The Dust in Space.......
There are dusts in the space, in the parallel, different dimensions or in the infinite universe. Stars like our Sun continuously burn and shed light to planets helping evolutions for organism to become what is seen today as living creatures. When I hear the world "Aliens", I thought of green-monster when I was young. Alien, can be in many forms or living things that are seen through the human eye.
There is water, helium and who knows what in the universe. By observing our own planet, there are enormously active living things. The human body is one great example, how it controls other bacteria and to use the knowledge it posses. The human gene must be one of the most intelligent life-form in our planet. So what happens when one stops living as a whole? Will the body decay and the human percentage in a way finds back it self to new life again?
I imagine that when the body perishes and become like dust, it will come back as part of the planet again. The planet, if in turns becomes extinguished because of the suns near end; the earth will then be like dust in the space. The dust of the earth will probably travel in different direction; towards the expanding universe, into the giant worm holes or into the unknown dimensions of the universe. What ever happens, the dust or the smallest particles of the once called earth will still travel. It is not dead nor it is alive, it is sleeping for a time. The sleeping of things has neither time nor age in the vast universe. Once it meets again into other living planetary forms, it will form again and wake-up as if it has been created.
One Philosophy in Life is to live and thank the Creator for the things we have. To others it is the supreme and Holy God that we thank and ask for things. To others, it is the good norms that life can follow to live a happy and progressive life. To others it is the things they see familiar and that they can understand and follow. To others, its the knowledge of things that they can depend upon that they respect and follow. To others it is their belief in things and moral perspective that they carry on. To many, it is the survival in this planet that makes them part of the so called life. In the religious side, they say humans are the dust of the earth. In science and the great minds, humans are fought between evolutionist and creationist.
If we do not know enough, will it be safe to say that following your good philosophy and good human deeds will create life back? There is chaos in the universe but there is also order. There is life when there is an exploding Star in the galaxy. There is movement or the so called expansion in the universe. There is life in the universe though we cannot reach much information for now. We know things based on the basic evolution of the planets. If we know the science and facts, why would we not believe our human minds can think of? Before we thought of spaceships and to touch the moon, now we have done that and are exploring more. We do what we think is possible. The great challenge for others is to prove that what we believe is possible and true? For me, its not what we can prove, but what we will be rewarded after our earthly body goes back into dust and that same dust flew into space and go to its next journey probably meeting its Creator.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Carlo on the way back Home (last part)
Carlo's plane just landed 9pm at the NAIA terminal 3 He was happy and trying also to forget what happened to him. Just as the plane stop a lot of OFW's like him hurriedly got up and grab their bags from the overhead compartments. There was a loud noise of people still talking. There are also a few who was just quiet along the flight. Carlo was one of them who just listened to stories of fellow immigrants who lost their jobs. Some talked about problems with employers, others told funny stories and gossips.
At the baggage area, people as usual complaining of the long wait before they see their bag. Most were happy and answering phone calls from relatives who are waiting outside at the arrival area. There was silence in his heart now because he did not mention to his wife that he will be home. His family knows only that he is extending his stay in HK.
It was easy now because of the coordinated taxi filing up at the arrival area. The taxi drivers have I.D.'s and taxi cars are better. Carlo went in the taxi and his bag beside him since its not that big at all. Just after 30 minutes the driver began conversations with him. Carlo told the truth that he lost his job and had to go home. He did not tell the experience in HK. The driver well relates to the story since he was a former OFW too.
After 1-1/2 hours, Carlo finally saw the gate of his home. It's now nearly 12 midnight and he could see someone is still awake. Probably his wife is still watching TV or chatting with friends in the internet. He went out the car after paying the cabbie driver and said that the change is a tip. He holds the bag in his right side shoulder so he could open the steel gate. It is a two-storey row housing he manage to finish the mortgage 5 years ago. He could still see the paving materials he personally worked on at the entry gate. "huhmmmmm....home at last" he said in low voice. He pressed the doorbell and after 3 seconds his wife looked at the side window and shouted "Daddy". His wife opened the door and they kissed. She then called their children so they could greet their Daddy Carlo.
At the baggage area, people as usual complaining of the long wait before they see their bag. Most were happy and answering phone calls from relatives who are waiting outside at the arrival area. There was silence in his heart now because he did not mention to his wife that he will be home. His family knows only that he is extending his stay in HK.
It was easy now because of the coordinated taxi filing up at the arrival area. The taxi drivers have I.D.'s and taxi cars are better. Carlo went in the taxi and his bag beside him since its not that big at all. Just after 30 minutes the driver began conversations with him. Carlo told the truth that he lost his job and had to go home. He did not tell the experience in HK. The driver well relates to the story since he was a former OFW too.
