tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274630722024-03-13T09:35:01.586+08:00HPCRamblings of an Unstable MindJigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-64355304560103543192008-05-30T00:10:00.005+08:002008-12-09T13:08:13.820+08:00The Delicious Essence!<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A good online friend started exploring his “healthier” side by going vegan. Yup, everybody seems to be going vegan nowadays. I also have a college friend who’s a vegetarian. No beef, no chicken, no fish… just the thought of it sends chills up my spine. Veggies and fruits are all well and good but a life without meat is just…<br /><br />Haaaay…<br /><br />Aaaanyway, lately, I’ve been developing my fifth taste.<br /><br />You might say…<br /><br />“Fifth taste? You’re talking crazy Jigs! There’s only four types of tastes! Sweet, Salty, Sour and Bitter! You’re stupid! I’ll never read your blog again!”<br /><br />But wait, there IS a fifth taste. You do have the basic Bitter, Sweet, Salty and Sour, and the fifth is <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span>. There isn’t really an English word for it, but essentially, <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is the savory taste found naturally in meat, poultry, seafood and some vegetables. The <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> taste itself is subtle. Most people wouldn’t even recognize it. It Enhances the taste of other flavours and brings everything together. It’s amazing, believe me, when you can recognize and manipulate <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span>. It’s like <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is the soul of a dish.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> isn’t just in the taste. It is a combination of taste, smell, color, temperature and appearance. But let’s set the record straight, <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is not MSG. MSG has been touted as a flavor enhancer which is kinda what <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is. However, <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is the natural occurrence of the delicious essence found in foodstuffs (meat, cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms to name a few), which is far better than its synthetic counterpart. I have never used MSG as an ingredient and never will. MSG is the quick and cheap way to attain that savory flavor.<br /><br />Enough about that…<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAM</span>I is something that is not unfamiliar to us. I bet, after reading this short article, you will start recognizing what <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is, and what it tastes like. It is an integral part of the whole dining experience. So, I try my best to maximize the <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> of any dish I make. Let me say though, <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> is something Vegans can appreciate too. Just a bite of a ripe tomato and you can taste <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob7l20sYeEx4TXeHsqP5yAUCZiMwkIZ-2JPNGs-lHqBgpB_ULlcSYMMtE_h4xurOmbOWRGFdTxy1RkM4U8nJdGU3Eluh-EH5KRTldlPMLjXSDTbPCD13GRfE9Zle_2vT9Cmtk/s1600-h/DSCF0244.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob7l20sYeEx4TXeHsqP5yAUCZiMwkIZ-2JPNGs-lHqBgpB_ULlcSYMMtE_h4xurOmbOWRGFdTxy1RkM4U8nJdGU3Eluh-EH5KRTldlPMLjXSDTbPCD13GRfE9Zle_2vT9Cmtk/s400/DSCF0244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205833959153895074" border="0" /></a><br />This is basically my Meatyball Surprise dish. What’s the surprise? <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span>! LoL! Not really! You just have taste it for yourself! Oh wait, you can't! Hehe! Anyhoo, I have two reasons why I’m showing you this dish. One, it's because it has a great <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">UMAMI</span> taste thanks to the beef, the tomatoes and the parmesan cheese which makes this meal amazing! And two…<br /><br />It's just to show all those <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">VEGANERDS</span> what they’re missing! Mwahahaha!<br /><br />P.S. <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">VEGANERDS</span> are “non-practicing vegans”- people who are vegans just because they want to be cool!<br /><br />For more information about <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">VEGANERDS</span> and those “non-practicing vegans” ask <a href="http://www.backlinemedia.com">PAOLO</a>.<br /><br /><br /></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-13954198606109116352008-05-25T20:46:00.015+08:002008-12-09T13:08:14.555+08:00Advertising: The Life of Trade*<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Other than my Cooking, Photography, and Movies, I am also quite fond of Advertising. Being a Business Management student, I recognize the significance (or insignificance) of marketing in any industry. It takes a lot of creativity, expertise and instinct in creating a good and persuasive ad.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Marketing takes up a good percentage on the budget of the whole management process. Marketing answers how the product should look, how much</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> should it cost, where to sell it and how do you advertise the product.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Advertising has been questioned in the past for spending so much of a company’s limited funds with no guarantee of a return on the investment. In spite of this, companies spend millions to make sure that their product is “out there.” Great advertisements are memorable, effective and of course, persuasive.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDlkKXcIhiI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/ExWe2y5vyoA/s1600-h/Mcdonaldsextracoffee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDlkKXcIhiI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/ExWe2y5vyoA/s400/Mcdonaldsextracoffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204300973656802850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Right off the top of our heads, we could think of great companies who continuously create entertaining ads like Pepsi, HP, Nike, Sony, and Apple. Do you remember Sony Bravia’s mesmerizing and colorful commercials? How about Pepsi and their end</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">orsers? And who could forget the recent hit of Apple’s “I’m a Mac and I’m a PC” ad campaign?</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoRGHcIhjI/AAAAAAAAAHY/QilRsYD4oec/s1600-h/Afbeelding%2B1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoRGHcIhjI/AAAAAAAAAHY/QilRsYD4oec/s400/Afbeelding%2B1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204491116153964082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">This is an ad campaign against child slavery. They placed life sized images of chained children on revolving doors.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Viral Ad campaigns create great effect with minimal effort. Do you remember Dove’s Ad Campaign Evolution? A great form of promotion which conjures emotion from their customers. and contains a deeper message. Other memorable video ads are Budweiser’s croaking frogs, and the Energizer Bunny (the first ad that stuck in my head).</span><center><br /><a style="left: 340px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07210175894989106 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/iYhCn0jf46U&hl=en"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-07210175894989106 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/iYhCn0jf46U&hl=en"></a><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iYhCn0jf46U&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iYhCn0jf46U&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></center><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On to my favorites: Print Ads! Instant impact is what print ads aim for. Unlike TV commercials – which are repeated constantly on different shows on different channels – a print ad has to grab your attention in just one glimpse in order for the customer to see their product. The ad has to be witty, simple, and attractive. Fascinating isn’t it? You can just imagine all the creative ways companies and ad agencies have already thought of in order to get you to buy a product</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoVMncIhoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/T_sXK-HnQIQ/s1600-h/sonysquid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoVMncIhoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/T_sXK-HnQIQ/s400/sonysquid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204495625869624962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">A great ad from Sony for their Micro Vault Tiny</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lately, Ambient Ads are the in thing for advertisements. Placing ads around a customer’s daily routine is what Ambient Advertising is all about. It is outside of the media and can be commonly seen on buildings, roads, and structures at a certain locale. They are visually attractive and invoke curiosity and surprise. Some of the best in this category become attractions or modern sculptures.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoTm3cIhkI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Q00Gv_Ewo0o/s1600-h/great_ads8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoTm3cIhkI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Q00Gv_Ewo0o/s400/great_ads8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204493877817935426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Creative use of the steam for a coffee ad.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDocQncIhpI/AAAAAAAAAII/USZK4XT2B4U/s1600-h/HPripped1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDocQncIhpI/AAAAAAAAAII/USZK4XT2B4U/s400/HPripped1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204503391170496146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">A wonderful ad from HP</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoUVncIhnI/AAAAAAAAAH4/q9Dx9InTH4k/s1600-h/mms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoUVncIhnI/AAAAAAAAAH4/q9Dx9InTH4k/s400/mms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204494680976819826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">M&M's as buttons for doorbells!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoUH3cIhmI/AAAAAAAAAHw/ihN8s83tFFA/s1600-h/Wolf-Hot-Sauce-Ambient.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SDoUH3cIhmI/AAAAAAAAAHw/ihN8s83tFFA/s400/Wolf-Hot-Sauce-Ambient.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204494444753618530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Fun use of the hot blowers in comfort rooms for a hot sauce ad.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Advertisement is fun, creative and mentally challenging. Some ads can be so beautiful and creative that they are considered as today's form of art.</span> It is the principle focal point at which makes a business or a corporation seem more accessible and attuned to the needs of its target market.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />*a quote from the author Calvin Coolidge</span><br /></div></div></div></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-84381948945086286232008-05-20T21:24:00.005+08:002008-05-21T01:09:03.428+08:00Finally! A Post! It's A Meme Unfortunately...I was forc- I mean asked to do this meme. I delightfully obliged because of two valid and convincing reasons. One, my blog is about to die and I need to resuscitate it. And two, it's about movies! It's gonna be fun. So my answers here are off the top of my head and I wrote the first thing that came to mind.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">1) One movie that made you laugh</span><br /><br />"Kung Pow: Enter the Fist" - as crazy, stupid and retarded the movie may seem, this movie made my jaw, ribcage and stomach hurt!