One Tree Hill's Plan

I just concluded watching One Tree Hill's 15th episode of its 5th season. This episode is better than its previous one. Again, as part of my routine, I am sharing to you this week's episode message. I want to share it to all of you because you can pick some lessons & learn from it. Generally, when the episode is about to conclude, one or two or three or sometimes all of the characters usually imparts their personal message to us, their viewers.

The message of this week's episode is:

"Sometimes when you're young, you think nothing can hurt you, its like being invincible. Your whole life is ahead of you and you have big plans... BIG PLANS! To find your perfect match, the one who completes you. But as you get older, you realize its not always that easy. It's not until the end of your life that you realize had the plans you made were simply plans. Because at the end, when you're looking back, instead of forward, you wanna believe that you made the most what life gave you. You wanna believe that you're leaving something good behind. You want it all to have mattered." - Lucas Scott


Click on the links below to navigate you to my previous posts with One Tree Hill's messages:
One Tree Hill's Wish
One Tree Hill's Path
One Tree Hill's 100th Episode
One Tree Hill's 5th Season

(2006) The Prestige

Last night, my brother and I watched The Prestige at his room. It is an old movie released way back 2006. The reason for writing a blog for this specific movie is because it is so good and highly recommended. I wonder why the ratings of this movie are not so great... hmmmmm??? The writer of the story deserves a two-thumbs up. The twist, the turns, the plot, the climax and the conclusion, everything in the story is superbly written. I would give a two-thumbs up for the main actors of this movie as well namely Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman.

Personally watching this movie is stressful (in a good way) and mind boggling because you are made to believe some facts but in the end it isn't. While watching and as the movie progresses and as it reaches its climax, I made several conclusions about certain events in the film but in the end those conclusions were nullified by the movie itself. This happened maybe five or six times during the play but still I am left dumbfounded as the movie progresses even more. You are led to believe what you want to believe but it isn't really what happened. Did I get that right now? HAHAHAHAHA I guess reading this blog has its twist and turns as well. If you are slightly intrigued by what I want to say, then I suggest grab a copy and watch it.

I would recommend this movie, I don't care if the ratings are low or if it is a flop. For me, it is worth watching!

According to the write-up in Wikipedia : (click for the direct link to The Prestige in Wikipedia)

The film is split into three storylines, each resembling one of the three stages of magic. First, there is the setup, or the "pledge," where the magician shows the audience something that appears ordinary but is probably not, making use of misdirection. Next is the performance, or the "turn," where the magician makes the ordinary act extraordinary. Lastly, there is the "prestige," where the effect of the illusion is produced. There are "twists and turns, where lives hang in the balance and you see something shocking you've never seen before."

*** Thanks to WIKIPEDIA for the write-up and the film's poster ***

Delmonte Fit 'n Right w/ L-Carnitine

Do you know that Delmonte Fit 'n Right juice drink has L-Carnitine that helps burns fat and improve metabolism in the body. Each bottle contains 300mg of L-Carnitine. It is proven that this chemical compound known as L-Carnitine does really work wonders.

In the print ad of Delmonte Fit 'n Right says that "Clinical study shows that regular physical activity, a balanced diet plus Delmonte Fit 'n Right can make you lose up to 16% body fat in 6 weeks."

It does not only help you lose and burn fat, it taste great too! So hurry and grab a bottle and experience it for yourself. I would recommend Four Seasons.

According to Wikipedia:

Carnitine, also known as L-carnitine or levocarnitine, is a quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It helps in the consumption and disposal of fat in the body because it is responsible for the transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria. It is often sold as a nutritional supplement. Carnitine was originally found as a growth factor for mealworms and labeled vitamin Bt. Natural carnitine is the L-stereoisomer.

Here is the TV Advertisement of Delmonte Fit 'n Right:

Macaroni Cheese by San Remo... YUM!!!

I went to SM Supermarket at SM City Sta. Mesa this morning to do some groceries for the house and for my office. The usual routine, bought all that is included in the list. I have my own style in doing my groceries, I learned this from mom. I don't just go to the aisle where the things that I will be is located or go anywhere and pick up anything like an ant who's hill was destroyed, I go from aisle to aisle to aisle in a very systematic way, hahahahaha seriously. It usually takes me 2 hours just to do the groceries for the house. I also check the prices of the brand that we usually buy against another alternative, if it is cheaper and still fulfills its role, then I'd go for the alternative. It is not always necessary to stick to the brand that you used to when you are in a tighter budget. Before is not the same as now....

Anywayssssss.....

Upon walking at the aisle that houses all the different pastas, being an avid pasta lover, I noticed one packaging that interests me a lot, it's San Remo's Macaroni Cheese. I immediately took a pack and placed it in the push cart. Cheese macaroni here in the Philippines is not as popular compared in the United States, and this is the first time that I saw a famous brand that makes pastas now have this special Pasta & Sauce Combination. I am so excited to taste this new and interesting product. I cooked it at home, followed the instructions at the back of the packaging. I am wishing that it taste as good as the Kraft Cheese Macaroni. I placed bacon on top as well to add flavour and meat on my pasta. On my first bite, WOW.... it is not only as good as Kraft's Cheese Macaroni, it is 100 times better. It is so delicious that I finished the whole plate in 10 mins. I would recommend this product to everyone. It is really really really delicious, mouth-watering and very very tasty. I just hope SM Supermarket wont ran out of stocks... HAHAHAHA!!!

Here 's the picture:

ITS SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD!!!! Highly Recommended!!!

One Tree Hill's Path

I recently watched One Tree Hill's 14th Episode of its 5th Season. I'm fair so personally, I think this is the dullest episode so far. I find it dry and a bit boring. But nonetheless, Dan Scott left a special message for us to ponder.

