buy and sell site is just a list of the available house and lot for sale, the address, and a brief description together with the price. But picturing out these houses for sale, their exact location, and exact condition can never be reached. Unlike the one I’ve seen from the site that sells Idaho Falls homes online. The website had a sidebar that has a list of homes by category – either by neighborhood or by school. Selecting a subcategory would lead you to a list of available homes within the neighborhood. Furthermore, viewing the details of a certain house will provide you a gallery of the house’ main parts/rooms (if available) together with its detailed specifications alongside with the map as powered by Google. For me, the one that I really like best is the Year Built column. With that I can, more or less, estimate the quality of the home.

Photo Credits: Virgin Media

So, if you were in house hunting and you happen to live or want to purchase from Idaho Falls, good for you. You’ve got an online resource for the available houses for sale that is complete in details, pictures, and maps. It will really save you ample amount of time spent in house tripping. Also, you would easily trim down your list of considerations with that information available. That’s a lot of work saved for you.

My R.A.C.E. Experience

After My First Run, I had really been loving to be physically fit through running. But I failed to participate in my almost second run, It's Because of the Rain. My next supposedly run is with New Balance Power Run, but it had been postponed due to Typhoon Ondoy. Now, I am excited with the Adidas King of the Road 2009 (KOTR) to be held this coming Sunday, October 25, 2009. However, let me first tell My R.A.C.E. Experience, the organizer of the said event.

Registration is that easy. You just pay the registration fee of PhP500.00 and you'll get the entrance and claim stubs immediately. It is for the Running Expo held at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall B. It is where you can claim your race packet (singlet and race bib), participate in the Running 101 exercises, and indulge in the carbo-loading activity.

Sadly, the running expo is not that HIT. My officemate/running buddy had thoughts that the main purpose why the race packet is to be given on that expo is to assure great number of participants. The result, it had been a long queue in the claiming of race packets. Well, I cannot really tell how annoying it was for it was not me who stand for hours in the line, it was my officemate. But, the more depressing in that part was, he failed to claim my race packet, considering that his race packet, together with two (2) other buddies who registered at the same date and time were already claimed. Nonetheless, they promised to DELIVER the unclaimed race packets right at our doorsteps. I cannot really make myself satisfied with that promise, unless I already had my race packets. To make the early registrants' feelings worse, the late registrants (those who registered during the expo), need not queue in the line, and immediately get their race packets, with no sweat at all. They even got the chance to choose from the singlet sizes available. I could have just registered late, I so thought. Moreover, the carbo-loading activity is not that enjoyable too. It was only consists of a piece of KFC Twister and Cooler. That's it. No more, no less. And yes, you also had to wait in a long line.

Yesterday, I follow-up my race packet. Inquired from the organizer if they already delivered it to the address they asked from us. Unfortunately, they told me that the race packet will no longer be delivered for they cannot assure that we could get that before the race day. WHAT?! I exclaimed in my thoughts. Why haven't they informed us of the situation? I told the lady on the other line why did they have to promise and just break it without us being informed. She told me that if I could drop by at their place, Annapolis, Greenhills, I can claim my race packets there. Oh no, that's far. I asked her if they could deliver my race packet at Adidas Trinoma instead. She advised me to call after an hour for that matter. After redialling for n times with their busy line, I once more got connected and asked if my plea would be feasible. Then I got to talk with a 'boss' and told me to leave my details to his people. So I stayed on the line, overheard their conversation as if they were quarelling over something, and then I heard a beep. WOW! They just hung the phone when I was patiently waiting. To my dismay, I asked my angel to call them instead. Good thing, my angel had been assured that my race packet will be delivered at Adidas Trinoma that moment.

That evening, I claimed my race packet, and got the chance to enjoy the perks of joining the KOTR (Package A).



I wonder if I had not called R.A.C.E.. Most probably, I would be waiting again in line to claim my race packet on race day (while others were already doing their stretching or even started running). An unorganized organizer - with regards to my experience only (I cannot speak for others).