<br /><br />note: "Dracula: Dead and Loving It" came a close second<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">2) One movie that made you cry</span><br /><br />NONE. Call me cold-hearted or just plain mean but no movie has ever had the honor of making me cry. Not "Life is Beautiful," not "Titanic," not "Anak," no matter how heart breaking the movie got, I have yet to shed a single tear.<br /><br />note: There is one movie that I remember recently that ALMOST got me misty-eyed. "The Pursuit of Happyness" (the bathroom scene)<style>face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">3) One movie you loved when you were a child</span><br /><br />We basically grew up with Disney and Aladdin was a favorite. However, I remember vividly my love and fascination for the movie Nightmare before Christmas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">4) One movie you've seen more than once</span><br /><br />Currently, it's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street"<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">5) One movie you loved, but embarrassed to admit it.</span><br /><br />"The Brady Bunch Movie." Also, "The Master of Disguise"<br /><br />note: may I be forgiven for my lack of sanity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">6) One movie you hated</span><br /><br />Epic Movie, Date Movie and Meet The Spartans - what disappointing parodies!<br /><br />note: "Son of the Mask" was gawd awful too!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">7) One movie that scared you</span><br /><br />As an adult, The Eye kinda scared me. As a kid however, Nightmare on Elm Street scared the crap out of me. I was so afraid to go to sleep, it wasn't funny.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">8) One movie that bored you</span><br /><br />"The Hours" - to quote Liz Lemon of 30 Rock, "The Hours?! They should've called it The Weeks!"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">9) One movie that made you happy</span><br /><br />"Grindhouse" - technically, that's two movies, but they both were awesome wicked cool!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">10) One movie that made you miserable</span><br /><br />"Queen of the Damned" - I like the movie, don't get me wrong. The fact that it was based from an Anne Rice novel means I'll most likely like it. It's just that it didn't live up to the novel and its full movie potential. It could've been better, alot better. And I hated knowing that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">11) One movie you weren't brave enough to see</span><br /><br />High School Musical<br /><br />note: . . . . . . .<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">12) One movie character you've fallen in love with</span><br /><br />Akasha, from "Queen of the Damned"<br /><br />note: Also probably any role Mila Jovovich has portrayed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">13) The last movie you saw</span><br /><br />On the silver screen: Speed Racer - It left a bad taste in my mouth<br /><br />On TV: Superstar - on HBO<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">14) The next movie you hope to see</span><br /><br />Either "Narnia: Prince Caspian" or "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"<br /><br /><br />There! That wasn't THAT painful, was it? And you got to learn a little bit more about me. Do this meme if you have the same reasons as I do. Tell me about it so I can know a bit about you too.Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-17182859057318830942008-05-10T10:45:00.001+08:002008-05-10T10:48:19.268+08:00May 9thMy 2nd year...<br /><br />Can't believe it lasted this long...<br /><br />It's still fun...Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-60969807186937993702008-05-05T16:13:00.002+08:002008-05-05T16:18:07.042+08:00“I’m not a Religious Person, but I have Faith”<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I hear that line uttered more and more each day. It may not be exactly in those words, but in every different occasion, they mean the same thing. I even hear myself uttering those same words at times. Now, I find myself asking a question. Is the approach to Religion, and Faith in general changing? Is it adjusting to fit today’s environment or is the traditional ways too slow for the speed at which life operates? Adaptation or Antiquation?<br /><br />You have proof on both sides. There is adaptation because there are those who apply religion and faith to the current situation of a community. We hear praise songs that have a modern beat to it. We also hear stories related to our daily lives. Religion promotes self expression and can also create a for of support system for an individual. And as always, it is a goal to do what is right and what is good as much as possible. Of course, I can not say this for everyone. However, there are still youths today who, not only have a strong faith, but also knowledgeable of their religion. They are the ones who shape their belief as to better apply to their lives.<br /><br />On the other spectrum, there is also an evidence of antiquation. Kids nowadays do not know their prayers. What’s worse, many have unlearned some of their traditions. I barely know a handful of people who can pray the rosary. Also, a once a week mass has become more of a chore or even an inconvenience than a time for reflection and worship. I also notice that there is a lesser need for traditions, ceremonies and such. I mean, a good amount of them have become nothing more than novelties. I’m just glad that my family remains steadfast to our traditions and what they truly mean. I don’t want to get too cynical about this whole thing so the less examples the better. This is just me, contemplating on yet another all-too-serious topic which is completely over my head. I’m glad so few people read this blog. I probably won’t get any FYI-retorts.<br /><br />But, there is one thing I know, times are changing, it always has been. Now it’s up for Religion to catch up to people’s faith.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >P.S. This is a chaotic post. Too ambiguous and lacks detail. Well, these are just things I needed to sweep out of my attic. It’s up to you if whether you find something you like in the garage sale.</span><br /></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-748545969042988412008-05-01T09:52:00.007+08:002008-12-09T13:08:14.940+08:00On A.C. and My First Restaurant Review!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last week was my brother’s graduation. Congrats to him and all that. I scouted for a few restaurants where we can celebrate his achievement. Despite the fact that I virtually know the economical hotspots of Angeles City AND even though I did do a market analysis of Angeles City for its potential for business growth, I honestly was surprised at the sheer number of great restaurants popping all over the Metro. Angeles City is set to become Luzon’s center for commerce. This is all because of the new super highway being built where Angeles is right smack-dab in the middle and the opening and further development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. Isn’t it obvious with all the new malls populating the vast landscapes of Clark, San Fernando and Nclex? Why, even the Ayalas have begun building an Ayala Mall in Angeles. Land Developments - both commercial and housing projects - are everywhere. Xevera, The Enclave, The Lakeshore, Angeles City and Pampanga in general has become a real estate developer’s dream nowadays. As this shift becomes more apparent A.C. will only continue to prosper and hold true to its title being "the heart of the north."<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Anyway, before I get a whole lot further off topic, I picked a restaurant which has become famous for its amazing ambiance, menu and location. This restaurant, scenically situated at The Holiday Inn’s rooftop offered a Brazilian inspired motif with international fares. An award winning restaurant, Rodizio is a true dining experience. To get to the restaurant, you take an elevator straight to the top of the hotel. The moment you step in, you are welcomed by a stunning winery and bar (it’s the bottom picture). You take a short right turn and you’ll see the restaurant itself. The interiors are very beautiful. And the ambiance at night is wonderful. However, if you want to appreciate the view outside the deck, lunch time would be much better.</p><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SBkjQsegkOI/AAAAAAAAAHA/XQ3MmGCFc6s/s1600-h/Rodizio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SBkjQsegkOI/AAAAAAAAAHA/XQ3MmGCFc6s/s400/Rodizio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195222414872580322" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">(click for a larger image)<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Some say you can instantly tell the quality and taste of a restaurant’s dishes based on their house bread. And I think that is true. Rodizio’s house bread had a slightly crunchy exterior and the inside was warm and fragrant. It was lightly salted and had herbs ixed into it. It is definitely one of the best house breads I have ever tasted. The whole party partook of the restaurants meat and seafood buffet offering. Everyone started off with some chicken and mushroom soup which was delicious. You can taste the strong flavor of the mushroom, but it did not over power the chicken at all. Their salad bar was also very pleasing. All the vegetables were fresh and the dressing was amazing. The seafood portion of the buffet consisted of crabs, shrimps, mussels, and some Japanese dishes like sushi, maki, sashimi and more. I loved the seafood. One thing that was different was, everything was cold. My family was not used to eating shrimp or crab like that. It was still delicious though and the temperature only added a different dimension to the taste.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">For the main course, each had the option of rice, mashed or baked potatoes for a side dish. I asked for mashed potatoes. It was okay, it needed a bit more salt and it was not as flavorful as I had hoped, but I didn’t want to be filling up on side dishes anyway, I was here for another purpose. LOL! After they served the side dishes, four waiters arrived carrying various grilled meats. One had two metal stakes with sausages (one chicken, one pork) impaled on them. Another had chicken teriyaki, another had pork ribs and another had flank steak. Each waiter passed by each plate and placed a portion of what they were carrying. In no time at all, my plate was already overflowing with all the different kinds of meat. Let’s analyze them one by one, shall we? LOL! The sausage, was too salty. I did not care for that at all. The chicken teriyaki was divine, tender and succulent, and the flavor was perfect. The ribs was good, nothing exceptional. The steak was very tasty, but a little tough.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">As everyone fell silent while enjoying their meals, waiters would constantly come back to check on our side dishes and meats, just in case we wanted more. You see, in Rodizio, they had this small wooden block (you can see it in one of the pictures) that’s color green on one end, and red on the other. I was told that as long as the green part was on top, the waiters will just keep on serving you meat. If you’ve had enough, just turn it over so that the red part is on top.</p><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SBkjlcegkPI/AAAAAAAAAHI/swJYe6kZqJo/s1600-h/Dessert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/SBkjlcegkPI/AAAAAAAAAHI/swJYe6kZqJo/s400/Dessert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195222771354865906" border="0" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">On to the final course, dessert. The buffet was complete with its own dessert station. It had a chocolate fondue fountain, crème brulee, fruit slices and a myriad of cakes. I didn’t know where to start, but thanks to my sweet-toothed sister, I tried the fondue first. From marshmallows, to strawberries, to small butter scotch brownies, we bathed them chocolate fountain. Very good…need I say more… From the cakes, we took slices of the chocolate cake, the blueberry cheesecake and the mango chiffon cake. I didn’t like the chocolate cake and the mango chiffon was unimpressive, but the cheesecake…The cheesecake was so dense that it almost had the texture of a pound cake. It was not too sweet and the blueberry on top was the best compliment. It was the best cheesecake I have ever tasted... Ever! And finally, we managed to find some room for a bit of the crème brulee. It was a bit too rich for me and the caramelized sugar on top was nonexistent.