After 1-1/2 hours, Carlo finally saw the gate of his home. It's now nearly 12 midnight and he could see someone is still awake. Probably his wife is still watching TV or chatting with friends in the internet. He went out the car after paying the cabbie driver and said that the change is a tip. He holds the bag in his right side shoulder so he could open the steel gate. It is a two-storey row housing he manage to finish the mortgage 5 years ago. He could still see the paving materials he personally worked on at the entry gate. "huhmmmmm....home at last" he said in low voice. He pressed the doorbell and after 3 seconds his wife looked at the side window and shouted "Daddy". His wife opened the door and they kissed. She then called their children so they could greet their Daddy Carlo.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Possibility of Regional South-East Asian Currency
A regional currency's basic advantage is that you don't need to exchange now and then when passing boarder to boarder. Other agendas would be to strengthen cooperation’s among the neighboring countries, creating unified regional pride and trade. The European Union created the euros and now the Central Americas are planning to have a unified currency and even a similar passport. Will the possibility of a regional Asian or group of Asian countries would have the same currency in the future?
Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei are key countries that are strengthening South-East Asian as a whole. Cooperation into a deeper commitment for neighboring development would benefit the whole region and eventually all the eleven member states. Positioning the 11 member states in a more resilient economic structure and international policy agreements learned from the current financial crisis will serve the Asian's interest and continued support for 3rd world developments.
It may not happen next year but I do hope Asian countries would follow through this time. Hopefully the South-East Asian member states will start first in the future.
Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei are key countries that are strengthening South-East Asian as a whole. Cooperation into a deeper commitment for neighboring development would benefit the whole region and eventually all the eleven member states. Positioning the 11 member states in a more resilient economic structure and international policy agreements learned from the current financial crisis will serve the Asian's interest and continued support for 3rd world developments.
It may not happen next year but I do hope Asian countries would follow through this time. Hopefully the South-East Asian member states will start first in the future.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Carlo on the way back Home (part2)
Carlo on the way back Home (part2)
From the airport, Carlo takes the past-subway system and went down at Downtown HongKong. He used to go back and forth from Shanghai to HK from his last work. Now, it seems hard for him that he has to try this job interview just to continue his source of income.
Coming out from a Wanchai subway station, his first priority is to find a decent and cheap motel to stay for two weeks. Upon reaching the exit road, he tried to relax and take a view of the buildings. He did not think that it would come this day that he will be back in HK just for a job interview. Counting in his mind the cash he still has, he has to find a good deal for a place to stay. After the search and comparing prices of the room for rents against the motels, he finally settled down on a motel near the bar-strip district where his place of interview is also nearby.
The next day he bought a news paper to find prospective job interviews. He also went to a computer shop to check popular job sites to get more opportunity for job description that would fit him. He went back to the motel to take a shower and in the evening go to the sports-bar for the interview. In the bar he met the owner and they sat in the owner's back office to talk about a possible vacant position for an assistant manager or a marketing guy. But the sad news came, there are no vacant for the position but a part-time bar tender. He accepts the job and was willing for the per hour pay. He did enjoy the work, same routine every day for the next seven days and no rest. Still, the job is not enough to save enough money even to get a ticket back home or send money every week. On the 10th day of his stay in the bar, he needed to find another job. He tried to take interviews in the morning and work again in the bar at night. He was truly exhausted of the way he lives and work there. Carlo knows that his stay is only for two weeks and don't want to get into trouble of overstay. He wanted to try to extend his stay but his friends in the bar told him that due to the recession the authorities are very strict that time. Discourage and missing his family he has to go home. His friends learned about his last stay, they arrange a party for him in the same bar. The party day comes and Carlo tried to enjoy his last work on the 12th day.
Going back to the motel, he was informed that his stay has already been overdue and reminded him that he already consumed the payment he advanced. Arguing with the manager downstairs, he pointed that the rate given to him was not the same they are charging. There were no clear resolution of the misunderstanding; he paid the extra-day for yesterday. Looking at his wallet and the money he saved from the bar he could not decide to spend some of the money for tomorrow’s stay. He has to leave the motel that morning.
Still tired from last night work and party, he now wonders where he will stay for the night. While walking in the street with his big backpack, he thought of going to the airport instead. A lot of people as usual were in the airport. He could see a lot of tourist wondering in the arrival lobby trying to figure out how to get out of the airport. For Carlo, it’s all about where to sleep for the night. He went to the departure area and tries to find a bench where he could probably stay. It's now afternoon and he is hungry. He went through the stuffs in his bag and found some bread that he saved when he left the motel. A nearby drinking fountain made his eyes a little bit happy since he does not need to buy airport drinks.
That evening, a cop waked him up to ask him why he’s still there in the lobby. He could not lie and told the cop his reason. The cop did not agree that he stay there since his flight is still tomorrow night. Carlo being persistent, the cop took him to the airport station. The cop asked him that he stayed in the station for the night. Carlo was so thankful of the cop. Several times he was asked by fellow cops of why he is there. Telling that there buddy-cop let him stay there, they did not question him anymore. He did not know what rank the cop was. It seems that the helpful police probably an officer there.
In the following morning, Carlo tried to wait for the officer to thank him. Another cop told him that he will not be on duty that day. Carlo thanks the cop and went to the departure lobby.
To Be Continued……..