"Its been said that the saddest thing that a man will ever face is what might have been. But what if the man who's faced with what was or what may never be or what can no longer be. Choosing the right path is never easy, its a decision we make with only our hearts to guide us. But sometimes we find our way to something better. Sometimes we fight thru the regret and remorse of our mistakes, our malice and our jealousy and the shame we felt for not being the people that we are meant to be. And that's where we find our way to something better or when something better finds its way to us."

Oh by the way, Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer) is soooooooooo HOT!!!! =)

2nd week at MSi-ECS

I just want to share to you my experience so far in my 2nd week of being a product officer under the sales & marketing - consumer division handling Targus for MSi-ECS.

I recently opened a new channel / customer for MSi-ECS. We sampled Targus laptop bags and peripherals at SM Supplies Station last Thursday (4/24/08). The process of sampling in SM isn't simple, it is very detailed and organized. It's a lot of work seriously. Happily, those samples were approved by Ms. Jessa of SM Supplies Station and we are called in for our consultation today (4/25/08) at 3pm. Before that, do you know that I was trying to call Supplies Station since 9am yesterday and only got a confirmation at 6pm in that same day hahahahaha! Believe me, calling SM Corporate Office takes 90% of your time already. Anyways, me and my boss, Ms. Princess went to meet with Ms. Jessa. The meeting started at 3pm and ended at around 5pm. It is such a small world. I won't share every detail because it is confidential (CLUE: the chinese community here in Manila is really small, because in the corporate world, I noticed that almost everyone knows everyone or has some kind of a connection to or with each other hahahaha). It was more of an informal meeting bec. besides business and professional talks there are some story telling, laughing & joking considering it is our first time to consult with Ms. Jessa. Ms. Jessa, by the way, is the contact of my mom for Paperline. We are a supplier of SM for a long time already that is why I have contacts inside the corporate office. The demands of both parties have not been laid or confirmed. Ms. Princess still needs to talk to Sir Jimmy, the owner of MSi-ECS for the demands that SM Supplies Station is asking.

Surpringly, I am feeling the pressure and the stress in the office already just in a short span of 2 week.

ANYWAYS.... READ ON...

Deals that you can't close...
Meetings that gets rescheduled....
Sales that gets cancelled...
Hard work that gets unnoticed...
Effort that gets wasted...
Quotas that wasn't reached...
Margins that falls beyond your expectations...
Bosses that never gets satisfied...
Customers that demands more than you can give...
Suppliers / Vendors that nags you for more purchase orders...
Officemates that hates you even if you aren't doing anything...
Sales returns that makes you go crazy....
Expenses that blows off....

At the end of the day, the conclusion is still...

Life's unfair... we have no choice but to deal with it. Like I said in my previous post, be positive! It is either deal with it or be shipped out. Pressure, stress, being tired, lack of sleep, sleepless nights and etc. are all part of the ball game.

CLARIFICATION: I am happy working with MSi-ECS and I have no complains, having the best boss, handling a premium product, surrounded by good and kind people except for a few, you know who you are hahahaha sorry!!!! What more can you ask for? WAIT!!! i know the answer.... increase the salary! hahahaahahahahahahahahaha

ADVERTISEMENT: If any of you who are interested in purchasing a Targus bag for your laptop, it is Lifetime Warranty. It is very famous in the US and EU market, that is why we are targetting it in the Asian Market. Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan knows Targus already why can't we? When I say it is nice, I mean it. I'll never handle a product if it is just sub-standard. Help me, Help us promote and spread that Targus is a quality laptop bag. You can reach me at my direct line (02) 688-3732 or email me at jlim@msi-ecs.com.ph

Think Positive!

People always say "THINK POSITIVE!" it is easier said than done though. Human beings naturally tend to look at things negatively resulting to stress and anxiety and it may lead to depression. We have to control the negativity inside us. It will always lead to our downfall. True, thinking positive will always exude a better aura. Yes, it is the usual Hallmark greeting when people say THINK POSITIVE but for me, it is the best Hallmark greeting ever invented. It is hard, yes, believe me, I'm a pessimist more than an optimist kind of a person but I am trying to teach myself everyday to be more positive. It is a life-long learning process but as long as you know that you have an ounce of positivity left, plant it, nurture it, it will grow to a beautiful crop one day.

A good friend and officemate response was....

"Eh di reload tapos kasa ulit!" (Then, reload again!)

When I said.....

"Kapag naubusan ng bala, YARE!" (If you ran out of bullets, your DEAD!)

And followed it up with...

"Always think positive!"

Because I shared to him how my day went in MSI today. Today was the most stressful and tiring day I've experienced during my 2-weeks stay in MSI.

Then I remembered the original quote I wrote years ago....

"RELEASE THE NEGATIVITY AND EMBRACE THE POSSIBILITY OF A NEW TOMORROW"

Lets Travel to the PHILIPPINES

It's summer time here in the Philippines, this is the best time to travel to Manila and its other cities and experience what The Pearl of the Orient can offer.

I am inviting my international viewers and readers to book your flight to Manila and experience it for yourself. So book your flight and experience what Summer means in Manila. Spanish, American, Chinese and Native all combined to form a rich culture and heritage. What are you waiting for? BYAHE TAYO!! (LETS TRAVEL!)

To my local viewers and readers, make your summer worthwhile... Boracay, Batangas, Cebu, Banawe, Baguio, La Union, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Palawan, Davao, Albay, Leyte, Bohol are waiting for you..... =)

Here are some of the videos for you to watch! If this couldn't entice and excite you to go to the Philippines, I don't know what could..... =)

Saturday Night Dinner and Drink

Julian, Bev and I had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in Promenade last night. It was a get together dinner. I missed you Bev hehehehehe. We had so much fun and so many stories have been told hahahahahahaa. We ordered White Pizza (with white cheese), Jambalaya Pasta (Bev's Favorite) and Fetuccini with Garlic Cream Sauce with Chicken (My Favorite). Everything is really delicious. CPK is one my favorite restaurants here in Manila. I was the one who actually suggested to eat here because I've been craving for my favorite pasta for the longest time already. The reason what's holding me back is the price. Compared to the other casual dining setting restaurants, CPK is considered to be one of the pricy ones. I wasn't able to take a pic of all the dish ordered because we were all so hungry. But I managed to take a pic of my favorite pasta hahahahaha. So if you guys haven't tried Fetuccini with Garlic Cream Sauce add Chicken and you've been eating in CPK for the longest time now, you guys are missing a lot!!!!