Error Copying: Insufficient Disk Space

Photo Credits: Computer Problems Made Easy

That’s what I would normally have whenever I would copy a new movie or picture file from my computer to my USB drive. I really wanted to buy an external hard drive of around 320GB or more disk space for my personal use. I often wanted to copy video and picture files from my office PC and bring it home and vice versa. But sometimes, doing the said routine brings hassle on my part. Most of the time, I forgot which files I had already copied. And synchronization issue had been a problem too. If ever I would be having an external hard drive, I could simply save all of my files there, no more synchronization needed. Hmmm, but I guess I would have to consider back up storage too.

So, am I going to buy two (2) external hard drives? Definitely not, I would simply use the Livedrive Online Storage. In a nutshell, this online storage acts as your external hard drive, only online – plus a whole lot more!

1. It creates an L: drive to your PC wherein you can access your files just like you were doing with your other drives.
2. The files you had stored will be available for viewing (retouch photos, watch videos, play music, edit MS Office documents) directly from your web browser. No need to install additional software in each and every PC you access.
3. Since it is an online storage, sharing these files is just a click away.
4. Same with item 3, integration with Facebook and Flickr is right on your fingertips.

Probably you are worrying about security issues and storage space. But you need not worry. Livedrive Online Storage offers UNLIMITED storage space. And, they are currently offering new users a one-month FREE trial. So, you need not a single penny in trying out their service. Your questions will be answered by using the service yourself, absolutely FREE!

Wynne Arboleda's Sanction

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) enthusiasts were probably aware of the Wynne Arboleda and Alain Katigbak incident. I self-confessed in my other blog that I am on Arboleda’s side in this matter. The time I had written that post, I am not yet aware of the sanction given by the PBA authorities over Arboleda’s behavior. Not until my sister messaged me that he (Arboleda) is suspended for the rest of the PBA’s 35th season WITHOUT pay. My initial reaction is, another Ron Artest (Philippines version). At the same time, I told my sister that Katigbak should be penalized as well.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not a fan of Arboleda or of Burger King Whoppers (BK) – Arboleda’s current team. He (Arboleda) had been penalized. So be it. But, I strongly believe that Katigbak should equally be penalized for this. Arboleda already had his lesson learned. He served as a guinea pig for PBA players wanting to attack fans and physically hurt them during the game. But how about the fans, they should as well be given a lesson here. Come to think of it. What if a fan just wanted to have a certain player thrown out (or worse, be another Arboleda)? And so he will just bully the player and make him run after him. It will be that easy now for the rude fans knowing that they won't get penalized for doing so. Get my point?

Photo Credits: Manila Bulletin

Eureka! Eureka! I Have Found It!

Photo Credits: Involve

Felt like I was Archimedes, one of the great scientists of history, when I finally installed and run a PowerBuilder Application on Ubuntu Operating System (OS). I almost lose hope. Glad that I didn't. 'Coz I Have Found It!

For days, I have been preoccupied by it. I am almost sleepless. And I had missed a couple of things.

1. I failed to watch Chris Pacana's debut game with Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR) last Friday. But still I am glad that he had been given enough playing minutes. Well, it is not really the main reason why I missed the game. My phone had been dead since Thursday. And so I have to buy a new battery for it.
   
2. I failed to enjoy the Running Expo held by Adidas' King of the Road 2009. We (me and my angel) came very very late. He got some errands to do; while I had to work like a wiz with Ubuntu. The Running Expo was held at Megatrade Hall B. The mall was also on sale that time. But I failed to enjoy the promos. I am dead tired, and Ubuntu had been running in my mind 99.9%.

I had almost given up. Yesterday, Sunday, I gave praise to God in the Holy Mass and asked for His Divine Providence to help me with this one. An idea pops on my mind upon arriving home. Thanks to 'apt-get install' of Ubuntu. I was sort of excited to find out if my idea was brilliant. But I have to pause and attend to a birthday party of my friend's daughter together with my angel. We were bringing Stephanie along. Unfortunately, Stephanie is still soundly sleeping and only woke up around 30minutes before the party ended. So, we failed to attend.