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">All in all, Rodizio was everything I heard it was and more. The wait staff was pleasant and accommodating, the ambience was perfect and the food is delectable. It completely surpassed my expectations. So, for all you out-of-towners visiting Angeles City, be sure to visit Rodizio at the Holiday Inn.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-46350352547580063922008-04-17T07:01:00.006+08:002008-04-17T07:19:44.067+08:00!Boo! Archuletta and Castro !Boo!<div style="text-align: justify;">I love discoursing with people, especially if both of us have good insight on the topic at hand. These kinds of discussions have given life to several of my posts. Some of them being my <a href="http://harshpoeticchaos.blogspot.com/2008/03/so-what-if-i-like-what-millions-of.html">post on Mainstream</a>, <a href="http://harshpoeticchaos.blogspot.com/2007/11/being-irregular.html">Being an Irregular Student</a>, and <a href="http://harshpoeticchaos.blogspot.com/2007/07/top-10-most-jologs-songs-that-we-used.html">The Top 10 Jologs Songs.</a> I can talk about almost anything. I have fun exchanging thoughts about movies with <a href="http://shinjishinji.wordpress.com/">Shinji</a>, My chats with <a href="http://www.yummeh.net/">Juic</a><a href="http://www.yummeh.net/">e</a> are not only engaging but also informative. (Last time we chatted, we talked about Business Ethics!)And of course I can depend on <a href="http://www.kingofchocolates.blogspot.com/">Rex</a> for a stimulating conversation on just about anything!<br /><br />Lately however, I’ve been having fun arguing with <a href="http://www.paolomendoza.com/">Mr. Fishbowl</a> with our short YM chats.<br /><br />We have similar POVs but we also have so many dissimilar likes. I don’t know, I just somehow manage to like things he doesn’t seem to. Therefore, we have a good time back sassing each other about them. It’s fun because he manages to make fun of me and my likes while I’m completely nasty towards his. A good current example would be our short cynical discussion about our AI bets…<br /><br />paolo m: i'm gonna miss American Idol today.<br /><br />paolo m: darn! i wanna see David and Jason. Those are my top 2<br /><br />paolo m: i hate David Fuck'n Cook<br /><br />Jigs: he's my bet!! :D<br /><br />paolo m: i hate you… you just ruined my day<br /><br />Jigs: Then my job here is done…<br /><br />paolo m: why do you like him? He's a loser<br /><br />Jigs: he's cool!<br /><br />paolo m: oh c'mon. he's a dork<br /><br />Jigs: and he's arrangements to the songs are great!<br /><br />paolo m: ok ok... everyone of them can sing. Jason and David are cool and humble<br /><br />paolo m: David is just an arrogant fuck. Lolz! I love cursing him<br /><br />Jigs: Puh-leaze! Your David is just milking his naivete!<br /><br />Jigs: And come on, Jason knows the ladies love him! That's the only reason he is still there!<br /><br />paolo m: and david?<br /><br />Jigs: David COOK, has talent!<br /><br />Jigs: Plus, his brother has cancer man!<br /><br />paolo m: you've been brainwashed… Come to your senses Jigs!<br /><br />Jigs: I may be brainwashed, but you're heartless! Think of his brother!<br /><br />paolo m: O c'mon David Archuletta couldn't sing for a year! And, david winning the competition<br />won’t exactly heal his brother<br /><br />Jigs: Boo-freaking-hoo! Archuletta can’t sing for year! How tragic that is… You can't hate on a guy who dedicates his performances to his brother with cancer! Now that’s just heartbreaking.<br /><br />paolo m: i dedicate his non-winning to his brother as well. Now we're even…<br /><br />Jigs: Now that's just crazy…<br /><br />paolo m: I know…<br /><br />He’s funny, I’m nasty; he’s a bastard, I’m chaotic; he’s for change, I’m conservative (forever!); he likes Zac Efron, I loathe him. Yes, we have a multitude of differences and we constantly debate over them, but this weird comradeship thrives because of it. Personally, I think this is the stuff my friendships are made of…<br /><br />So, got anything you want to talk about? Then just buzz me on my YM ID, and I'll do my best to chat you up and start a great conversation!<br /><br /></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-62839806984335110932008-04-14T17:42:00.001+08:002008-04-14T17:52:46.821+08:00The Merlin ClubIf you want to join, please visit Paolo's Blog. Thanks!<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://blanne1126.blogspot.com/2008/04/ethnocentrism.html">Help Philippines Through Ethnocentrism</a> from <a href="http://blanne1126.blogspot.com/">Hit or Miss</a></li><li><a href="http://silentsage.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/peoples-irony/">People’s Irony</a> from <a href="http://silentsage.wordpress.com/">The Silent Stage</a></li><li><a href="http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/2008/04/verified.html">Verified</a> from <a href="http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/">Memories by Jenn</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gandacious.com/?p=1314">My Greatest Fear as a Mother</a> from <a href="http://www.gandacious.com/">Gandacious</a></li><li><a href="http://www.jojitah.com/?p=304">Repost Again</a> from <a href="http://www.jojitah.com/">Spontaneity</a></li><li><a href="http://www.canofthoughts.com/2008/03/how-long-do-you-want-to-live.html">How Long Do You Want to Live? Approaching Methuselah</a> from <a href="http://www.canofthoughts.com/">Can of Thoughts</a></li><li><a href="http://salvacion.wordpress.com/2008/03/23/adarna-more-than-a-mystical-bird/">Adarna: More Than a Mystical Bird</a> from <a href="http://salvacion.wordpress.com/">Crumbs</a></li><li><a href="http://www.paolomendoza.com/2008/03/empire-of-echoes.html">Echo</a> from <a href="http://www.paolomendoza.com/">The Fishbowl</a></li><li><a href="http://harshpoeticchaos.blogspot.com/2008/04/to-cook.html">To Cook</a> from <a href="http://harshpoeticchaos.blogspot.com/">Harsh Poetic Chaos</a></li><li><a href="http://backlinemedia.com/?p=78">Merlin Club</a> from <a href="http://backlinemedia.com/">Online Business Magazine</a></li></ul>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-82583488777675110992008-04-09T23:03:00.015+08:002008-12-09T13:08:15.208+08:00To Cook<div style="text-align: justify;">In every family, there are those few people who you admire their knack for cooking. Be it your grandma, your mom or your bbq king uncle, you just can’t wait for the next family get together so you can once again savor their signature dishes. I am so lucky that I belong to a family that knows what good food should taste like. Only the freshest ingredients and never settle for mediocrity.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />My Lola Mercy is one of the best cooks ever! But, I’m sure we all have grandmas who are the best cooks. She makes one mean <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisig">Sisig</a>, her Lasagna is out of this world and her Cherry Cheesecake is heaven! She also makes a wonderful Avocado Ice Cream.<br /><br />If there is another person who can match, even top my lola’s cooking, that would have to be my lovely mother. Her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kare-kare">Kare-Kare</a> is addictive, her Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of Cauliflower smothered with white sauce is mouth-watering, and her take on the classic Spaghetti is the best I’ve ever tasted (Italliani’s can kiss my butt!). My mom’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escabeche">Escabeche</a> is just…amazing (my dad loves it!).<blockquote><br />“Voila! A pot pie. Wholesome, warm, healthy. That's, of course if you can live without the cream sauce. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Personally, I can't. I mean, what's the point?</span>”</blockquote><br />But there is one dish that every time I taste reminds me of home, and of my mom and my lola (because they cook the dish equally well). The feeling I get is kinda similar to the one Anton Ego gets after taking a bite of the Ratatouille. Lolz! At first, I didn’t want to learn how to make the dish because there was the feeling of comfort when somebody else cooks that meal for me. But then I realized, why not share the same feeling I get with the people who matter to me? It took time to prepare, but the result I got was completely worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/R_zxj8irDUI/AAAAAAAAAG4/0104ke-oa4U/s1600-h/Lengua+Compressed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DfXAFbGUYio/R_zxj8irDUI/AAAAAAAAAG4/0104ke-oa4U/s320/Lengua+Compressed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187286470673239362" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Lengua Con Champignon (drooling right now)</span><br /></div><br />I know it’s a once-in-a-year kind of dish to eat because let’s face it, it’s not exactly figure friendly. But that only adds to the appeal of the dish, the desire for it. I’m so happy to finally be able to cook it and continue the family heritage of cooking excellence! Yeah! Lolz! You know, I wasn’t supposed to be the next cook in the family. It was my younger sister who got to receive all the training (being the constant helper during parties and meal preparations) from my mom, lola and aunts. I think it’s the passion that pushed me to learn how to cook even if it was all by myself. The kind that if I was asked, what do you want to do for the rest of your life, I would confidently answer, <span style="font-weight: bold;">COOK</span>. I’d probably be the first male cook in the family (but I do have uncles who can cook).They say, there are certain reasons why men’s cooking tastes better than women’s. One is that men aren’t so parsimonious when it comes to the ingredients. Another is that a woman’s emotion goes into their cooking which can be a pro-and-con kinda thing. I mean, based on my observation, male chefs right now are more popular than female ones. Lolz!<br /><blockquote><br />“I like to cook -- <span style="font-weight: bold;">it's my meditation</span>. One aims for perfection in one's life, but one doesn't find it very often. For me, this is about as close as it gets.”</blockquote><br />But, I am just that, a cook. Not a chef. There are so many people who are good cooks, but so few who are good chefs. It’s become my dream to become a chef, but being a cook right now is satisfying in so many levels. However, being a cook, one of my weaknesses is baking. I don’t bake. If I did, then I’d be a baker. Lolz! Unfortuntely, not being able to bake limits my ability to create desserts. But that won’t stop a good cook! So here’s one of my favorite desserts that I’ve made in a while. I didn’t have strawberries so I used bananas instead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcksdzqxl9_-kU3ANnLuSwiyo8oCaKAQTpVtJLFvoEU021VlPP2jbTHhBxbIiOCy0XR78vVzks3SruEux1UCgD9okv3wyf67IwwHjBji6PxCGCZF6SkuGUDtCEgBoL5by7YITy/s1600-h/Panna+Cotta+Compressed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcksdzqxl9_-kU3ANnLuSwiyo8oCaKAQTpVtJLFvoEU021VlPP2jbTHhBxbIiOCy0XR78vVzks3SruEux1UCgD9okv3wyf67IwwHjBji6PxCGCZF6SkuGUDtCEgBoL5by7YITy/s320/Panna+Cotta+Compressed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187285938097294626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Panna Cotta (with an extra, extra drizzle of chocolate sauce and slices of Bananas)</span><br /></div><br />Tasty, delectable, scrumptious, saccharine, gastronomical, and luscious; some of the nicest, boldest, sexiest and best sounding adjectives are found when describing good food. They don’t have to be expensive, they don’t have to be gourmet, they don’t even have to be calorie laden. Good Food is whatever tingles your taste buds and gives you a feeling. Food, and cooking for that matter, is just as simple as that...