Anyways, one funny thing is, I noticed Bev drinking in her Fitness First tumbler. At first, I wondered why Bev is drinking in her own tumbler? We are in a restaurant and there's no shortage of water, not that I know of, HAHAHAHA. So I presumed it is a special drink or juice that she really likes. And then, I noticed, Jul is also drinking from his own Fitness First tumbler. I was like.... what?? But I didn't bother asking them. When we are about to finish dinner, Bev suddenly openly asked me, do you know what is inside this tumbler we are drinking? I said? Ummmm Delmonte Fit and Right? She laughed and she said its Malibu Coke. And I was like... WOWWWW!! So that explains the Fitness First Tumbler!

After that we headed to Moksha to have a few more drinks. Bev ordered 2 glasses of Coco Lychee, I had Kurrant Sprite Lite and a glass of Coco Lychee and Jul had Weng Weng. It is always great to go out with friends, exchange stories, share laugther, pick up lessons and learn new things. Till next time guys!!

Visit Julian's Blogspot at http://successbj.blogspot.com/

Philippine Mangoes

Summer time here in Manila isn't always about the idea of its pristine beaches and wonderful tourist destinations such as Bohol, Banaue, Baguio and etc. but of course, it is also about its MANGOES.

Didn't you know that the Philippines is very proud of its Mangoes. I've never tasted any mangoes that is better than the Philippine Mango.

Thailand's fruits are sweet and America's produce are of the best quality. Recently, I heard that Australia's produce are better than the Philippines. Yes, we may not have the best produce and the best ingredients used in the art of culinary but nothing can ever beat the sweetness and freshness of our mangoes.

Have you tasted our mangoes lately? Go ahead... Indulge.... You can never go wrong with our mangoes.

The Trap of a Credit Card Company

NOTICE: Before anything else, this is just based on personal experience and observation.

Do you experienced receiving a phone call from a credit card company and unknowingly you will be forced to own their credit card? Offering you great deals and promos and what not? Well, last year Standard Chartered called me and offered a pre-approved credit card for me with a credit limit more than that of my present credit cards which are Citibank and Equitable. I'm amazed and interested but that amazement and excitement all went down the drain in a span of 3 months.

WHY??

Well, sometimes and I mean sometimes we tend to forget our due dates because of several reasons but never because of we don't want to pay. If you happen to own a Standard Chartered... YES... STANDARD CHARTERED CREDIT CARD here in MANILA, be prepared to received like 15 to 20 calls within the day reminding you to pay for your due date, offering you loans, asking why you want to cancel your card, offering you endless deals. And not only that, THEY HAVE THE HABIT OF MISS CALLING YOUR PHONE EVERY 5 MINS....... IMMATURITY FOR A CREDIT CARD COMPANY CONSIDERING THEY ARE AN INTERNATIONAL BANK!!!! I never experienced this kind of hassle and nagging from Citibank and Equitable. And 90% of the people who calls you from Standard Chartered have the worst attitude ever

As I sat on my chair wondering, why in the world did I land owning a STANDARD CHARTERED CREDIT CARD in which I have really no intentions of adding another credit card in my wallet. Then I remembered the trap that I put myself in to.

So please, base on my own experience and opinion, there are OTHER credit card companies such as Citibank, Equitable, BDO, Metrobank, BPI and etc. that are far better than Standard Chartered. I know the requirements are hard and the pre-approval can sometimes be discouraging but it is always worth the patience. Don't fall into the trap and the promises that this credit card company offers. I know the reason why they are so aggressive in asking people to apply for a credit card with them.

AGAIN, BASE ON MY OWN OPINION AND EXPERIENCE, YES, STANDARD CHARTERED CREDIT CARD IS THE WORST CREDIT CARD COMPANY HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Kitchie Nadal's New Album "Love Letter"

The long wait is over for all Kitchie Nadal's fans. She recently released her 2nd album last April 11, 2008 entitled Love Letter. I went to Music One in Glorietta last Saturday and asked if they have stock already but unfortunately the promo girl said it is released in the market already but Kitchie Nadal is under a new recording company and a new management so they still have no stock up until that moment. The promo girl also said that it is gonna be hard to find a copy since she moved to a small and special recording company wherein their distribution channel is not as wide as compared to the giant recording companies such as Warner and alike. It was a bummer.

UNTIL....

Last night, my brother called me up, he was in Serendra The Fort inside Fully Booked (a bookstore) and asked if I do have a copy already and I said no and he said he will buy it for me. And I wondered, how in the world does Fully Booked have a copy of Kitchie's new album whereas Music One, a record bar doesnt???? Ironic Huh? Then I remembered, I heard it on the radio a few days back that Kitchie Nadal will have her album launch with autograph signing at Fully Booked Serendra Branch! That explains it! hahahahahaha Anyways, thanks BRO!!! I owe u one!

It is a great album, kinda mellow compared to her first. Tt is really soothing, relaxing and easy on the ears. Trust me, It is a great album! Her voice is magnificent. The long wait is all worth it. Prior to the release of this much awaited 2nd album, she released an EP with 5 songs. It was great too! MORE POWER KITCHIE NADAL!!!!

BUY THE ORIGINAL... SUPPORT OPM!!! SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ARTISTS PLEASE!

E=MC2

YEEEEHAAAAAAAA!!!