From the airport, Carlo takes the past-subway system and went down at Downtown HongKong. He used to go back and forth from Shanghai to HK from his last work. Now, it seems hard for him that he has to try this job interview just to continue his source of income.
Coming out from a Wanchai subway station, his first priority is to find a decent and cheap motel to stay for two weeks. Upon reaching the exit road, he tried to relax and take a view of the buildings. He did not think that it would come this day that he will be back in HK just for a job interview. Counting in his mind the cash he still has, he has to find a good deal for a place to stay. After the search and comparing prices of the room for rents against the motels, he finally settled down on a motel near the bar-strip district where his place of interview is also nearby.
The next day he bought a news paper to find prospective job interviews. He also went to a computer shop to check popular job sites to get more opportunity for job description that would fit him. He went back to the motel to take a shower and in the evening go to the sports-bar for the interview. In the bar he met the owner and they sat in the owner's back office to talk about a possible vacant position for an assistant manager or a marketing guy. But the sad news came, there are no vacant for the position but a part-time bar tender. He accepts the job and was willing for the per hour pay. He did enjoy the work, same routine every day for the next seven days and no rest. Still, the job is not enough to save enough money even to get a ticket back home or send money every week. On the 10th day of his stay in the bar, he needed to find another job. He tried to take interviews in the morning and work again in the bar at night. He was truly exhausted of the way he lives and work there. Carlo knows that his stay is only for two weeks and don't want to get into trouble of overstay. He wanted to try to extend his stay but his friends in the bar told him that due to the recession the authorities are very strict that time. Discourage and missing his family he has to go home. His friends learned about his last stay, they arrange a party for him in the same bar. The party day comes and Carlo tried to enjoy his last work on the 12th day.
Going back to the motel, he was informed that his stay has already been overdue and reminded him that he already consumed the payment he advanced. Arguing with the manager downstairs, he pointed that the rate given to him was not the same they are charging. There were no clear resolution of the misunderstanding; he paid the extra-day for yesterday. Looking at his wallet and the money he saved from the bar he could not decide to spend some of the money for tomorrow’s stay. He has to leave the motel that morning.
Still tired from last night work and party, he now wonders where he will stay for the night. While walking in the street with his big backpack, he thought of going to the airport instead. A lot of people as usual were in the airport. He could see a lot of tourist wondering in the arrival lobby trying to figure out how to get out of the airport. For Carlo, it’s all about where to sleep for the night. He went to the departure area and tries to find a bench where he could probably stay. It's now afternoon and he is hungry. He went through the stuffs in his bag and found some bread that he saved when he left the motel. A nearby drinking fountain made his eyes a little bit happy since he does not need to buy airport drinks.
That evening, a cop waked him up to ask him why he’s still there in the lobby. He could not lie and told the cop his reason. The cop did not agree that he stay there since his flight is still tomorrow night. Carlo being persistent, the cop took him to the airport station. The cop asked him that he stayed in the station for the night. Carlo was so thankful of the cop. Several times he was asked by fellow cops of why he is there. Telling that there buddy-cop let him stay there, they did not question him anymore. He did not know what rank the cop was. It seems that the helpful police probably an officer there.
In the following morning, Carlo tried to wait for the officer to thank him. Another cop told him that he will not be on duty that day. Carlo thanks the cop and went to the departure lobby.
To Be Continued……..
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Carlo on the way back Home (part1)
Carlo on the way back Home (part1)
The recession did not spare Carlo's office in Shanghai and they have to re-trench people. He does not want to tell his wife but he has too let his family know. That night on a Monday of the 1st week of November Carlo said the sad news to his wife on their regular instant messaging. In their chat, he said that he has an interview in HongKong and would go their by end of next week. They talked about regular stuffs like things to pay and specially their two boy’s school fees. At around 1:00AM they finished their chatting and send emoticons to each other for love and kisses.
Carlo stands up and lighted up one cigarette and went near the window. It was cold that night because of the winter season. He could see patrolling cops riding in their bicycles. He would really missed Shanghai after spending almost 3 years there. His apartment is located in an old French concession. His unit is at the fifth floor facing a road which has kept old London Plane trees. The leaves of the deciduous trees are now turning yellow-orange and started to fall. Carlo wishes that his trip to HongKong would be hopeful to land on a future job.
To Be Continued.....
The recession did not spare Carlo's office in Shanghai and they have to re-trench people. He does not want to tell his wife but he has too let his family know. That night on a Monday of the 1st week of November Carlo said the sad news to his wife on their regular instant messaging. In their chat, he said that he has an interview in HongKong and would go their by end of next week. They talked about regular stuffs like things to pay and specially their two boy’s school fees. At around 1:00AM they finished their chatting and send emoticons to each other for love and kisses.
Carlo stands up and lighted up one cigarette and went near the window. It was cold that night because of the winter season. He could see patrolling cops riding in their bicycles. He would really missed Shanghai after spending almost 3 years there. His apartment is located in an old French concession. His unit is at the fifth floor facing a road which has kept old London Plane trees. The leaves of the deciduous trees are now turning yellow-orange and started to fall. Carlo wishes that his trip to HongKong would be hopeful to land on a future job.