<br /><br /><blockquote>“You know, people can sleep, or they can gamble. Or they can even make love when they're miserable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">But I think that most people eat when they're happy. I like to see people happy…</span>”</blockquote><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >P.S. Next time, I’ll tell you about how hard it is to take a good photo of food! Lolz!<br /><br />P.P.S. Quotations are by Mr. Linderman of Heroes<br /><br />P.P.S. I’d like to thank Paolo Mendoza for the letter “Z” in my Lolz!</span></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-78170834764157499472008-04-04T03:48:00.008+08:002008-04-04T04:08:41.346+08:00A Diamond In The Rough<div style="text-align: justify;">I found myself completely out of my element this month. Honestly, I have been delving into uncharted waters that have proven to be uncomfortable, challenging and at times unsettling. What I’m trying to say is, we all handle things differently. Our experiences and acquired knowledge gently shove us into these “comfort zones.” Humans, being a creature of habit cling to these situations because we find safety and competence in them. We avoid, fear even, those unfamiliar territories because we are stripped down to our barest. All our knowledge, all our experience count for so little that it scares us. It scares us to discover how ignorant or inept we are in the grander scheme of things.<br /><br />I have been involving myself in activities I never imagined I would ever participate in. These activities may seem so provincial to you, but oh so foreign to me. I felt so deficient, so to speak. I was somehow barricaded to the world I chose to enclose myself in, and now, breaking out is unnerving. I sometimes get so paranoid that I think people think of me as weak or slow on the uptake. Maybe I feel this way because I can see that what comes natural to them is conversely as difficult for me. It gets to the point that you feel your introverted self creep in and think this would be much easier if I was left to my own devices, that I do not need anybody’s help. When in fact you do…<br /><br />It can be disheartening, forcing yourself into a world which seems to reject the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">“staple-you.”</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> </span>But, I found out, there are those special few that know and see who you are, acknowledge that what you’re doing won’t be easy, and still stand by your side. Thankfully, I found those few who can get me through it all.<br /><br />For the Diamonds in my life…I hope to become one…<br /></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-56129027143368704252008-03-31T05:07:00.002+08:002008-03-31T05:11:16.455+08:00Transition....Currently changing from one template to another. Sorry for the inconvenience.<br /><br />Be Back with a more substantial post...<br /><br />Please leave a comment so that I'll link you up!<br /><br />My most heartfelt thanks to the most wonderful <a href="http://www.yummeh.net">Juice</a>! Couldn't have done this without you!<br /><br />Till next post!Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-6764957007561039152008-03-23T01:00:00.002+08:002008-03-23T01:08:31.634+08:00Goodbye Blog Break! Hello Summer Break!<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >As much as I like my recent posts, blogging has not been easy for me lately. Blogging has become somewhat of a chore. Not to say that I don’t like blogging anymore, it’s just that other things take more priority than blogging and they basically drain me of any enthusiasm to blog or even blog surf. I think I only have enough of an attention span for 5 or 6 blogs, before I get bored out of my mind. I somehow enjoy twitter because I get a quick glance of what’s happening to some of the bloggers I still read.<br /><br />I wonder, since summer break is upon us, will this encourage a fresh surge of bloggers? Will the blogs once again be teeming with posts almost every day? When I started my blog, it was on a summer break and as I remember it, every blog I visited was - for a lack of a better term - teeming with life both from the blogger and the readers. Everyone was so inspired or maybe excited to blog, even comment on posts! Of course, reciprocity is the key.<br /><br />Will it be the same? I believe after this coming week, everyone will basically have free time (not referring to the working class of course. LOL). There will be time for excursions, time for cavorting, and time for oneself. Lots of free time. And finally, even some time left for blogging.<br /><br />I however, feel sad, well disappointed in the fact that there are thousands of dead blogs out there. No posts for years, and they just stay there to rot. These blog hosting sites should really clean them up. Some of those blogs even have good titles! LOL! A while back, at one point in my blog life, I wanted to change the name of my blog. And every name I wanted was taken. It was such a waste because all of those blogs’ latest post was around 2000 or 2001. I wonder if can request to have those blogs deleted…Hmmm…<br /><br /><br />Do you think blogs will come alive again because of the coming summer break?</span><br /><br /></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-34293551062882391362008-03-17T00:06:00.001+08:002008-03-17T00:12:38.474+08:00so what if I like what millions of other people like?!<p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Is mainstream so bad? I mean, if you look at in a more liberal light, it can seem that way. You lose your individualism, and it’s as if you are being told what to like and what not to. You become like any other average Joe that’s trapped in this commercial sweatshop where nothing is unique anymore. We try to be unique. In fact, we at times desire it. Maybe by going against the current, or maybe by embarking on an original idea or event, or maybe by diversifying our awareness and delving into something unusual; we always think of ways to express ourSELVES. </p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Nobody likes to be like everybody. We want to be known for who we are and what defines us. But in the billions of people in the world, how different can we really be? Many say that there are no original ideas in the world anymore, only revisions of what has been. What are innovations but a construct of previous ideas. Everything is recycled. What you think is a distinctive and creative idea is but the influence of your environment and what you are exposed to. One cannot honestly say that the idea “popped” into mind without any form of an external coercion. Ideas are born out of necessity. A need to fill in a gap where a challenge used to lie. Would you have thought of that idea if it wasn’t for that necessity? </p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">I am not stating a fact, nor is it a stand on the matter. These are just floating thoughts that needed to be poured out. What I’m trying to say is, if mainstream for you looks, feels, tastes or sounds good, and you will benefit from it, then why not follow the majority? Must we be always…differentiated? I think it was from <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Shinji’s blog</span> where I read that it’s ok to enjoy Mainstream (at times) because it already is presumably good. And when I say good, meaning you’ll like it. Do not show prejudice to someone who is into the mainstream. If they find joy in it, then who are you to tell them otherwise?</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">We’re all part of a certain “mainstream” anyway…</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. This post was brought about by a certain conversation with a certain self-professed “unique individual” who doesn’t follow anything “mainstream” according to him. Needless to say, the conversation ended without any real resolution.</span></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-46768574781051549292008-03-03T01:21:00.005+08:002008-03-03T01:34:37.078+08:00UNphotographable<div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Has this ever happened to you? You stroll around the city, walking past hundreds of different people, nothing out of the ordinary to speak of. Then you see it, a moment which will probably make your day and leave you in high spirits. Be it a baby trying to catch a butterfly or the man trying to make a living by performing in the street, during these moments, don’t you wish you had a camera with you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, it happens to me often. I love taking photos especially if they have a story behind them. But there are those instances, unexpected events I would have loved to freeze in time. I found this great idea by </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.unphotographable.com/"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Michael David Murphy</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. As they say, “pictures are worth a thousand words.” Then why can’t a picture BE words? A word by word account of the picture you missed…</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Here is my first attempt. My own <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">UNPHOTOGRAPHABLE</span>.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"></span><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >This is a picture I did not take</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> of a young girl picking strawberries in a field in Baguio. The fresh cold breeze blew constantly as the sun gently kissed the soil and the foliage. Sunflowers which lined the field faced and welcomed the sun eagerly. The young girl, dressed in blue, about 5 to 7 years old, rushed the field of strawberry plants, patiently choosing which strawberry looked best. She crouched down to get a better look and feel of each and every strawberry in front of her. Every time she found one she liked, she would pick it. Smell it. Then take a small bite... She took a bite of every one she favored, and put the rest in her container. The saccharine nectar of each bite would fill her mouth and at times drip ever so gently. A smile would fill her lips after every bite as if saying she made the right choice in picking that strawberry. Her mother who was picking beside her asked her daughter to refrain. The little girl heard nothing. She was euphoric in her deliciously red and green world, even if it was for just the moment, when she found her own little sweet rubies.</span></blockquote></div><br /><p></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-28308049665224374922008-02-28T14:06:00.002+08:002008-02-28T14:16:39.771+08:00Cinematic Conversations: The Finale!<p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;">I really need to finish this list! “Way to milk the suspense Jigs!” LOL!</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;">But before I go to my number 1, why not let the suspense go on just for a moment longer…</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;">There were other actors who never made it to my list but still deserve proper recognition. Some of them are Christopher Walken, Helena Bonham Carter, Christina Ricci, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, and Jake Gyllenhaal all are outstanding actors but didn’t quite make the cut.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=""> </span>There is another actor who recently got my attention. He’s a good actor with a few awards under his belt (one of them being an Oscar). He also has an excellent sense of humor and a good sport to boot. Movies like “Good Will Hunting,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Ocean’s Trilogy,” and of course “The Bourne Identity Trilogy.” I bet you already know who I am talking about. So, no further introduction will be necessary right?