I learned that Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) will be having a game that night against the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). So instead of submerging myself with Ubuntu, I watched the game, to at least relax a bit. Sadly, PF loses. It is Kerby Raymundo's off night. Probably BGK had really worked well with their defense against Raymundo. Congratulations to BGK! Congrats to Rico Villanueva for showing what you've got! He is a nice guy.

After my angel leave for home, I continued with the 'apt-get install' of Ubuntu, praying that it will work out just right. It is almost 1AM of the wee hours, I am still working at it. Until I finally exclaimed: 'Eureka!'

It did, I made it worked! So brilliant of me, ha ha. Thanks to Lindz for making me feel that I can really do this one. Even though Ubuntu, or the whole Linux OS itself, is a stranger to me, I managed to do the tweakings and have my application working. Thanks be to GOD! I am planning to post the steps I had made in order to help those with similar problems that I just had. But maybe, I'll be posting it in my other blog. For now, even though I had just slept for less than 4 hours, I am glad that I successfully made this one.

3 Movies in a Row

Yesterday, me and my cousin had to do something so we take a leave from office. We had agreed to have a movie marathon in the afternoon. One after the other, we had watched Fireproof, 17 Again, and The Proposal.

Photo Credits: Looking up..., I Watch Stuff, and CineMovie

The time I had spent watching the movies is worth it. Each and every film provided moral lessons that suits my age. But if I have to choose the best among the three, I must say that I had fallen in love with Fireproof.

Fireproof is a movie about a Fireman who tried to win back his wife (the love of his wife) within 40 days. I had cried for a number of times while watching the movie. I don't know if my cousin had noticed it. Also, the value of Christianity had been incorporated here too. By rediscovering ourselves, and renewing our faith with God, we could give love truly and naturally.

The night is a busy hour for me. I had been trying to discover how am I going to run a PowerBuilder application on an Ubuntu environment. I had succeeded installing MySQL, WINE, unixODBC, and PowerBuilder Pacakge on Ubuntu. I had to do some more tweakings to be able to successfully run this one. After which, this would mean money, yipee! Do you guys have any idea? I would really appreciate inputs. Thanks in advance!

Purefoods TJ Giants Opens the 35th PBA Season With a WIN

Yesterday is the opening of the 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). I must say, I am really surprised with all of the huge changes in every team's line-up. Well, I am very much aware of the trades between Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) and the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). But I am really surprised, foremost about Japeth Aguilar, who I thought give up his PBA career for the Smart Gilas. I don't know if it is all about the money. But for whatever reason he has, he received the boos from the crowd last night, even just when he was doing his charity on the line. Some other surprise that I got were the trades of Dennis Espino, Chico Lanete, and Ronjay Buenafe. Also, I am saddened that Topex Robinson is no longer with PF. I could have wanted him more over Chris Timberlake. With Timberlake and Rafi Reavis in the PF's line-up, PF now said goodbye to their prerogative of having an All-Filipino line-up.

Anyhow, I am also saddened that Chris Pacana was not around in the opening ceremony. I wonder why. Nonetheless, the opening was very great, simply because, PF opened it with a victory against the Burger King Whoppers (BK).

I was really excited of the game. At first, I am really against the trade of Reavis to Rico Villanueva and Rich Alvarez. For me, it was a bad decision. To the non-biased PBA viewers, they will surely understand what I mean. But, last night's game was a revelation for Reavis, he even had his double-handed slam courtesy of PJ Simon. My angel told me that Reavis is great while he was still with the Coca-Cola Tigers (Coke). It was only with BGK that he had his low profile. But, I am open arms with the come back of Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi. Artadi showed his bliss in his return. Well, you will simply find him grabbing the ball from under the basket against two tall men of the opponent. As for Pingris, he still has the same energy as before.