To Be Continued.....
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Mumbai Attacked
Last November 27, 2008, reports came of an attack in the Taj Mahal Hotel. Initial reports of 73 being shot and killed by group of men said to be terrorist. Special Forces of the Indian Military have taken down the last armed man today (Nov. 29'08)
It is sad that an imaginable and coordinated attack have been taken out by a group of people against innocent civilians. They know that the country they attacked will retaliate. If the retaliation is also what they wanted, then there is no message at all but just pure terrorism against peaceful people visiting or working in Mumbai, India. I have once met a young Indian through a friend in Shanghai. He was full of business ideas and eager to get back to India and set up an I.T. company. I hope the attacked did not change him and that the Indian economy continues to grow.
It is sad that an imaginable and coordinated attack have been taken out by a group of people against innocent civilians. They know that the country they attacked will retaliate. If the retaliation is also what they wanted, then there is no message at all but just pure terrorism against peaceful people visiting or working in Mumbai, India. I have once met a young Indian through a friend in Shanghai. He was full of business ideas and eager to get back to India and set up an I.T. company. I hope the attacked did not change him and that the Indian economy continues to grow.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Philippine Business of Politics and 2010 Election
According to Wikipedia; Political science is often described as the study of politics defined as "who gets what, when and how". Also; Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. Again, according to Wikipedia; A business (also called a firm or an enterprise) is a legally recognized organization designed to provide goods and/or services to consumers, governments or other businesses.
The same meanings for both subjects are defined in the internet and the dictionary. Some articles also discusses the life of business people turn politicians and returning back to business sectors and taking office in the government and going back and forth. In other words, the experience in the business sector is fundamental in shaping policies being crafted in the chambers of congress or the parliaments. However, it is true in many situations that politicians can turn bad and be eaten by a traditional system.
Politics and business may also share the same impact in non-governmental and religious organizations. In every idealist group of people, there is always a traditional system or an organic system. Whichever the case of a system adapted, the tendency of implementing successfully is through the leadership provided and the commitment to continue for improvements. This is not the case in some governments which is run by advantageous or well connected citizens, business monopolies and political dynasties. The hate and love for politicians doing their business in their offices are transparent in the people’s reaction through the times. There are mass protest, mass support and disobedience as in the Philippines case. In a way, long time politicians are already immune to these protest and they know how to react. Just as they know how to play all the tricks in politics they have also learned when to be an ally and an enemy for certain conditions.
The case of Sen. Manny Villar in the Philippines is a typical case of organized removal of him in the senate presidency. The organized agenda is a compromise politicians move to find a balance in the coming presidential election. It is however suspicious that opposition’s against opposition’s group did it to themselves. They seem to be having the same problem as last presidential elections. No opposition president last time won the election because the general vote was divided. This 2010 election is the current business in the senate’s chambers. For sure there will be a lot of demolition job and publicity that will come. The business of politics for the 2010 is serious and with a lot of rumor towards charter change distracts everybody, there is probably a destination that will surprise everybody for the next two years. (To be continued)
The same meanings for both subjects are defined in the internet and the dictionary. Some articles also discusses the life of business people turn politicians and returning back to business sectors and taking office in the government and going back and forth. In other words, the experience in the business sector is fundamental in shaping policies being crafted in the chambers of congress or the parliaments. However, it is true in many situations that politicians can turn bad and be eaten by a traditional system.
Politics and business may also share the same impact in non-governmental and religious organizations. In every idealist group of people, there is always a traditional system or an organic system. Whichever the case of a system adapted, the tendency of implementing successfully is through the leadership provided and the commitment to continue for improvements. This is not the case in some governments which is run by advantageous or well connected citizens, business monopolies and political dynasties. The hate and love for politicians doing their business in their offices are transparent in the people’s reaction through the times. There are mass protest, mass support and disobedience as in the Philippines case. In a way, long time politicians are already immune to these protest and they know how to react. Just as they know how to play all the tricks in politics they have also learned when to be an ally and an enemy for certain conditions.
The case of Sen. Manny Villar in the Philippines is a typical case of organized removal of him in the senate presidency. The organized agenda is a compromise politicians move to find a balance in the coming presidential election. It is however suspicious that opposition’s against opposition’s group did it to themselves. They seem to be having the same problem as last presidential elections. No opposition president last time won the election because the general vote was divided. This 2010 election is the current business in the senate’s chambers. For sure there will be a lot of demolition job and publicity that will come. The business of politics for the 2010 is serious and with a lot of rumor towards charter change distracts everybody, there is probably a destination that will surprise everybody for the next two years. (To be continued)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Walks of Life - Sandy's New Year! (Last Part)
Sandy was thinking to run through the left side and into the building ruins. Suddenly the ground starts trembling and the emergency alarm went on. The exit lights went in operation in the UC while a controller voice starts evacuation procedure. Every body got up and starts walking fast through the exit doors. No doubt it was a real earthquake.