I bought Mariah Carey's new album at Greenbelt today. It was released last April 14 here in Manila. Luckily, I was able to buy because we had a meeting with PowerMac Center for MSi-ECS this afternoon with the vendors of Targus who came from Singapore and Malaysia. While waiting for Mr. Lawrence of PowerMac Center, I sneaked out and headed straight to Music One, which is besides PowerMac and bought myself a copy of her new album. I was so excited but unfortunately I am so busy today that I haven't even listened to it yet. I was given a free poster and a VIP Invitation for free!!! hahahahahaa Did I tell you I'm a huge fan? HAHAHAHAHA Not only do I adore her wonderful voice, she is also sizzling hot for me! I'm both a fan and an admirer..... hahahahahahaahha

So far here are the list of her albums that I have (NOTE: ALL ORIGINAL!!!!) hahahahaha

1.) Mariah Carey - Self Titled Album - 1990

2.) Mariah Carey - Emotions - 1991

3.) Mariah Carey - Music Box - 1993

4.) Mariah Carey - Fantasy - 1995

5.) Mariah Carey - Butterfly - 1997

6.) Mariah Carey - #1's - 1998

7.) Mariah Carey - Rainbow - 1999

8.) Mariah Carey - Greatest Hits - 2001

9.) Mariah Carey - Glitter - 2001

10.) Mariah Carey - Charmbracelet - 2002

11.) Mariah Carey - The Remixes - 2003

12.) Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi - 2005

13.) Mariah Carey - E=MC2 - 2008

The only album that I lack is Mariah's MTV Unplugged Album

One Tree Hill's Wish

NEWSFLASH!!!!! One Tree Hill started airing its new episode again on April 15, 2008 on the CW network at the US. For your information, it is its 13th episode for its current season (5th season).

This won't be a spoiler I promise. You have to watch the 5th season and experience for yourselves the power and the message that the show is delivering its viewers. The episode basically revolves on its 5 main star cast namely Lucas Scott, Peyton Sawyer, Brooke Davis, Haley James-Scott and Nathan Scott. No dramas just pure talk.

AND...

Here's what each one said, in continuity, towards the end of the show:
(It is one full statement with one full message delivered part by part by each of the 5 main star cast)

PEYTON SAWYER:
"Make a wish and place it in your heart. Anything you want, everything you want!"

LUCAS SCOTT:
" Do you have it? Good! Now don't believe it can't come true. You never know when's the next miracle is gonna come from the next smile. The next wish come true."

PEYTON SAWYER:
"But if you believe that its right around the corner and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it."

BROOKE DAVIS:
"You might just get the thing that you're wishing for!"

NATHAN SCOTT:
"The world is full of magic, you just have to believe in it. So make your wish! Do you have it?"

HALEY JAMES-SCOTT:
"Good! Now believe in it! With all your heart."

Incredible isn't it?

Cathay Pacific... Simply The Best!

Travelling is one of the things that I really like to do. Visiting places, learning new things, exploring different cultures, having a feel of different climates and eating different cuisines is more than what money can buy. It is more than the price you paid for your ticket, your boarding pass and a seat in the airline, it is the experience and lessons you earned.

I've been to a few places during my 27 years in existence in this world and rode different carriers as well but one carrier stands out and tops my list, to all those who know me will guess this automatically but for all of you who dont, its Cathay Pacific Airways. Why Cathay? Simply because its the best! Words won't even describe my love and loyalty for the airline. The comfort, the convenience, the security, the luxury and the pride of riding the best airline in the world that has the most number of destinations in over 6 continents. Need I say more?

Airlines and Places I have Visited:

1.) Philippine Airlines - Hong Kong
2.) Northwest Airlines - Los Angeles
3.) Cathay Pacific - Hong Kong
4.) Cathay Pacific - Los Angeles
5.) Emirates - Hong Kong
6.) Korean Air - Seoul
7.) Philippine Airlines - Bangkok
8.) Jetstar Airways - Singapore
8.) Cathay Pacific - Sydney

I remembered Cathay Pacific's commercial with a line that says "Flying the world's best airline and landing at the world's best airport!" Makes me proud that I am a fan of Cathay Pacific. And its a coincidence too that my favorite destination is Hong Kong, which is the hub of Cathay Pacific.

Here is a TV advertisement of Cathay Pacific*:

What's Your Story?

Before, the first thing I do when I receive a fowarded sms in my phone is delete it. But lately, I do give time to read what the forwarded message is about. If it is worth keeping, then I will save it, but if it is really junk then I'll delete it, simple! hahaha

I just want to share to you some of my saved forwarded message, they inspired and served as an eye-opener to me, hope it does the same to you, my beloved family, friends and readers.

1.) Never let anyone make you feel that you don't deserve what you want. You are worthy of our own happiness. What they say doesn't change anything. it doesn't change you unless you let it.

2.) If it's taking all your strength, if its killing your heart, if it's making you bear too much pain and if it's making you ignore everything else. Make sure its worth it. Otherwise, let it go!

3.) Happiness cant be found at the end of the road. It is truly experienced along the way. So, dont take for granted each moment of your life. Find reasons to be happy each day.

4.) True strength of character is not calculated by how well we manage to carry some sizeable load under challenging conditions, but it is perhaps better measured by our ability to remain kind and light spirited, even when we are sure that we can't bear the weight of one more ounce of life.

5.) In life I have realized that grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. Life is too short to be unhapy. So, LAUGH whenever you can, APOLOGIZE when you should nad let go of what you can't change. LOVE deep and FORGIVE quick. Give everything and have no regrets. Take the GOOD with the BAD. Smile even when your sad. LEARN from your mistakes. People CHANGE, things go WRONG but remember LIFE GOES ON SO LIVE IT WELL.. BE HAPPY!