Rico Maierhofer is from Dela Salle Univeristy (DLSU). I thought he was a Fil-Am. Welcome to the PBA Maierhofer. Your first game, for me, seem to be a very great contribution to PF. And here's a video of him making an acrobatic shot from an unselfish assist of James Yap.

Rico Maierhofer's Acrobatic Shot
Video Credits: jherry29 of YouTube

But, how can I forget the two best players of PF, J. Yap and Kerby Raymundo. It seemed to be J. Yap's off night. Probably, he was still nursing his injury. His feet were aching. To make the night worse, he was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1 against Gary David. *sigh* What can I expect from the PBA officials? It is clear from the replay that J. Yap moved his butt backwards so as not to place his foot under David's. And it seemed that David intentionally move forward to fish for that call.

Save the best for last. Raymundo made me feel so proud. His drives from afar the basket is so admirable that even the commentators felt great and proud of him. He is simply the best, for me. Oh, how I wish they could taste another championship this season.

Way to go PF! Congratulations!

Surrogates

The last time that me and my angel watched at a movie house was last July 26 of this year. We watched Ice Age 3 (3D) at Trinoma together with my family. We normally don’t watch at theaters. When we wanted to watch something, I just have to ask my officemate to download the movie. Then, we can have it viewed on weekends. But this time, we were, once again, able to watch at a movie house because of his free tickets for two as a promo of his credit card.

I am choosing between Yaya and Angelina or Surrogates. Obviously, Surrogates won. We had a quick dinner at Chicken Bacolod and head on our way at Cinema 4 of SM The Block.

Surrogates is a film that shows how Biotechnology evolved and how powerful human mind is. With a number of wires onto your brain, you are able to control a robotic human (of your desired appearance ~ thus defeating the meaning of unpretty, racial discrimination, and the like). In the said setup, human beings are no longer going out of their homes, making them free from any form of harm, crime, and sort. It is only their 'surro' who are in risk of, not death but, damage.

The first moment that I saw Bruce Willis, I did not recognize him. He was too young. Only to find out that it was just his surro.

Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell's Surrogates
Photo Credits: liveforfilms

I won’t have my ‘story-telling’ here of the movie, I might be a spoiler, and I don’t want that. I just have to say that, the movie is a recommended one. There are twists from the story (that we could have understand much better if there were subtitles, LOL).

Just to make an impression, no matter how advanced our technology had become; the movie shows us that, there’s no such replacement for being a human. It is still way much better to feel the pain of being stomped on feet or pinch on your cheek. More so, it is best to feel the warmth of an embrace in your human body; rather having it all function in your human brain.

How About Laundry Bag?

October is already on its half. Next thing you know, it is already Christmas. As early as now, me and my angel are already discussing what gifts we should give to our beloved godchildren. Well, most of them were still toddlers, some on their grade school years. We were planning to use our online earnings, and so we thought of doing the shopping online. Then I suggest, how about laundry bag? Yes, this one could be very plain, with just the accented shoulder strap as its accessory. But what I like about this is that, the online shop offers a ‘personalize it’ option. The kids will surely love to see their name on it.



So bags, that’s what we were planning to purchase online. We have found this cute Stephen Joseph quilted backpack that would be a great present for toddlers. The front flaps of the backpack have magnetic snap closures and button-adjustable shoulder straps. And then I thought "Can I also purchase one for myself?" This one is really adorable. But I guess, for the little boys, simple personalized kids backpacks will do. They might not find the designs of the later endearing. Well, they are boys anyway. Anyhow, these backpacks have a good amount of space for their books and other school things.

Whew, I guess we’ll be able to spend all our earnings now. But, the feeling would really be great. Well, ‘tis the season of giving!

Posh Craze Contest

A lot of blogging contest have been revolving around the net. But, I am too lazy to join for the past few weeks. Now, I am blogging about this contest to support a blogger friend, Grace. She joined the contest and needs to earn points to grab a prize. If it's not much of a burden to you, please do her a favor by blogging about it like what I have done. Or you can simply vote for her by clicking this link.