</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=""> </span>Anyway, I saw this hilarious video of him with Sarah Silverman (one of the best comedians working today) a while back and it still cracks me up now! If you haven’t seen it, you should. They have this running gag on the Jimmy Kimmel Live. It’s great! Watch it and the other videos about it.</p><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03734052408164771 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnVJZkDuVBM"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03734052408164771 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnVJZkDuVBM"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03734052408164771 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnVJZkDuVBM"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab-03734052408164771 visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnVJZkDuVBM"></a><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnVJZkDuVBM"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnVJZkDuVBM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jimmy Kimmel also made a video in response to this just to get back at Sarah and Damon. Watch it </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=rGa29kPBbp4"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">here!</span></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On to the main event! So who really is at my #1 position? I think some of you have guessed correctly (No Rhea, it’s not Jack Black). Well, not 100% correctly, because I have a tie for 1<sup>st</sup> place! Wow…how exciting…..LOL!</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">1) Cate Blanchett</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=""> </span>She is one of the most successful and influential actresses during her time. I’m just speechless when it comes to the great Cate. “Elizabeth,” “Bandits,” “Heaven,” “Veronica Guerin,” “Babel,” “Notes On A Scandal,” “I’m Not There,” and her mesmerizing performance as Katharine Hepburn on “The Aviator” are just some of my favorite movies from her. However, her other films are not in anyway lacking. She constantly delivers transfixing performances. Her beauty is much like her talent, unending and immaculate. I have to stop here, if I keep going, I’m just gonna babble and embarrass myself.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">1) Johnny Depp</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=""> </span>One of the most versatile, daring and amazing actors I have ever had the pleasure of watching on the silver screen. He is the kind of actor who acts for the sake of acting. He doesn’t do it for the fame nor for the huge salaries (but getting that doesn’t hurt).<span style=""> </span>Having that kind of perspective leaves the door open for so many acting possibilities. And that is what Johnny Depp got. Eccentric roles like Edward Scissorhands in “Edward Scissorhands”, Ichabod Crane in “Sleepy Hollow”, Jack Sparrow in “Pirates Of The Caribbean”, Willy Wonka in “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory”, and the more recent Sweeney Todd in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street” are critically acclaimed roles that seems like no other actor could portray. He was also great in films with more “conventional” roles like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”, “The Brave”, “Ed Wood” (I loved this film!), “Donnie Brasco”, “Chocolat”, “Before Night Falls”, “Once Upon A Time In Mexico”, “Secret Window” and “Finding Neverland”. </p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Phew! Quite a list. Quite. A. List. I hope I didn’t irritate you guys for waiting too long. I really enjoyed this 3-part post though. <span style="">:P</span></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-38545108790945681522008-02-10T20:34:00.000+08:002008-02-10T20:47:56.178+08:00Cinematic Conversations: The Sequel<p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Wasn't able to post this earlier. I went to Baguio this week. I will tell you about it next time. Thanks for the comments! Nice to know we have our similar tastes and different likes. Anyway, here’s Part two of my previous post. The upper half of my Top 10 Movie Crushes:</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;">5) Emma Thompson</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=""> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have this certain affinity for British actors (and of course British films), and Emma Thompson leads the pack. Her beauty is simple and more “earthly,” while her acting is truly spell-binding. She can play roles from a serious inhibited role in Sense and Sensibility, to an eccentric wizard in Harry Potter to a peculiar but talented writer in Stranger Than Fiction. This two time Academy award-winner (for her roles in Howards End and Sense and Sensibility) is not only a brilliant actor, but also received praises for writing ability. I do recommend that you catch her earlier films like Dead Again, Howards End, and Remains of the Day; and her later films like Sense and Sensibility, Love Actually, Nanny McPhee and Stranger that Fiction. Oh! And did you see her in the HBO miniseries, Angels In America? She was just heavenly (pun intended)!</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;">4) Will Smith</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style=""> </span>Because of his latest films, no one can deny the acting aptitude of the great Will Smith. He has shown great versatility and has established himself as a bankable actor. He has kept himself out of controversy and has managed to keep his family together (happily I might add), unlike all the other celebrity couples. Independence Day, MIB, Enemy of the State, ALI, Bad Boys, The Pursuit of Happyness, and the recent I Am Legend show proof of Will Smith’s undeniable success in the movie industry. By the way, let’s not forget his rapper status! “Na na na na na na na, Getting Jiggy with it!” LOL!</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;">3) Leonardo Di Caprio</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=""> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2002 was for me the beginning of Leo’s serious acting career, anything before that was just a warm-up (Titanic is a cinematic phenomenon, so it doesn’t count. LOL!). </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And, from 2002 onwards, he could do no wrong. Gone are the matinee idol days and Leo-Mania groupies. Welcome the Oscars, Golden Globes and SAG awards. He has starred in one massive movie after another (Catch Me If You Can, Gangs Of NY, Aviator, Blood Diamond and The Departed) with no signs of slowing down. He is one of Martin Scorsese’s preferred actors and this is greatly advantageous to his career. Only good things are expected the new more impressive DiCaprio.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;">2) Natalie Portman</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=""> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I know a lot of you are going “Whaaa?” Like Milla Jovovich, Natalie is one of those actors I’m just infatuated with. She is a lady with the smarts, the looks and the personality. Being a straight-A student, she was quoted saying, "I'd rather be smart than be a movie star." Fortunately, she had managed to be both by graduating from Harvard and winning a golden globe for her role in Closer. She is also one of the top geek crushes for her role in Star Wars! LOL! Her roles in Garden State, Cold Mountain, Closer, Anywhere but Here, V for Vendetta and Paris, je t'aime are just beguiling, mesmerizing and wonderful. You should also watch the SNL episode she hosted, she’s hilarious.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Oooops! The post got to long again! I’ll just tell you about my Number 1 Movie Crush in another post. ;P CAN YOU GUESS WHO???<br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-53355537396349134062008-02-03T03:58:00.000+08:002008-02-03T04:17:43.469+08:00Cinematic Conversations<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The last post was disgusting right? Yeah, everybody noticed. So, in order to make up to you few who still actually read my blog, I’m going to blog about one of my favorite amusements, MOVIES! Let me first talk about my Top Ten Movie Crushes. Thanks to <a href="http://www.paolomendoza.com/"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Paolo</span></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span>for getting my thought process going because we virtually fought over this list. Hahaha! He thought I was really “mean” and “technical.” Will you agree?</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">10) Shia LaBeouf</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He is for me, one of the most promising young actors in the business today. He, as of late, has been doing one great movie after another and at the same time continuously delivering excellent performances in all of them. It started with “Holes” to “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” to “Transformers” and now, the up and coming “Indiana Jones”.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Note:</span> Paolo disagrees and believes Zac Efron should hold the title I gave to Shia. I say, it takes more than perfect skin and a singing voice to make an actor. If he can show some REAL range and BELIEVABLE emotion, then we’ll talk, but for the mean time, he should stick to his musicals.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">9) Milla Jovovich</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I just had to add her to my list. I can’t help but like every movie she makes, no matter how bad a few of them are! LOL! I’ve watched 50% of her films and I am yet to hate one (so don’t make me review her films! LOL!). I really find her beautiful and multi-talented at the same time (she even has a critically acclaimed music album). Even her small role in Zoolander was noticeable. I’m sorry guys; I’m just biased when it comes to her. As </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.yummeh.net/"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Juice</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> would say, </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Milla Jovovich is love.”</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">8) Christian Bale</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What an intense actor Christian Bale is. He is so attuned to his craft that the most important aspect of a film for him is delivering an astounding performance. He is so disciplined that he has undergone severe dietary regimens to play some of his roles (e.g. The Machinist and Rescue Dawn). He is also known for his expert skill in different accents. My films of choice are “American Psycho”, “Harsh Times”, “Rescue Dawn”, “3:10 to Yuma,” “Laurel Canyon” and “The Prestige”.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">7) Charlize Theron</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Another lovely lady and she’s from South Africa! She won an Oscar for her incredible performance in “Monster” making her the first South African to win the said award. She followed that up with North Country and Aeon Flux, where she both got praises for her roles. She has that classic beauty to her which radiates every time I see her at award shows. Then she takes a complete 360 and completely transforms into the characters she portrays in movies. Film of choice would be “Monster,” “North Country,” “In The Valley Of Elah,” and “Battle In Seattle.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Note:</span> I sometimes get Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johanssen mixed up. Has that ever happened to you?</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">6) George Clooney</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I didn’t really like him in ER (he did however get Emmy and GG nominations for it) but I liked all of the films he was in (that I’ve seen of course), whether he be the actor, the director, the producer and/or the screenwriter.