6.) Some wont apreciate what you say or do. But as long as you speak honestly from the heart and let them see who you really are, you'll be fine. This is not a perfect world; this is not a perfect life. So live life the way you want 'coz no matter what you do, people would never run out of something to say against you.

7.) There are battles you have to fight in silence because you know that speaking up, saying something or doing someting will just make you lose...

8.) Sometimes we regret words we said or left unsaid. We are sorry for starts that had bitter endings. For chances we threw away. For choices we should not have made. For signs we ignored, people we hurt and wounds inflicted on them. The past can't be rewritten, but it can teach us lessons. Be thankful for every challenge life has thrown you. For every heartbreak, for every scar. Some pages were turned. Some bridges were burned. Hopefully the lessons you learned made you a better person.

9.) You wont fully enjoy a swing unless you raise your feet from the ground. You wont fully enjoy a boat unless you remove the rope's know from the river bank. Your dog wont fully enjoy its "dog life" unless you remove the chain on its neck. Lesson? Never limit yourself when it comes to happiness, learn how to let go and move on; remember that being happy is a choice. Life is beautiful... you don't let anything hold you back from being happy...

10.) Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You got to let go at some point in order to move forward. Be willing to let go of a life you had in order to have the life that's waiting for you...

11.) Life isn't al about waiting for the storm to pass, its learning to dance in the rain. Its singing in the car when yo dont even know all the words. Its giving your whole heart to someone even if you are a little scared at first. Its about taking risks and making life worth living because every minute you waste is a minute you'll never get back.

12.) Life is pretty simple: When you are asking for apples and life hands you lemons, make lemonade. If your on your way out and it starts to rain, at least you won't have to water the plants anymore. It's a matter of seeing things in perspective. The benefits may not be immediate nor obvious but you have to know this for sure: There will be problems, there will be struggles. Have faith, enjoy life, take it easy... if today you are picking up the grapes, tomorrow you'll be drinking the wine.

13.) Sometimes what stands between you and your journey is te courage to go out there and see what you're made of.

14.) Only character endures. Nothing speaks louder or more powerfully than a life if integrity. Nothing stands the test like solid character. Character will always win the day. As Horace Greeley wrote: "Fame is vapour, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures." There is no more eloquent and effective defense that a life lived continually and consistently in integrity. It possesses invincible power to silence your standerers.

15.) After a while, you learn the subtle diffence between holding a hand and chaining a soul... And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security... And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.. And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.

16.) I've realized the life is indeed full of contradictions. Sometimes its crazy to be same, need to fall to fly, suffer because you care, unlearn to know the lesson, give up because your strong, wrong to make things right. Nonetheless, life's complexities are also life's source of beauty. We should cry to laugh again, fall apart to be whole again and get hurt to love again.

17.) It is wiser not to expect but to hope. For in expecting, we meet disappointments. Whereas in hoping, we invite surprises and miracles.

18.) Consider yourself a caterpillar. The ones who love you are the nourishing leaves; those who hurt you is the cocoon. Remember you won't become a butterfly without nourishment; you wont develop wings without the cocoon. There are no heroes not villians in life, just people with different roles to teach you one great lesson.... TO FLY!!

So what's life for you and how do you see it, a gift or a punishment? What are your challenges, tasks, risks and tribulations? What are your pains, sufferings and hardships? Are you happy, sad or contended? Are you dreaming for more? How do you cope, recover and learn?

So... What's your story?

New Haircut at Toni & Guy

I had my haircut today at 3:00pm in Essensuals Toni and Guy at their 6750 branch Makati, the usual hahahaha. I get excited everytime I schedule myself for a haircut since I like to change the style everytime. It is one of my indulgence in life. My friends told me that it is so obvious in my pics that I do infact change my hairstyle a lot of times hahahahahaha.... I told you, its one of the very very few indulgence I have. My stylist is Roger, he is really really good. If you are interested to have your hair cut at Toni and Guy, look for him and tell him I refered you hahahahaha. He was refered to me by Shar by the way, a dear friend of mine.

Watcha think???

Talk about vanity.... HAHAHAHAHA

First Day at MSI-ECS

Today was my first day at MSI-ECS, I was very and I mean VERY nervous at the same time excited. Its like a newly acquired fish from your favorite pet store and you place him in a new aquarium, do you notice the fish's behavoir? I'm sure you do..... I feel like I was a fish being placed in a new aquarium literally hahaahahahahahaha.

Arrived at the office at around 8:15am, waited for Ms. Kel, the recruitment specialist, to give us our introduction orientation. There were 4 of us. One is a product support specialist, another is a marketing assistant/secretary and retail business group officer. Ms. Kel also routed us at the company and introduced us to the employees and the managers. The orientation lasted until 12nn. We had lunch and afterwards we were endorsed to our respective designation and work areas.

I am under Ms. Princess Chua, a welcoming, kind and hospitable manager for the consumer division and at the same time she is the Vice President of the organization. She is an ICAN and a La Sallian so more or less we grew up in the same community because I'm a Xaverian and a Benildean. get the connection? I HOPE hahahahahahaha.

My work area has its own telephone. I have a direct line hahahaha! I have my own local number as well. I am also entitled to a cellphone and a sim which will be provided by the company. I have my own computer with an internet connection and logging on yahoo messenger is legal, YESSS!!! also an email address as well jlim@msi-ecs.com.ph =)

I also met my collegues, Product Managers of other brands of MSI-ECS. They are very supportive, warm, welcoming and accomodating. Thank you so much guys for the help and for more help that I will be asking tomorrow and in the future hahahahahaha.

My main objective is to be a mini-ceo of the brand Targus. I am responsible for its inventory, pricing, sales, promotions and etc. I have to satisfy my superior, the president and the vendor of Targus who happens to be a Malaysian Indian and is based in Singapore. I heard they will come over next week, so I will be pretty swamped. The job description and the job responsibility is challenging but I know I will really learn a lot and grow more.