At the ground level, a lot of people are hurrying up to exit the entire building. There where many people in the road. Sandy at the same time was trying to call Alex when his phone rung up and saw it was her. "Where are you now Sandy? I am already outside of the building just by the road near the 'Aleza Cafe'. Sandy said that he is going to the cafe so they could meet each other. Sandy has to press his way into the crowd, it took him at least 20 minutes before he finally saw Alex.
Upon arriving at the cafe, Alex and Sandy never had a feeling like that of needing to see each other at once. Though for sometime they where close and become long time friends, still it's different tonight. Sandy felt ultimately scared for Alex this time; he never thought that friendship was a mistake he always accepted. Now he is sure it is Alex all along. How could he have missed her all those years. Couldn't stop himself, he happily hug Alex. "How are you?" where you hurt during the evacuation? Alex on the other hand was actually nervous and crying, trying to contact Sandy by the time the earth quake struck. She was totally in-love with Sandy a long time ago. For her it was trying to accept also that they were friends and that Sandy would never try to express his interest in her. They know each other too well. They know that they have special feelings though they do not attempt to talk about it. Many times, both wanted to try and express themselves but new people will come into their lives. These events somehow delayed any chance for them to be seen as the best couple someday. Today is different; they keep still and hugging each other. Sandy could feel Alex was in tears. Sandy said to Alex that "today, this moment, you are the one I missed all along, you're the one I would not change for any one, you're the one who carried me through the years, you're the person who loved me and that I have loved even before our friends. Alex, the only reason I stayed in the city is because you're still here." Alex moved and looked at Sandy's face and said "I know Sandy, I know. It does not matter now, I am glad you still feel the same way." "So what's the plan now Sandy? You said that I am the only reason why you've stayed in the city, so where are you planning to go? Sandy lightens up and said; let’s go to San Ildefonso, I have finished the house up there. I want to work and live there. Remember the house we used to talk about? It just needs some furniture and a satellite connection and everything are set to go." Hearing about the house, Alex embraced him again and said; "Anywhere you want Sandy! Anywhere you want! Finally this coming Christmas I can celebrate it with you!" Still standing and hugging just outside the Aleza cafe, people are now walking from every direction. Some were crying looking for someone and some trying to go home. Ambulances and fire trucks also add madness in the streets. Sounds of sirens dominate the air. Lights from police cars flashes into people’s faces and showing up a city suddenly change in just one night.
At the ground level, a lot of people are hurrying up to exit the entire building. There where many people in the road. Sandy at the same time was trying to call Alex when his phone rung up and saw it was her. "Where are you now Sandy? I am already outside of the building just by the road near the 'Aleza Cafe'. Sandy said that he is going to the cafe so they could meet each other. Sandy has to press his way into the crowd, it took him at least 20 minutes before he finally saw Alex.
Upon arriving at the cafe, Alex and Sandy never had a feeling like that of needing to see each other at once. Though for sometime they where close and become long time friends, still it's different tonight. Sandy felt ultimately scared for Alex this time; he never thought that friendship was a mistake he always accepted. Now he is sure it is Alex all along. How could he have missed her all those years. Couldn't stop himself, he happily hug Alex. "How are you?" where you hurt during the evacuation? Alex on the other hand was actually nervous and crying, trying to contact Sandy by the time the earth quake struck. She was totally in-love with Sandy a long time ago. For her it was trying to accept also that they were friends and that Sandy would never try to express his interest in her. They know each other too well. They know that they have special feelings though they do not attempt to talk about it. Many times, both wanted to try and express themselves but new people will come into their lives. These events somehow delayed any chance for them to be seen as the best couple someday. Today is different; they keep still and hugging each other. Sandy could feel Alex was in tears. Sandy said to Alex that "today, this moment, you are the one I missed all along, you're the one I would not change for any one, you're the one who carried me through the years, you're the person who loved me and that I have loved even before our friends. Alex, the only reason I stayed in the city is because you're still here." Alex moved and looked at Sandy's face and said "I know Sandy, I know. It does not matter now, I am glad you still feel the same way." "So what's the plan now Sandy? You said that I am the only reason why you've stayed in the city, so where are you planning to go? Sandy lightens up and said; let’s go to San Ildefonso, I have finished the house up there. I want to work and live there. Remember the house we used to talk about? It just needs some furniture and a satellite connection and everything are set to go." Hearing about the house, Alex embraced him again and said; "Anywhere you want Sandy! Anywhere you want! Finally this coming Christmas I can celebrate it with you!" Still standing and hugging just outside the Aleza cafe, people are now walking from every direction. Some were crying looking for someone and some trying to go home. Ambulances and fire trucks also add madness in the streets. Sounds of sirens dominate the air. Lights from police cars flashes into people’s faces and showing up a city suddenly change in just one night.