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The multifaceted Mr. Clooney has done excellent movies in the past years and is best known for “Ocean’s Eleven” and its sequels. His eternal bachelor status has gained him quite a following among women. He has also received several awards and nominations for both his acting (“Syriana,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Michael Clayton”) and directing ability (“Good Night And Good Luck”).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Note:</span> George Clooney is my counterpart for Paolo’s Mel Gibson. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have to stop here for a while. The post is getting too long. What do you think so far? Do you agree? Type in your thoughts guys! Would love to hear it! Top 5 will be posted asap!</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">P.S.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Got new reviews in my other blog,</span> <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.inflickted.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">INFLICKTED</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">! Please visit and leave some comments! Tell me if you like or hate my reviews! LOL!</span></span></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-46201463540412863272008-01-22T08:50:00.000+08:002008-01-22T08:58:03.129+08:00This is what stress can do<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m dead! I can’t believe how busy I am! Dammit! Where’s my support system?! I think they’re busy too. I’m wasting away mentally. This is crazy. My face looks terrible. The eye-bags, the outbreaks, the pasty complexion, there’s no mistaking it! I’m stressed and on my way to a breakdown…</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Aaaanyway, how are you guys? Doing well I hope! That’s good. Take care of yourself ok? You might catch a cold. Don’t forget to text me if you need anything.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stress is making me do things I wouldn’t normally do. Right now, I can’t watch anything unless it’s a cartoon show. I personally prefer anime lately. I’ve been downloading Japanese cartoons non-stop! And no, it’s not the hentai kind! Weirdo.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Speaking of cartoons, anybody here a fan of the cartoon in Nickelodeon toon called “As Told By Ginger”? I saw this one episode where Ginger composed a poem which got her noticed. The poem is good, I really want to know it. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m also experiencing some mild bipolar disorder. Mood swings left and right, depressed and I don’t finish some things I started. I start reading a book and half way through it, I just set it down and no longer plan to finish it. One time, I started cooking some pasta but as I was waiting for the noodles to finish cooking, I completely spaced out and just walked out of the kitchen without finishing the meal I was making. It was a good thing it was just spaghetti, our maid took over the cooking.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’ve also been dying to write a few reviews for a couple of new movies I’ve seen like I AM LEGEND, LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, BEOWULF, ENCHANTED, JUNO and ACROSS THE UNIVERSE. But I also don’t want to force myself to write a review and end up with something crappy and terrible. I promise to write a bunch of reviews soon. By the way, if you have any movies you want to be reviewed, just tell me and I’ll tell you what I think about the movie.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="line-height: 115%;">This is it for now. You know as I reread this post, I come off somewhat dumb! Haha! That’s ok, got no brain cells to spare right now. Hehe! Till the next time!</span></span></div>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-60916666585870960042008-01-15T03:00:00.000+08:002008-01-15T03:02:48.158+08:00It's In The Blood<p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I’m Filipino. And like most Filipinos, I’m 25% or 50% (I’m not really sure, I have to ask my lola again) of foreign blood. Meaning, somewhere in my family tree, one of my great lolos or lolas was a foreigner. And again, just like some Filipinos, I’m not really sure which. I think it’s either Chinese or Spanish. Most likely it’s Spanish due to my last name but, the maiden name of my lola (the one I told you earlier about, remember? LOL!) is Chinese, so like I said, I’m not really sure.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Why am I telling you this? No special reason really. Lately, my mind has been filled with thoughts of whether or not my blood heritage has anything to do with my personally. I’ve heard countless generalizations about cultures and ethnic groups, both negative and positive. I realized, looking at myself and my life, I’m nothing like the Chinese, nor am I more of a Spanish due to my family name. But I do believe I am greatly influenced by a more specific and unexpected group that I belong to. I can’t believe I am more of a KAMPANGAN than I ever thought I could be.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I am not really your average Kapampangan. My knowledge of our culture is trivial and I barely speak our dialect. My residence is in Pampanga, but I virtually grew up in Manila. I am not at all that close to my Kapampangan relatives and as much as I try too fit in; it seems I am uncomfortably placed among them. Nevertheless, I try, and they welcome me as part of the family as they always do. It just seems that I am more of a regular Filipino than a Kapampangan. But one person helped me change that perception.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">A teacher. Not really a Kapampangan teacher, but a person who was a proud Kapampangan. He is actually an accounting professor, and he spoke not a word of Kapampangan. He grew up at Manila and decided to stay in Pampanga with some other relatives. He is what I would call unconventionally proud of his being Kapampangan. He, like me knows nothing of Kapampangan culture nor can he properly speak the dialect, but he feels he inherited more from Kapampangans than any realized. He made me realize a more positive perspective regarding the matter.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Wow. This is a booooring post isn’t it? Then let me just summarize…</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Kapampangans love to cook and eat, loud talkers (especially in groups), very hospitable, loves to party, lives a good lifestyle, lives beyond their means, family-oriented, emotional, head strong, straight forward, passionate, and of course good-looking. As general and maybe similar some of these maybe to others, they definitely stand out in Kapampangans, which I am proud to say I possess. <span style=""> </span>I may not be culturally adept in some areas of Kapampangan cultures, but I AM unconventionally proud to be a Kapampangan.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Note: As I begun to write this post I was truly enthusiastic, but then, the power went out and so did my inspiration. When the electricity came back, I recovered my file but can no longer continue my train of thought. Everything that came out my mind was poop. So this post is completely ruined! Ugh! Nakakainis Talaga!!</p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-50198845751591639312007-12-12T22:52:00.001+08:002007-12-15T21:05:35.954+08:00A Challenge For Your Inner Philosopher<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">Guys! Gals! What’s up with everyone?! Is it just ME or is there a virtual gloom or dejection looming over the blogosphere? I know I’m feeling some slump, but it shouldn’t stop us from writing something inspired! So, to challenge everyone to think and get their juices flowing while having some fun, I’m posting a pseudo-meme that anyone can answer!</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">From the Philosophical to the Comedic to the Blatantly Blunt, these questions will get you thinking or inspire you to write a noteworthy and creative post (I hope!). Answer everything! Challenge yourself and voice your opinions, let all of our thoughts bring forth chaos! Too much? Aaaaanyway, even though the pseudo-meme is open to all, I will tag seven people whose brains I want to sink my teeth into. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yummy…</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">What is the meaning of life?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">If a tree falls in a forest with no one to hear, does it make a sound?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">What is the fundamental flaw in human nature? Pride - or greed?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">Would you kill one person to save a thousand? However, that one person is the most important human being in your life. Would you still do it?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">Are men naturally Polygamous?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">Are women naturally competitive with other women?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Is the human race essentially good?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players..." what game are we playing?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Have you been accused of being a genius?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">In a society where everyone is "entitled to their opinion", what place is there for Right and Wrong?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Descartes said "I think therefore I am", How can one prove to themselves that another person exists beyond their imagination?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">If it was never illegal, would you have killed someone by now?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Does everything in the world have an opposite? If no, give an example.<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">How do you define personal honor?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">How would you describe the color blue to a blind person?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">How will you prove that genuine love exists?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Will humankind annihilate itself eventually?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">What is the greatest unsolved mystery on earth?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Given infinity, will all that is possible eventually happen?<span style=""> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Is it better to be uncertain about something forever, or know the truth and be very hurt through all your life?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Is it bad to call in to work because you are sick of it?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">If you saw a yellow ball but everyone told you it was purple, who would you believe? If no, what would you do to prove your side?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Is education the filling of a pail, or the lighting of a fire?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">What would you be willing to do to survive?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Is a lie a lie, if everybody knows it is?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Imagine yourself experiencing a car accident. What happens and how does everything look like after the accident?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Do you ever wonder if you're already dead and this is just your life flashing before your eyes?<span style=""> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">(And finally, my favorite question of all…hehe..)</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Should the conservative Christian husband of an atheist woman allow her to have an abortion if there's a chance the kid might grow up and turn into a gay Mormon?