As for me, I joined the Contest B, a game of luck. So, wish me luck *wink*

Everything's Back to Normal?

It was almost two weeks since we have been visited by the not so welcomed guest, Ondoy. But, our fellow Filipinos who experienced his fury have not recovered yet. In fact, news said that it may take them months before they can finally say that “Everything’s back to normal.”

I am among the fortunate few who were not affected by the calamity. But some people close to my heart were not spared by Ondoy. Still lucky, no one died. Only material things, which soon could be replaced, felt the wrath. And with that fate, I am really moved at doing volunteerism. The ‘bayanihan’ spirit, which we Filipinos are known of, seems to have relived in me. I have wanted to be a part of some foundations such as the Sagip Kapamilya of the ABS-CBN. Together with my office buddy, we already inquired from them. I posted an inquiry about the Sagip Kapamilya Volunteers in their forum.

Cheryl Cosim giving out crackers to flood victims.
Photo Credits: Flickr of LopezLink

Well, I also read various blog posts, tweets, and facebook updates about the typhoon and relief and rescue operations. These social media had really been a vital tool in spreading the whereabouts of those who were in need of help. A very vivid example was the Facebook page of LopezLink whose primary aim is ‘Building Unity in Diversity’. I must say that the collective efforts of the Lopez Group of Companies had been an immense aid in rescuing the victims of typhoon Ondoy, may it be in saving lives or simply providing relief goods. Our government may be doing their best efforts, but we all know it won’t be sufficient to reach each and every victim. Thus, voluntary operations of these good Samaritans are greatly helpful. To keep you posted, I suggest you became of fan of the Facebook page. For now, let's go hand in hand until we can finally say, "Everything's back to normal."

RFID and Philippine Motoring

RFID or Radio Frequency Identification, also called "smart labels", in it's simpliest definition, are tags or intelligent bar codes that can "talk" to a network system. It can give the relevant information or data incorporated on a particular product or object using radio waves. The difference between a bar code and RFID is its simultaneous communication and communication distance capability from the reader.

An RFID tag contains at least two parts: First, the chip or integrated circuit that stores and processes information, modulates and demodulates the radio frequency (RF) signal, and other necessary functions; Second is an antenna that receives and transmits the signal into an RFID tag reader.

At a basic level, each RFID tag works in the same way:

• Data­ stored within an RFID tag's microchip waits to be read.
• The tag's antenna receives electromagnetic energy from an RFID reader's antenna.
• Using power from its internal battery or power harvested from the reader's electromagnetic field, the tag sends radio waves back to the reader.
• ­The reader picks up the tag's radio waves and interprets the frequencies as meaningful data.

Today, in our country and in most parts of the world, RFID is a newly trending technology which gives fear to a lot of organizations and individuals. As with many technologies, people fear what they don't understand. Some of which are exaggerations, some can be considered paranoia, but some may also be justified.

The wide applications of this cutting-edge technology has been around us for some time now. Practical example of the many types of RFID in our country has already been in the private warehouses, race timing such as Marathon like the recently held Kenny's Open Urbanite 2009, e-pass in NLEX, and recently (August 2009) in our e-passports (yes, our passports are now powered with RFID technology).

People have not feared nor revolted against the implementation of this technology to these applications. But just recently, after the announcement of LTO about the RFID tagging this coming October 1, 2009, a lot of violent reactions have surfaced for the fear of the violation of people's privacy rights. I have read some forums discussing this development, and I can say, about 60% to 70% of the reactions and comments for the RFID project are negative. Other people responds positively though they still have questions regarding privacy, security against tampering and hacking, and effectiveness in achieving the project's goals.