Wish me luck guys.... I need all your prayers and support!!!! I hope I can contribute and be able to share my abilities and capabilities with MSI-ECS.

New Job at MSI-ECS

After 4 months of being a professional bum, tomorrow, April 08, 2008, I will be working again for MSI-ECS as one of its Product Officers. I was granted employment at this company last March 27, 2008. Located at # 3 Economia St., Libis, Quezon City. My work starts at 8:30am and ends at 6:30pm Mondays to Fridays only, whooopeee!

Looking for a job here in Manila is hard.. and I mean HARDDD. Going to interviews again and again and waiting for their feedback is really nerve-wrecking. The competition is very tough plus the processing of your application takes an awful long time for almost all companies. I would like to commend MSI-ECS for its speedy processing. Thank you also for giving me a chance to be part of this company.

For starters, I will be a Product Officer under the Sales & Marketing - Consumer Goods Division and I will be handling Targus, a leading manufacturer of laptop bags. It was given to me primarily because of my past experience which was heavily concentrated on consumer goods. Hopefully, when I learned the ropes and gained enough experience, become a product manager of an IT component and/or peripheral. That is my aim in this company and maybe be a division manager if I'm lucky... pray for me! hahahaha

Again, thank you MSI-ECS!

For more information regarding the company, please visit http://www.msi-ecs.com.ph/

Gadgets: Life's Addiction

These awesome innovations are really really addicting. Yup, I am a gadget freak... trust me!! I'm also an avid reader of gadget magazines such as T3, Speed and HWM, I like HWM the most though. Every turn of the magazine's page I always utter three words, which are, WOAH! COOL! & I WANT ONE!!

I will give you different scenarios to prove gadgets are vital:

1.) Picture yourself at the middle of the road and in the middle of the night, maybe around 3am??? Heading home from a party and your car just gave up on you. What is your first reaction? Is it to SHOUT HELP??? or search for your little friend located inside your pocket? -- CELLPHONE http://www.nokia-asia.com

2.) You are waiting for something or someone and then you realized that it will take a few more hours before you get a hold on that something or before that someone can meet up with you. You are bored to death to the point of pulling your hair already. Who do you depend on? -- PSP http://www.us.playstation.com/psp_interactive

3.) Alone in a coffee shop, studying, working or whatever it may be. It is a bit noisy and it is irritating. Do you tell everyone to SHUT UP just because you are there?!! Our you simply rely on a little rectangular machine that holds 15,000 songs? -- MP3 PLAYER http://www.creative.com

4.) You need to have a presentation and your superiors and bosses doesn't want it inside the office? Do you bring in your whole desktop computer? Do you ask them to go inside an internet cafe? OR you are rushing a report that your professor insanely imposed that the deadline is on the day it was being announced? Do you queue at the computer labs knowing that it will take 10000 years before you can have your turn? -- LAPTOP http://www.acer.com.ph

5.) You went to a place wherein you want to treasure that experience. Relive its memories after a few days, months or years. Want to document something. Do you take out a pen and a paper and write its description??? -- DIGITAL CAMERA http://www.canon.com

I don't sport the latest gadget or the coolest phone in town. I don't rush to the nearest friendly computer store to be able to buy whatever comes out in the market asap. Simply because there's a price tag attached to every gadget and it isn't cheap... IT ISNT CHEAP hahahaha. For me, I buy it because it is sort of like an award for something I did, I achieved, I gained for myself or for other people. But the biggest reason of all is that I am addicted to it =)

If you are going to ask me if I am contended with the gadgets I own? I will simply answer you by giving you months and months of issues of HWM and tell you to BUY ME EVERYTHING YOU SEE IN THERE! hahahahahahahaahahaha.... yup.... totally... im a gadget freak.

Here are 5 vital gadgets that I myself can't life without:

Nokia 6300 for my Globe Sim
Nokia 6101 for my Sun Sim
Sony PSP Slim Edition
Creative Zen: Vision M (30 gig)
Canon Ixus 750
Acer Aspire 5583WXMi Laptop

Touch My Body Hits #1 in Billboard

CONGRATULATIONS MARIAH!!!!

Mariah Carey's 18th #1 hit in the Billboard charts. She surpassed Elvis Presley's record of having 17 #1's. She now holds the title of having the MOST NUMBER ONES in the BILLBOARD CHARTS for a SOLO ARTIST. Touch My Body is her carrier single from her much anticipated album which is due on the 15th of this month entitled E=MC2.





Related Links:
http://www.mariahcarey.com
http://www.billboard.com

Perfect Trousers in TOPMAN

I went to Trinoma today with mom to shop for business-office clothes in preparation for my first day this coming Tuesday 4/08/08 at MCI-ECS in Libis. WOHOOOOO!!! Hahahahahahahaha! It is really hard to shop considering I am on a very very tight budget....

UNTIL.....

I saw this pair of trousers in TOPMAN. It is a dark brown stripe slim trousers. Woaaahhh!!! hahahahaha! I looked at the price and then said to myself: "This is definitely way over my budget!!! But what the heck, it wont hurt if I just try it on right? So I went inside the fitting room and tried it on. It fits perfectly. With this trousers, I didn't have any 2nd thoughts. Everything with the trousers is perfect; material, design and fit. I know it is expensive and it is way over my budget but I simply can't let go. There is this unexplainable connection between me and the trousers! Hahahahaha!! So yeah, you guessed it, I bought it! =) It definitely shaved a huge amount of money from my alloted shopping budget. It is true, sometimes you have to pay for quality!

Here 's the picture: (Available at any Topman branches in Metro Manila)

BROWN STRIPE SLIM TROUSERS

License Renewal... Whew!!!