</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">There you go ladies and germs (I wonder who came up with that line), my thought-inspiring meme. Do try to answer everything! Have fun and get those juices flowing again!</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I AM TAGGING…</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">THE BRILLIANT BASTARD. . .PAOLO</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">THE GIFTED GIRL. . .JUICE</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">THE SMART SCHOLAR. . .REX</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">THE LUSTROUS LADY. . .FRUITY OATY</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">THE CREATIVE CUTIE. . .DONYA QUIXOTE</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">THE BRAINY BOY. . .DAN HELLBOUND</p><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >UPDATE: Read and View Paolo's answers in his <a href="http://community.khoops.com/profiles/blog/show?id=711835%3ABlogPost%3A1641">BLOG</a>! His Answers are priceless! After viewing feel free to join <a href="http://www.khoops.com">Khoops.com</a></span><br /></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-55747467873037650562007-11-28T08:03:00.000+08:002007-11-28T08:06:33.007+08:00Being Irregular...<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">I just experienced another unexpected hiatus. This semester entails some familiarization. Classes aren’t hard, but there are just things that need getting used to. Professors, classmates, environment and a whole lot more. Let me give an example…</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">First Day…First Class…</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">I don’t know anybody in my class (One pro AND con of being an irregular student). I take a seat at the back of the class and try to look bored and unnoticeable. I hate block students (the opposite of an irregular student). They can be so boisterous and inconsiderate, plus they have control over the class and easily influence teachers. The minute I stepped into the class, I saw their eyes darting towards me with the expression of “subtle smugness” in their faces. It was as if they didn’t want me to invade their little clique. There were the usual stares and mumblings. Let me just say that I know not all block classes are like that. Unfortunately for me, this one was. I settled in, drowned out all the noise with my iPod (my good friend), and decided to recheck my schedules, hoping that this future hell hole I’m in was the wrong room. It was the right one (surprise, surprise).</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">A few minutes in, another student stepped in. He received the same “welcome” I got. He sat next to me and settled in. He then faces me and asks, “Irreg ka?” I gave him a small nod and a small smile. “Pareho tayo. (chuckles) Wala rin akong kakilala dito.” We kept to ourselves after that short conversation. Then came, the Professor. Female and quite striking. My first impressions: kind, approachable, and patient. What was that saying about first impressions again? She stepped in the classroom, set her things on the table and sat down. Her first words were, “Get 1 whole sheet of paper and define the following.” Of course, the block students, in chorus, moaned and complained about the sudden test, but to no avail. After 30 minutes, the papers got collected and the professor introduced herself. She spoke as if she had no desire to speak. She dragged her sentences and slowly threw them away. She stated her rules and requirements and she was not a woman who was easily pleased, but all too easily offended.</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">She then asked a simple question, “This is a block class right? Are there irregular students?” The block students instantly turned and glared at us. I raised my hand and so did the guy next to me. We both noticed two girls raising their hands on the other side of the room. Then, the instructor asked a loaded question, “why are you irregular students? Don’t you want to be regular?” I never thought I had to defend my choices or decisions on something that is completely valid and acceptable. None of us wanted to answer. The rest of the class kept looking back expecting someone among us to defend our state. The guy seating next to me whispered something, “Kilala ko yang si ma’am. May nagsabi sakin na hindi daw nya gustong may irregular student sa mga klase niya.” I was surprised. I never expected such feelings from an educator. The teacher suddenly calls on my seat mate, “Mr. _____, maybe you want to share your little discussion over there with the rest of the class, and maybe tell me why you are an irregular student.” Demeaning is an understatement given that the whole class was looking at him expecting a complex string of events which lead to him being an irregular student. </p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">“Ma’am, I failed po two subjects so I am retaking them.”</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Then the rest of the class immediately turned their attention to the teacher eagerly waiting her reaction. She answered in her dragged, apathetic tone, “Hmmm, well that’s too bad. Do better this time around” “You really should waste your parent’s money.” If that wasn’t demeaning enough, she called on a regular student and asked, “Am I right Ms. ____? What do you think?” And the girl blatantly answered, “Yes ma’am. May nagsabi din sakin na teacher that irregular students are irresponsible, kaya sila naging irregular.” Whoa! Definitely uncalled for. I was riling at this point. And then opportunity presented itself. The professor called my name, “You are also irregular, do you agree? I think her statements are not only justifiable but also logical.”</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">I said, “Ma’am, her statements are nothing short of offensive, bordering discriminative.” The woman then stands up and tells the teacher, “Ma’am hindi naman po ako nagsabi non! Sinabi lang sakin ng teacher yun noh!” I continued interrupting her, “Even though it was not she who actually expressed those sentiments, to affirmingly correlate being irregular to irresponsibility is in itself irresponsible.” Mumbling ensued. </p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">“Being an irregular student doesn’t automatically categorize you as an irresponsible money-wasting child. There are several justifiable and logical reasons why we are irregular students. Some of us might be working students who need flexible schedules. Some may even be smarter than the average student by prioritizing subjects which would optimize their learning experience. Some may fit the description you have so narrowly placed them. They may have failed, but they are trying hard to change that. And if there IS such a teacher, a supposed educator who would discriminate or favor a student for not being irregular, he or SHE should be ashamed of themselves, then, they should be fired.”</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">I sat down and the mumbling continues and intensifies. The teacher, after a few moments, silences the class and begins to explain the subject material. After ten minutes, the class was dismissed…</p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">I had never had to defend myself for doing something that was not wrong uncommon or different. I’ve been irregular all my life, in more ways than one. What happened was just ridiculus. Just goes to show, some people can really be idiots…</p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-60261910111031150612007-11-03T04:57:00.000+08:002007-11-03T13:56:08.354+08:00Two Weeks without technology<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Is not as ho</span><span style="font-size:100%;">rrible as you may imagine.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now when I say technology, I mean the stuff bloggers and young adults are made of: PCs, Laptops, iPod, Camera, VideoCam, INTERNET, TV, Vehicle, Microwave and Cellphone.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, I did have my cellphone, but it barely made a peep so it was virtually invisible. This would explain my short hiatus once AGAIN.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I spent my whole sembreak at my aunt’s house in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Marikina</st1:place></st1:city>. They are affluent, and probably owned anything their hearts ever desired. They owned a veritable mansion. I expected extravagance, luxury and some well deserved relaxation. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Gino, we’ll be spending a week at our farm in Ilocos.” – these are the words that shattered my prospects into tiny pieces, like the grains of sand, soil and rice that I will be getting acquainted with, very soon.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">There was that dread of the unexpected. Not knowing what I will encounter at a “farm” where my stereotypical mindset imagined a small kubo hut, with no beds, and no proper lavatory. And a huge field with the overwhelming stench of cow manure and the usual abundance of mud, livestock and greenery. However, there also was that security of the identified. Meaning, I knew my aunt wouldn’t consent to me experiencing a horrible time during my vacation, and knowing her standards, she won’t let herself experience that too. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >o I accepted my fate and embraced all the experience had to offer. When we got there, I was surprised. It was nothing like what I imagined (of course it wasn’t! come on!), it was surprisingly a beautiful sight to behold. It was just an inch short of the huge haciendas portrayed in television. The place was simple, the only advancement visible was the vehicles and machines used in the farm. The house we inhabited was big and was one of those antique Spanish colonial houses. </span> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;" >“Technology is but a brushstroke<br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;" > in this rural backdrop.”</span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >This rustic locale had a substitute for everything. A few days in the whole experience, you get to revert to a more simple life where no one will scoff at you for not putting on a thousand peso shirt or applying your make up before going out. You are appreciated for just being there and sharing the whole experience with them. Everyone got along, even the owners and the employees.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was a great. It has been a while since I did so much with such little effort. It was wonderful. It was refreshing. It was just what the doctor ordered.... </span></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">To be continued...</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">P.S. Ayo... I'm tired of using technology...<br /></p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-32834582551944763372007-10-18T01:03:00.000+08:002007-10-18T09:36:30.821+08:00The Jigst Of Things<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What a month September was! I’ve never been soo busy in my entire life. It completely forced me to go underground and temporarily redirect my attention and forgo blogging. Since I haven't fully recovered from the whole ordeal, let me just give you a rundown of what transpired last month in my world:</span> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">1) Took Part In A Marketing Bazaar.</span> We had to establish a business that we believe will be profitable with an inventory that will last for at least a week. It is in essence the application of being a business owner and manager.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">2) Joined A Marketing Competition.</span> We had to create an original and dynamic marketing plan for Taco Bell whose budget was 10 million pesos. At first, I didn’t know what to do with all the money allotted for the task, but in the end, I almost didn’t make the budget fit!</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">3) Participated In A Sales Promotion Contest.