Benefits of the LTO-RFID

“The RFID technology will revolutionize land transportation in the Philippines. This is a great first step in putting order on our streets,” - LTO Assistant Secretary Arturo Lomibao

To better understand the goal and purpose of this project, we must know what are the benefits of embedding an RFID in our vehicle. First and foremost, an IT system exists and develops for the betterment of a society. At the same time, these developments have its underlying risks and disadvantages too.

I will not discuss the details of these listed few benefits and disadvantages. The following paragraphs and statements are also according to my own understanding about the technology and not the project owner's or the LTO's point of view.

for Government Agencies (such as LTO, PNP)

• Ease and efficient registration process of vehicles.
• Real-time and accurate information about a vehicle.
• Reduction of vehicular-related crimes such as carnapping.
• Fast and easy identification of hot-listed or malicious vehicles.

for the Public and Motorists

• Security of having a vehicle identified to the rightful owner.
• Security of having the right components (Engine, Chassis) to the correct vehicle.
• Reduction of unscrupulous and colorum vehicles.

Data Embedding and Privacy
In contrast to what most people fear, only the relevant information about a vehicle is loaded into the RFID tag. We must understand that an RFID tag has a limit to it's data storage capacity. That means, not all of the information about a vehicle, or vehicle owner can be integrated into the RFID chip.

The most common information that can be loaded into the RFID are the basic or obvious information about a vehicle, but are relevant in the law enforcement and registration processes. These information are those already found in the official receipts (OR) and certificate of registration (CR), except the information about the vehicle owner's address.

As for the location privacy part, the RFID has no GPS or Global Positioning System capability. Therefore, wherever you are, and whatever you do, the RFID can not disclose those kind of information to your wife or to your mother. Just don't be foolish to violate the traffic laws or any crimes that will trigger the law enforcers to find your whereabouts.

Author's Conclusion
Most of our personal information are already everywhere. From the vastness of the information superhighway, social networking websites, to the banks, supermarkets, hotels, marketing companies, credit cards, membership cards, and etc. But none of these have threatened us YET, though the safety of our personal privacy also lies in these information containers. If there is any, then it is also our obligation and responsibility to take action against those privacy offenders.

The RFID can benefit us in a variety of ways, both the individual and organizations set to uphold the order in the streets and enforce the traffic law. Although, like any other technological advancements, we cannot expect that it is perfect. These are creations of imperfect creators - us. But like us, there is always a room for improvement.

Two big question though:

1. Are there laws already for those who will purposely tamper their RFID tags to prevent them from being identified?
2. How can the government defend or protect the motoring public from the abusing authorities, specially that they will have more advanced technology in their hands?

For more reading about the RFID applications and implications for Consumers, you may download the PDF file here.

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This is a guest post by my office mate pEDo. To know more about him, visit his site at Ekxodus-Pedo.
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Next Gift: Insulated Lunch Tote

Last Christmas, I find it hard to find a ‘something Spiderman’ gift for my godson. He specifically asks Spiderman for his Christmas gift. I intended to give him a toy, but they were too expensive. Aside from that, I don’t think that it would be a fun to use.

I finally decided to give him a toddler backpack instead. To my thoughts, it would be more useful that those tiny pieces of toys. Beside, he’ll be going to school after the vacation.



This year, I am planning to give him an insulated lunch tote that I found online. Aside from being an excellent match with his toddler backpack, this lunch tote is soft, insulated with bubble foil, comes in a variety of color, and has sturdy nylon. It also has a zippered pouch in front for a little bit of organized tote.

While for my godchildren who were still toddlers, I might give them nap mat; which I find online too. These mats are padded and lined with nylon and cotton. To give an accent, it has a ribbon trimmed blanket.

Oh well, I have to save first before I purchase those gifts. For now, I’ll make my Christmas list.

I Will Wait For You

Last night, when I was already at my bed, I overheard my sister looking for her original birth certificate. My mother curiously asked why she had been looking for it. My sister told her that she would be applying for passport and that her National Statistics Office (NSO) Birth Certificate is somewhat blurred. This conversation was overheard to by this lovely little girl:

Stephanie, my 2 year old niece

And so, the following conversation followed:

Stephanie: Lola, nag-aaway kayo? (Grandma, are you quarelling?)