Today I renewed my driver's license which was expired one year ago. hahahahahaha! I know I am stupid driving in the streets of Manila with an expired license, yes, it is stupid seriously. Don't you ever follow me. It is very very dangerous. The reason why I wasn't able to renew my expired license a year ago because I went to Sydney and was planning to stay there for a long time but plans got all mixed up and I went back home. Truly, no matter how many people dislike Manila, this is the city wherein I wanna grow old, live my life, sow my seeds and reap it afterwards.

ANYWAYSSSS....

YES!!! I have it renewed today. Went to LTO-ELC (Land Transportation Office - Eastern Licensing Center) located near San Juan's Post Office, around 3 mins drive away from home. It was hot, uncomfortable and really crowded with lots of impatient applicants. Good thing, mine was only a renewal... thank God.

Steps are as follows: (to all those who are wondering what are the steps for renewal of license)

1.) Take a drug test which is valued highly at Php 250.00 hahahaha! examine your urine sample to test if you are under the influence of any drugs primarily Shabu and Marijuana.

2.) Go to the medical part, which is by the way valued at Php 100.00. Imagine, paying Php 100.00 just to weight yourself in an unreliable scale and read the letter chart to check your vision. Then you will be asked a couple of questions like: Are you in any sort of medication? Have you even been hospitalized? If you answered NO to all these questions then they will automatically issue you a receipt. That is worth Php 100.00 already.. SHEEESH!!! I dont even know if they were real doctors. The whole process takes less than 5 mins........... I know!!!

3.) Go to the re-assessor to check on your requirements (Expired License, Drug test, Medical test). This was the fastest step.

4.) Have your picture taken at a computer with a webcam that is about to break hahahaha.

5.) Wait for your name to be called by the cashier to pay for the renewed license. Before this step, your paper will be rerouted to three different people for encoding and verification. You will have to wait for the cashier to call you, this takes the longest waiting time.

6.) Go to the releasing window for your renewed license and sign the paper claiming that you have received the license ID from them

The whole process takes about 2 hours. Imagine just to renew your license takes 2 hours and it shaved Php 650.00 pesos from my wallet hahahahaha. I wonder how long does it take to apply for a new license considering they are automated already. I remembered mine took a day! Imagine!!!! They should have at least an express lane for all renewals.... right?!

Enough about complaning, at least I got my license renewed already. Whooopeeee!! My license will expire on 2011 and then I will have to go through the same process again. Hopefully by 2011, it will be faster.. CROSS FINGERS!!!

Greenbelt 5 & La Maison

These pics were taken way before this blog was born. Around November last year. I was just awed at how beautiful the interior of the mall and I want to share it to you guys. Imagine, chandaliers hanging, shiny marble flooring and wood finished interior for a mall. One of the reasons why the Philippines is named as the "Mall Capital of the World"

My second time was around January 08 when my friends and I ate at Le Maison. We had succulent ribs and creamy carbonara. Filling, delicious, classy but afforadable. Notice how black and beautifully shaped the bread is? The black bread is a sweet bread.... Try it!

Top 10 List

I noticed that I kept on blabbering about stuffs that interests me or things that I did, restaurants I ate at, games I played or music I listened. But still, I feel that there is something missing in my blog until I realized that I haven't actually shared to you a bit of me. HAHAHAHA! Silly huh? This is also a response from my friend's blog post at http:/jasonqua.wordpress.com entitled "Your Lifestyle - A top 10 list" answering the question so what's on my list.

Without further ado... presenting to you... ME!! hahahaha here are my top 10 list: (not in chronological order)

1.) FAMILY

No matter how insane or chaotic sometimes our family tends to be, still they are our family. And despite all the troubles and mistakes that we do, still, these people are the ones who will accept you and back you no matter what.

2.) INTERNET

Accessing information anything under the sun in the world wide web has never been this easy. Keep yourself updated with the latest news and gossips. Travel the world in a small window using your own LCD monitor. Watch Youtube videos endlessly. Downloading your favorite tunes, movies and games. Meeting people and discovering their culture with a click of a button. Chatting and being connected with your loved ones wherever you are. Do you still want me to go on? hehehehehehe

3.) FRIENDS

To be honest, I don't have that much friends, only a handful. But these people who makes up my handful are the ones who are really worth keeping, treasuring, loving and caring. I seriously don't need a large group of friend where I am blessed with small but real ones. Its hard to find real people and harder to find real friends these days.

4.) MUSIC

Who can go wrong with music? I listen to almost every genre as long as it appeals to my ears. With regards to music, I don't just listen to the beat and the melody but I internalize with its lyrics. What message is it giving its listeners. Mainstream or underground, it doesn't matter. I mellow down to the tunes of lounge music; soothe my soul with Northern Lights by Lux and Postal Service; dance with Akon, Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, Madonna, Timbaland and Mariah Carey; party with DJ Tiesto, Hed Kandi, Bloc Party and Chicane; appreciate Edison Chen, Vic Zhou, Jay Chou, Leehom, Tanya Chua and Fly to the Sky; cry with the powerful ballads of Celion Dion, Mariah Carey (again) and emo rock of Dashboard Confessionals ; reminisce with the old songs of Toto, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Luther Vandross; rock on with The Fray, Panic! At the Disco, OneRepublic, Coldplay and Counting Crows. Most of all, love our own homegrown music OPM of Kitchie Nadal, Brownman Revival, Bamboo, Rivermaya and Brain Salad - to name a few... hahahahah few? hahahahahaha

5.) GADGETS

I am a tech freak, I don't just buy what is usually being bought but I research on other possible alternatives and competitors that can deliver better performance. I have my Creative Zen: Vision M (MP3 Player), my PSP, my cellphones (one for Globe & one for Sun), my laptop and my Canon Digital Camera. I really spend for these techie stuffs. I enjoy it, I simply love it.