</span> Each contestant had to create a convincing and creative product pitch to a panel of 6 judges. It’s just like what Steve Jobs does when he presents a new product from Apple.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">4) Participated In A Thesis Making Contest For The Philippine Stock Exchange.</span> This was definitely one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to undertake. Many students dread thesis making, what more if it is for a contest where excellence is expected of you and you are competing against the country’s top colleges.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">5) Produced and Directed 3 Commercials and a Print Ad.</span> We were tasked to put together two sets of advertising campaigns accompanied by an advocacy for two different organizations. Editing was the greatest torture here. It took three solid days (with barely any breaks) to finish everything.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">So basically, to sum it all up in one sentiment, September utterly kicked my ass. I was so busy and so toxic with everything I needed to do that I didn’t know which I should do first or how to fit everything in my schedule. Where’s a secretary when you need one?! <span style=""> </span>Anyway, October is here and I can’t be any more relieved. I just hope as my favorite month progresses, my stress levels would go down and I can finally get to have some fun.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">Yes, I did say October is my favorite month. <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">October is just awesome.</span> I don’t know, but I just love every second of every hour of every day of every week of this glorious month. Some of you may already know a reason why I love this month, but here’s a rundown of some of the reasons why this October is shaping up to be a GREAT month:</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">1) Fruits Of My Labor.</span> It is true that if you work hard and believe in your work, all your efforts will be worth it, rewarded even. Believe me, the returns were worth it after everything. Our marketing bazaar was so profitable, our investment came back three-fold. I won several awards (1<sup>st</sup> place for the Marketing Competition, the Sales Promotion and the honor of receiving the best thesis award in the PSE Contest!) and recognized in others (3<sup>rd</sup> place in the Advertising and Advocacy Campaign). I've never been this successful ever! Hahaha!<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">2) Oktoberfest!</span> I’ve only been to the event once due to the incessant demands of my manila friends and I had such a great time. Honestly, I am not a huge beer drinker, I prefer a different poison, but this is the only time in a year where I actually like beer. Luckily, I’ll be going this month with my cousins so I finally get to unwind, party and then some!</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">3) Halloween!</span> My favorite and the ultimate pseudo-holiday! Ghouls, Witches, and Zombies roam the streets! Well, not really, especially in the Philippines (we prefer Kapre and Mananangal). I am fascinated by the “other side” and what perfect way to soak in all the mystery than during All Hallows Eve. Boo!<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">4) October is the Perfect Month.</span> For me, October has the best weather and atmosphere. This can be felt more dramatically if you are in a country experiencing 4 seasons. October falls (no pun intended) in the season of autumn. Not too hot, not too cold. The hues of the season are red, orange and brown. A great month for contemplation, celebration and affection…Perfect…</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I know I have another reason why October is so fantastic, I just keep forgetting what that reasons is…hmmm…</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Anyway, that’s about everything that has happened to me these past few weeks. This is officially my return to the blogging scene and hopefully it sticks. I’m also announcing an October Blog Special! I’ll be writing posts geared towards this month’s theme of fright! Hehe!</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ok, I’ll end it here. Till the next post!</p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-31124260681690550292007-09-25T13:45:00.000+08:002007-09-25T13:57:28.132+08:00Of My Thoughts and Contemplations<p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">This is part two… More drama? I think not…</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">It is because of deep thoughts and contemplations of my world in its entirety that I feel my mediocrity. I feel insignificant and could’ve done better. However, it is by those musings that I realize I am surrounded by people who love me, not only for who I am but also for I what I can do. I have my family and my friends who whisper to me, <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">“You have done well.”</span> I know I am loved; it is only by my frustrated insecurities that I forget to realize or feel that.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">It is because of my deep thoughts and contemplations of my world in its entirety that I have somehow made sense of things. The week before last week was one of the most fruitful, enjoyable and enlightening weeks in my life. Let me explain. As a teenager, the course I wanted to take up was Comsci (Computer Science). Computer courses were the popular choice back then. My second choice, <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Business Management</span>. Back then, I saw a manager as a “general job.” It was a job anyone can do even if you didn’t finish business management. With just a bit of training, a nurse could be a manager, an engineer could be a manager, a graphic designer could be a manager. But a manager cannot be a nurse, a manager cannot be an engineer, a manager cannot be a graphic designer. It was a course, I thought, I couldn’t boast about. Yet, it was the course I passed in U.P. so I ended up in that same course.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">It was that week that changed my opinion on Business Management. I saw the fundamental nature of what it takes to be a manager. A manager has to be a leader; unafraid to take risks and move his team forward. A manager has to be brave; unafraid to take responsibility or to be resented when making the unpopular decision. A manager has to be intelligent; able to organize the business, control the processes required and create solutions for the company. A manager must be able to <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">MANAGE</span>; it is the integration of a commander, a peacemaker, a businessman, a creative director, a counselor and a friend.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p face="trebuchet ms" style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">But most of all, I believe what sets a manager apart from any other profession, is the passion. The passion to make your business better by empowering your employees and utilizing the best options for the growth of the company and the business. Business is at times impersonal and unethical. That's where the line, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">“it’s nothing personal, its business”</span> comes from. But for a manager, whose concern is for the whole organization, it can’t be helped to be personally involved.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Why am I going on and on about Management and Managers? It’s because I think I have found a profession I can be good at (great even). As common or unimpressive as most would believe managers are, I believe it takes a special breed to be great at this job and not all can be excellent managers. If only I can turn back time, I can finally get to answer that question I have been wanting to answer ever since I was 5 years old.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">As self-serving as this post may be, it reveals the kind of person I am. And I wanted to share it to you because I think, even if we haven’t personally met, you should know a more personally-in-depth me. Something purely of my thoughts and contemplations. Something purely <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">me</span>.</p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27463072.post-2910779951179381142007-09-18T12:18:00.000+08:002007-09-18T13:10:41.545+08:00"What do you want to be when you grow up?"<p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">As a kid, and even when I was in High School, I didn’t know what I want to do, or <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">BE</span> when I grow up. During the preparatory years and early elementary, the most cliché question you could ask a child would be, “What do you want to BE when you grow up?” The youngster would always have an answer. It is always the profession of the person they look up to. The top three answers would be teacher, doctor and architect. My brother wanted to be a doctor. My sister wanted to be a teacher. I, however, didn’t have an answer to that question at that time. I don’t think I can concretely answer that question even now. I am envious of those who had that passion so early in the game.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">My siblings and I weren’t trained to pursue one thing and be good at it. We were brought up to take on whatever lay ahead of us. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">“You can be whatever you want to be! The world is yours for the taking!”</span> – that was my Mom’s battle cry. And I love her for being like that, giving us the freedom to do what we want when we grow up. She is living proof of her own slogan. She has been successful and excelled in everything she does. My father is another prodigy. He has got to be the most hardworking man I know. He thrives on the idea, <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">“If you work hard, it will come back to you tenfold.”</span> They are best mentors I have ever had in my life. No professor can properly teach me half of what my parents know. I’ve always had a fear of losing them. Not really knowing how I’d move forward without their guidance. I’ve never disclosed this to any one because it seems pathetic in a way. Digression aside, amidst all the support, freedom and knowledge imparted by my parents, I just wish they directed all our drive to just a few things rather than to everything. For example, my father loves music. He has an awesome CD collection and he listens to them every time (when he is here in the Philippines). I inherited this passion but, for me, it is half-baked. I wish they got me music lessons or teach me to play an instrument. It is a passion which I nourish incompletely.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">“Jack of All Trades, Master of None.”</span> I honestly do not like that line. Unfortunately, it kinda applies to me (and maybe to some of you too). I can do a little bit of everything, but do not excel at one thing. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I AM MEDIOCRE</span>. It sounds so negative, but most of us are mediocre. Not everyone can be extraordinary or else, no one is. Some one has to play the role of the average guy and I think I currently fit into that category. Why do I say this? Why am I being such a downer? Maybe because of all the realizations I had these past few days. I used to think I knew a lot about music, movies, technology, literature, public speaking, gastronomy, etc. And then, at some point you will encounter someone better than you. Far better. And you realize, what you know is so miniscule, all that I-AM-SPECIAL feeling just disappears and is replaced by mediocrity.</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Please don’t try to cheer me up. I don’t need it. Everything changes…</p><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Part Two...Soon...</p>Jigshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17236104827263902867noreply@blogger.com0