Shopping in Hongkong
I have been to HongKong several times. Though not as many times as my friends have been there every now and then for great shopping. Mine was to attend a seminar and it was great because I have time to go around after dinner. In Causeway Bay, even there are a lot of men shopping; I was obviously a tourist because I keep coming back to the stalls. I needed to check the items and the prices. So I was scouting first to make sure I would have the best price. Eventually I ended up at SASA. I went back to the hotel using the subway. When I got into my room, I noticed that not all hotels provide toothbrushes. The reason maybe is for sustainability. No wonder why before I went up the hotel, there was a man in 7-eleven and his immediate destination is to get a toothbrush kit. The hotel is very near to the Red Light District just a road away. It's very convenient to find a computershop, bars, restaurant, shops, money-exchange, in Wanchai. Though there are still a lot of shopping places to go, it’s just that there is not much time for me to stay there. My second home is still Shanghai.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
586 Billion Dollars for the Middle Kingdom
It is great that the Chinese Government announced its stimulus package for the country's next two years economic stability. Some stocks did good as the announcement came from Mainland authorities.
The U.S. has a Trillion Dollar deficit for the next president of the US to handle. I hope his economic advisors will do good this time!
The U.S. has a Trillion Dollar deficit for the next president of the US to handle. I hope his economic advisors will do good this time!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Walks of Life - Sandy's New Year! (Part 2)
Sandy was earlier as expected of him. Fully geared up for the activity as people around are looking at him. People pass by giving that intimidating look as if you dress like a SWAT member. He currently holds the highest score in the city's most exciting 3D Shooting Game. It is a hero’s game where beautiful ladies have gained interest in joining. No wonder why a lot of guys also registered. Imagine young ladies captured in a battle field. The guys will have the option to save two girls in stage 1 and in stage 2 you can only choose 1 girl. The guys are divided into two groups; kidnappers versus rescuers. It is perhaps the reason they called the game "The Heroes Game."
The game was created in 2011 by a young group of college friends from the University of Mindanao. The long conflict of the southern regions ended peacefully and the whole federal states of “Maharlikans” rise above in south-east Asia (Formerly the Philippines). Inspired by the dramatic change in the life of the "Maharlikans", the group decided to create a 3D vision and physical games that could promote values and keep the young alike happy in the city.
"Sandy!" A voice he heard as the door of the train start to open. Sandy did not notice the arriving train because of the crowd. Alex is like a modern Aphrodite. She was wearing a black pants and shirt. Sandy couldn't ignore the figure Alex posses and said "I should save you right now from this wasted crowd and bring you to my fortress. I should show you my King size bed and we shall....."Oh stop it let's go! Alex grab Sandy's hands and they walk to the changing lane tunnel. She was wearing a necklace that probably Alex wear for the first time. It was a silver chain and a golden sun pendant. He could not stop noticing also the size C curves of her chest where the pendant is comfortably resting to. They run hearing the announcement that the train X06 is closing in five minutes. Boarding the train, they saw a lot of young participants for the game. Sandy and Alex look at each other smiling and excited. Sandy showed Alex his new black leather gloves and the train’s door begun to close.
The train starts to descend. The UC is at least 24 meters deep. Some said that UC is a 6 storey basement but others think there is another floor lower. The UC has been very controversial because of its former use and the issue of a 7th basement floor. The Underground City was used as a secret military underground base. They said that the 7th level connects outside of Makati and connects to a tunnel which exits both the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. The management of UC denied these controversies and even showed a film showing the far ends of UC.
At the stop, Sandy quickly walks and looks for the entrance gate. They passed the crowd of people filing up to register. Sandy holds a VIP treatment for holding a 5 times straight hero of the game. Sitting at the registration section was Nathan. "How are you man? It’s been a while Sandy! Your gun must be rusted now. Ha Ha!" Nathan accessed the VIP file system trying to locate Sandy's box number. "How about you miss?”Alex! My registration number is 2976." Nathan entered their registration numbers and the back wall suddenly opens and loading down the guns issued to Sandy and Alex. "What level are they now Nathan? Oh, they are at.....checking the monitors. at level 6 & 5." Sandy grabs the guns and gave Alex her gun. Looking at the issue number it was 1007. He couldn't remember how many awards he won in that game. It was great those days! Today is more like passing the day.
The doors opened for the next batch of rescuers. Alex tapped him by the shoulder and said "see you by the river!" Sandy smiled at her also trying to remember where the river would be. He had a strange feeling about this game. His heart was beating up fast. Two Cyborge came out and led the next troops inside the war zone. It was quiet for the moment. It was an evening with a lot of stars. There are 3 big moons in the sky. There are 2 at the east and 1 at the west. Lightning and thunderstorms change the atmosphere as rain also starts to drop down faster. Sandy could see fires at about 700 meters. Most of the troops stays together just in case there is an ambush, most of them will use each others to cover for the shots. The worst part is if a surveillance drone plane pass by and release sleeping gas.