My Mother: Hindi. Pupunta kasi sa ibang bansa si Dalja (That's how we call my sister. It's not her real name. That comes from the telenovela, Dalja's Spring). Maiiwan ako. (No, Dalja will be going out of the country. I will be left alone.)

Stephanie: Aantay kita. (I will wait for you)

The Secret

Wanna know his secret of winning streak? Learn it at the latest online casino news.

Moon's Crater?

Last Tuesday, I've been in the moon ~ of sort, LOL! These are the craters:





If you often pass by TriNoMa, then you'll have an idea what this really is. This is the bus station in front of Landmark TriNoMa along EDSA. It has been constructed just a few months ago.

Terry Towel Wrap for Christmas

Time is really flying too fast now. The next thing we know, it is already Christmas; the season of giving and sharing. Have you already jotted down the names of your godchildren? Have you decided what to give them this Yuletide season? Or you prefer to be in the holiday shopping rush? Or are you planning to have a Christmas getaway instead?



If you’re up to a Christmas vacation, a Personalized Duffle Bag is up for you. It is big enough for overnight stay. You can grab it for only $20.80 plus an additional of $8 if you would want it personalized. Well, just to make sure it won’t be carried away by someone else right? You can match up this bag with towel wraps that is available in three sizes and nine colors. Or, you might want to coordinate it with terry towel wrap instead. It is made of pure terry cotton that has an adjustable Velcro closure. And of course, it can be personalized as well.

Cris Bolado: Latest Cast Off

I had watched Survivor Philippines Palau last night. I have been cheering for the Gentle Giant, Cris Bolado. He is a former PBA player. I have known him from his Alaska days when I was still cheering for Johnny Abarrientos. No matter what team Chris belongs to, he would almost always end up as champions. Probably he's one of the Alaska's lucky charms in their Grand Slam victory.

Cris 'The Gentle Giant' Bolado

Sadly, he had been eliminated last night. His lucky charms are off and rusted. Goodbye Gentle Giant! I am guessing that the very first cast off, Justin, who now merged with the castaways is really a big threat to everyone. I can't imagine how the castaways are feeling seeing Justin merging with them, a twist in the normal survivor set up. Anyhow, good luck to all of 'em. But I have to say that I don't like Tara's attitude - all that trash talk over Charles. Good that Charles kept his cool.

I Survived

I am supposed to file a Sick Leave yesterday. I am not feeling well. I've got a fever and a clogged nose. But since it is Monday, I'm in charge at the office. My officemate hadn't replied from my query if we can exchange schedules; hence, I am forced to report to work.

Fortunately, I Survived! Although the feverish feeling is still there, I managed to complete the day without the urge to go home early. In fact, I had even stayed for a couple more minutes. Maybe, it was all because I had nurtured myself with water (water therapy). From the moment I arrived at the office, I had been drinking water continually. And I guess that's a big factor of me not wearing down. Or, it could be mind over matter too. But whatever it is, I thank God for making me safe all day.

Oh well, to end the day, I got to watch Pilipinas Basketball Charity Game between Smart Gilas and Powerade Team Pilipinas. It was so nice to see again Kerby Raymundo playing. And it was even nicer seeing JV Casio (I cheer for him over Chris Tiu since Tiu is already my sister's fave.) playing against him *wink*. Well, sadly, Powerade Team Pilipinas lost the game. They aren't fit, team-wise. They failed to have their practice for the game. Nonetheless, showing up and playing for charity already made them a winner.

My Vote for the 2009 Bloggers' Choice Award (National)

Hello blogger friends! Are you aware of The 2009 Philippine Blog Awards? If not yet, you might want to check it out and see to it if one of your blogger friends is nominated. And to make your blogger friend REAL happy, be sure to vote for 'em.