6.) MOVIES

Imagine yourself sitting in a cool and comfortable theater, by the way, my top two theater choices are Greenhills Promenade and Powerplant anticipating the most talked about movies up to date. Immersing yourself in the movie that you are watching as if you are a part of the story. Simply amazing and very very relaxing. True, pirated DVD's are cheaper and you can watch at the comfort of your own home but nothing beats the suspense and the thrill of watching it in the theater.

7.) THEME PARKS / OCEANARIUMS / ZOOS

Whether it be oceanarium, planetarium, rides or whatever. As long as it is a theme park. I'm game! Anytime, anyday... Im sure to come. Roller coasters makes me smile. Oceanariums and zoos fills my curiosity. These are treasured landmarks any city should have.

8.) BEACH / DIVE

Ever since I was a kid, Ive always loved water, before it doesn't matter whether its a swimming pool or the beach but lately nothing can ever encompass my love for the beach. Again, imagine yourself lying on the sand, listening to your mp3 or just listening to the birds chirping and the water splashing with an ice cold beer. Now, after reading that, tell me you still dont wanna go to the beach. Doesn't matter where, as long as its the beach. Or simply dive at Anilao and have an upclose and real look at the riches of what Poseidon's seas can offer you. True, the Philippines is located in the coral triangle and the richness of its marine creatures are a real treasure. And to all those who aren't Filipinos, I'm telling you, The Philippines is a beach and diving haven..... trust me!!!

9.) CLOTHES

Coming from a family that adores clothes hahahaha, I myself am a huge fan of the latest trend. What looks good, what fits well. I love shopping as well. Topman is one of my favorite one-stop shop here in the Philippines. Going to HK and buying stuff there is insanely great!!! I love HK because of its wide variety and array of clothes to choose from. I don't simply go what's famous but I don't want to be behind the latest fashion as well. I go for basics from time to time also. Being criticized as someone who is a fashion victim is something that I will never accept! hahahaha

10.) FOOD

I love eating... can't you see from my photos? I adore good food. Price for me is secondary when the food is realy delicious. I can go to Le Souffle and have its mouth-watering seared seabass or go to Jollibee or Mcdonalds and have its mouth-watering burgers and fries. Depends on my mood. I can go to the best gourmet restaurant in town or simply head on to the nearest fastfood chain my gas can reach me. HAHAHAHAHAHA! As long as its good quality food, its ok for me

So now... can I ask... What's on your list??

GOD OF WAR & GOD OF WAR 2 (PS2)

Kratos, the protagonist in the God of War series, is an impressive spartan who saved Attica from the attack of the Persians, brings back the sun in the sky (Helios) from that deadly fog the enveloped the city (Morpheus) and battled Persephone (wife of Hades) in the underworld in Chains of Olympus, battled the hydra in the Aegean Sea, saved the city of Athens (patron is Athena), retrieved Pandora's Box and battled Ares and became the new God of War in God of War and battled the Collosus of Rhodes, killed by Zeus, saved by Gaia, rode the Pegasus, battled the titan Typhon and Prometheus, battled Perseus, seeks an audience with The Sisters of Fate ( Lakhesis, Atropos & Clotho ), brings back the past, battled Zeus and killed Athena, returned with fury and revenge along with Gaia and the titans to destroy Olympus... "The End Begins...." in God of War II.

I recently concluded God of War and God of War 2 in PS2. Thanks to my cousin Brit and Grant for letting me borrow their PS2. I borrowed the console just for this two games. Base on my previous blog entries, I wrote about how wonderful God of War: Chains of Olympus in PSP, after playing the God of War & God of War 2 in PS2, it is really indescribable. I played the two games literally the whole day until my eyes are about to pop hahahahahahaha!

Great gameplay, superb graphics, nice plot (I'm a huge fan of Greek Mythology), magnificent soundtrack... what more can you ask for in a game? No wonder Gamespot.com rated God of War with a 9.3, God of War II with a 9.2 and God of War: Chains of Olympus with an 8.5.

*** I included links to Wikipedia on the names of deities in the Greek Mythology for reference and additional reading***

Happy April Fools Day!

To share the spirit of April Fools, which we all know that it falls always on the 1st of April, I would like to share some funny text jokes that I had saved on my phone. It made me laugh during my tough times. Enjoy and Have fun... its April Fools Day

Joke # 1:

An arab was interviewed at a US Checkpoint....

"name pls?"
- ABDUL AZIZ

"sex?"
- 6 times a week

"I mean, male of female?"
- doesn't matter, sometimes even camels

"holy cow!"
- yes, cows & dogs too!

"man, isn't that hostile?"
- yes, horse style true, dogstyle, any style!

"oh dear!"
- deer?! no deer! they run fast

Joke # 2 : (Notice: Some words are in Filipino)

New Condom Brands:

1.) JOLLIBEE condoms - Bida ang Sarap
2.) MCDO condoms - Love ko to!
3.) BEER NA BEER condoms - Itaas mo!
4.) NOKIA condoms - Connecting people
5.) M&M's condoms - Melts in your mouth
6.) NIKE condoms - Just do it
7.) KFC condoms - Finger lickin' good
8.) MAX condoms - Sarap to the bones
9.) MOTOLITE condoms - pangmatagalan
10.) GRAND MATADOR condoms - Nasa laman ang init!
11.) VFRESH condoms - malamig sa bibig
12.) PEPSI condoms - Ask for more!
13.) ENERVON condoms - More energy mas happy!

Joke # 3: (Notice: Derivations are in Filipino)

NEWLY BORN CHINESE:

1.) Born Dark - ANDY LIM
2.) Born Fat - LUCKY CHAN
3.) Born Fatter - BOB UY
4.) Born Evil - DAEMON YU
5.) Born Flirty - ALLAN DY
6.) Born Smelly - KELLY KAY LEE
7.) Born Different - EVA YAN
8.) Born Incomplete - COLE ANG
9.) Born Sick - HATCH CHENG
10.) Born Cute - EDDY MI