A light spark 15 degrees north-west and most of them start running. It was a missile launch by a Cyborge guardian of the forest. It hits the group back area and exploded killing 7o people at once. Once you are registered dead, the gun issued will not function and your shoes will be magnetized so you won’t be able to run. A giant spaceship will magnetized the boots and lift the casualties in the air head down. The casualties will be brought to a chamber where they re-process for life extension. There are 130 people left in Sandy's group. He knows where the missile will fall and that's why he did not move. Alex on the other hand was captured before she even get to the river. Most of the ladies like Alex is captured for one reason and that is to become a prisoner. The truth also about the game is gambling. People outside watching the game can also choose to bet on who shall be more likely to be rescued. Alex was now one of the 4 pretty ladies being captured by the machines. The game is also watched through the internet and Cable TV. This is the reason why there are not much people in the streets from 8pm to 11pm.
To Be Continued....
The game was created in 2011 by a young group of college friends from the University of Mindanao. The long conflict of the southern regions ended peacefully and the whole federal states of “Maharlikans” rise above in south-east Asia (Formerly the Philippines). Inspired by the dramatic change in the life of the "Maharlikans", the group decided to create a 3D vision and physical games that could promote values and keep the young alike happy in the city.
"Sandy!" A voice he heard as the door of the train start to open. Sandy did not notice the arriving train because of the crowd. Alex is like a modern Aphrodite. She was wearing a black pants and shirt. Sandy couldn't ignore the figure Alex posses and said "I should save you right now from this wasted crowd and bring you to my fortress. I should show you my King size bed and we shall....."Oh stop it let's go! Alex grab Sandy's hands and they walk to the changing lane tunnel. She was wearing a necklace that probably Alex wear for the first time. It was a silver chain and a golden sun pendant. He could not stop noticing also the size C curves of her chest where the pendant is comfortably resting to. They run hearing the announcement that the train X06 is closing in five minutes. Boarding the train, they saw a lot of young participants for the game. Sandy and Alex look at each other smiling and excited. Sandy showed Alex his new black leather gloves and the train’s door begun to close.
The train starts to descend. The UC is at least 24 meters deep. Some said that UC is a 6 storey basement but others think there is another floor lower. The UC has been very controversial because of its former use and the issue of a 7th basement floor. The Underground City was used as a secret military underground base. They said that the 7th level connects outside of Makati and connects to a tunnel which exits both the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. The management of UC denied these controversies and even showed a film showing the far ends of UC.
At the stop, Sandy quickly walks and looks for the entrance gate. They passed the crowd of people filing up to register. Sandy holds a VIP treatment for holding a 5 times straight hero of the game. Sitting at the registration section was Nathan. "How are you man? It’s been a while Sandy! Your gun must be rusted now. Ha Ha!" Nathan accessed the VIP file system trying to locate Sandy's box number. "How about you miss?”Alex! My registration number is 2976." Nathan entered their registration numbers and the back wall suddenly opens and loading down the guns issued to Sandy and Alex. "What level are they now Nathan? Oh, they are at.....checking the monitors. at level 6 & 5." Sandy grabs the guns and gave Alex her gun. Looking at the issue number it was 1007. He couldn't remember how many awards he won in that game. It was great those days! Today is more like passing the day.
The doors opened for the next batch of rescuers. Alex tapped him by the shoulder and said "see you by the river!" Sandy smiled at her also trying to remember where the river would be. He had a strange feeling about this game. His heart was beating up fast. Two Cyborge came out and led the next troops inside the war zone. It was quiet for the moment. It was an evening with a lot of stars. There are 3 big moons in the sky. There are 2 at the east and 1 at the west. Lightning and thunderstorms change the atmosphere as rain also starts to drop down faster. Sandy could see fires at about 700 meters. Most of the troops stays together just in case there is an ambush, most of them will use each others to cover for the shots. The worst part is if a surveillance drone plane pass by and release sleeping gas.
A light spark 15 degrees north-west and most of them start running. It was a missile launch by a Cyborge guardian of the forest. It hits the group back area and exploded killing 7o people at once. Once you are registered dead, the gun issued will not function and your shoes will be magnetized so you won’t be able to run. A giant spaceship will magnetized the boots and lift the casualties in the air head down. The casualties will be brought to a chamber where they re-process for life extension. There are 130 people left in Sandy's group. He knows where the missile will fall and that's why he did not move. Alex on the other hand was captured before she even get to the river. Most of the ladies like Alex is captured for one reason and that is to become a prisoner. The truth also about the game is gambling. People outside watching the game can also choose to bet on who shall be more likely to be rescued. Alex was now one of the 4 pretty ladies being captured by the machines. The game is also watched through the internet and Cable TV. This is the reason why there are not much people in the streets from 8pm to 11pm.
To Be Continued....
Thursday, November 6, 2008
President Obama
Congratulations to President Barak Obama! Wish him well in his journey in solving the economic situations, lift back the free spirit and create peace across the globe!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Color of Things
Red is the color of life as blood relates to death...
Black & White is the beginning of things.
Chaos has a color for general unity, while unity has different colors.
Grey is a shade in-between, a balance into nothingness.
Orange is a color for direction while beige is a color for balance.
Green is a color for energy and a re-start for everything.
Blue is a color of heat and cold.
Violet is the opposite of weakness but a color for sadness.