As for me, I am casting my vote for *** drum roll ***

Manik Makina for Bloggers Choice Award (National)

Why? Because I wanted to help my fellow Filipinos :D See how, from his post: 1 manikmakina vote = (secret).

Is it okay to vote for several blogs with different categories? If yes, just leave a note and I'll cast my vote for you for no cost :D

Are You Lucky?

Are you lucky? Wanna try your luck online? Roll the dice at online casinos. But, equip yourself first with the latest, what's new and what's hot, from online casino news.

Nonito Donaire in Celebrity Duets

I am not really into watching TV. I'm more into net surfing and programming on the sideline. But, I accidentally to watch this episode of Celebrity Duets with Nonito Donaire singing I'm Yours wonderfully.



Well, what can I say, he really got the talent to sing. And so, I would have wanted to watch his succeeding performances. He really is a performer. He can sing and dance; and he is a champion boxer! He amazes the audience and the judges every Saturday.

How about you? Have you watched Celebrity Duets lately? Who's your bet?

Your Best Weapon Before Purchasing a Web Host

I have been blogging for more than a year now. The very first blogging site that I have known of is Blogger. Then there comes Wordpress. But I haven’t really tried Wordpress yet. Let’s say, I am already satisfied with the free web hosting provided by Blogger; and that I need not to create a Wordpress account and have the burden of learning its how to’s.

I had also stumbled to a number of blogs who got web hosts other than Blogger and Wordpress. These web hosts could cost you a dollar; while others are free of charge. Normally, those which you paid for is more flexible and advantageous. Well, it all depends on your need. It could be based on your necessity of speed, traffic, bandwidth, or could be your consideration of the price.



If you would want to compare different web hosting sites, you need to canvass packages of these sites, tally them in a tabular format, and rate them according to customer feedback. It is too much of work. But, you need not to worry; everything’s already done for you by WebHostingGeeks. And since it is an independent site, you are rest assured that their rating is not biased. Well, I believe that your best weapon before purchasing a product or service is knowledge. And so, this site is your best weapon before purchasing a web host.

Happy Birthday B1!

It was my office best buddy's birthday. Despite Philippines being under the state of calamity, it did not hinder us to celebrate her birthday at Shakey's Tomas Morato.

I used to call her B1. Remember the Bananas in Pyjamas? I'm B2, and we used to tease another office buddy as Dodeng Daga, LOL!

going to Shakey's Tomas Morato

the ladies

while ordering the food

pizza!

spaghetti. We failed to take photos of the other food, we emptied the serving before the thought of taking pictures, hee hee.

going back to the office
entering the office gate

Happy Birthday Zen!

The Truth About Infant Formula

Everybody from the health sector, as well as the government, is encouraging breast feeding. Aside from the fact that it is FREE, it as well provides ‘top of the world’ quality nourishment for infants. I remember from our Home Economics class in high school, the first drop of milk that comes from the breasts of mothers act as a sort of vaccine for the newly born. Whether it’s a myth or a scientific fact, it still won’t falsify the fact that milk that comes from a mother’s breast is the best source of nutrition for infants.

With this, WIC, a federal agency from the United States introduced new food package that would promote breastfeeding. In the breastfeeding package, women will not receive any infant formula. On the other hand, women who partially or totally breastfeed will only receive 13 percent less formula than the previous year. In this regard, women who would require greater amount of formula will have to purchase them on their own.

Anyhow, Dr. Barbara Levine of Weill Cornell Medical College assured parents that ALL baby formulas are subject to the same regulations governing manufacturing and ingredients stipulated by the Infant Formula Act. In this case, parents need not to purchase the most expensive infant formula just to be sure that their babies get the quality nutrition that they need. As presented in the Baby Formula Savings Calculator from Parent’s Choice, choosing a less expensive baby formula would provide you a considerable amount of savings. And since we now know the truth about baby formulas, you need not to worry nor sacrifice your baby’s health.