Yellow is a color of secrecy, you'll never know what's real and what's not.
Brown is a color of a few, unpopular and forgotten.
Black & White is the beginning of things.
Chaos has a color for general unity, while unity has different colors.
Grey is a shade in-between, a balance into nothingness.
Orange is a color for direction while beige is a color for balance.
Green is a color for energy and a re-start for everything.
Blue is a color of heat and cold.
Violet is the opposite of weakness but a color for sadness.
Yellow is a color of secrecy, you'll never know what's real and what's not.
Brown is a color of a few, unpopular and forgotten.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)
I always wanted to write stories. I would like to start with Sandy’s walks of life…..
Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)
There were those times when Sandy wake up everyday feeling numb and couldn’t hear a thing about what’s happening around. Light from the window partially entering the bedroom, shadows moving in his face as the wind from the air-conditioner move the curtains. He thought to himself “I have to stand up and have breakfast.” Actually it’s already in the afternoon; so much time was wasted in the morning.
In the kitchen, coffee is the king of all smells. The unmistakable aroma of coffee brings life back into the world. Mesmerizing that today is a living day for humans alike. Couldn’t grab a bite of 2-day old bread, Sandy sat down and turned on his laptop. As he switches on the DSL, he thought that a wild current suddenly connects into the world’s information. Browsing through the news and favorite sites, Sandy couldn’t stop but trying to avoid thinking about next week’s work. Today is Saturday and he needs to enjoy that. Some clothes are still hanging in the kitchen chairs. The bathroom door is partially open; he also forgot to turn off the light in the shower last night. What a waste! He thought as he wonders where the utility bills are for this month. “Buzz” a common sound that chat rooms use to say hello. Here they are checking in, family and friends of the internet age. What small world it has become, internet connecting far away friends and love ones. Small as he compares to his studio type condo.
It lasted for several hours…..well it ended after 5pm and Sandy needed to go shopping for a week’s consumption. In the City-shop, a dozen friends also showed up. Amazing he thought, why would they be around that time also? Dinner would take place after buying the goods. The fast food areas would be a fun place to chat with friends. It’s another 2-3 hours before everyone will split. It’s not yet goodbye since they would probably bump into each others in the bars tonight.
“Hey Sandy!” a voice seems familiar yet couldn’t remember a name for her. As he glances to his left, it was Alex. “Hi Alex, how’s last night at the bar? Sorry I have to slip out early, I need to be at another place.” Remembering, he wonders what happened to the wasted young people he left at a friends’ house.
“It was boring, couldn’t get out, some friends set me up on a blind date wit a city engineer. You should have waited a little bit, guess who showed up when you vanished? It’s Lucy!” Sandy felt his heart running into his old feelings, grasping back he said “how is she?” Alex smiles back and said that she looks fine.
It’s been two years now since Sandy and Lucy broke up and eventually did not get married. Alex sat down beside him and asked “what is that you’re eating?” “Pork with some orange extract and honey I think.”
“I sent you an email last night did you see it today? If you’re interested I will arrange a meeting in their office. They are a big advertising company here in Makati and the southern federal states. Loisa is our contact person and she will introduce you to their marketing director Miss Ivy. What do you think?” Drinking up his milk-tea he said thanks and hoping to arrange a presentation of his services. “Do you think I should try this out? “Well of course Sandy, you’re very strong in design and you should not stick only in sub-contracting Cad-Drawings and programming. You’re a great designer and I know your graphic skills, it’s too far better than what their company is producing right now. I am sure you’ll end up well with them!”
“I am really thankful Alex for your support!” Sandy is once the most talkative and energetic guy in the city. Almost anywhere he would surely know someone especially at the bars. Alex stayed as a close friend of him; they were old colleagues in a big planning and architectural firm. Just after the 2014 Government Federalization, Alex moved to the government service while Sandy does home based work. It’s actually an Ideal job, using a laptop at home with a good sat-link, that’s how Sandy earns a lot of money for just 4 hours a day.
Sandy met Lucy in one of his architectural clients. Just after two years they were engaged. Lucy was a project coordinator during that time. When she got promoted as a project architect, life became tough for both of them. After 3 years more, Sandy tried to convince Lucy to quit her work and be a consultant like him. But it was not that easy for Lucy, she was up for promotion and besides she really liked her job. Lucy also became a project architect for international projects which made life harder for both of them. Lucy opened up to Sandy and told him that they may be going nowhere because of the situation. Sandy understood Lucy’s dream and sadly-Sandy said goodbye to each other. Next month is New Year’s Day and it feels like a mystical year to be in 2020.
“What are you having Alex? Just drinks?” Surely, in the back of Sandy’s mind is Alex aura, she was a hot-talented-intelligent-funny girl also, a hot headed one. Well she looks more amazing when she’s mad. “Oh its milk gulaman it’s pretty sweet, you should try it", Alex said. "Thanks, I already ate, I just saw you when I passed by.”
“Where are you going after this Alex? Would you like to go to the underground city tonight? Smiling back at him she said that she’ll be free around 8pm and would love to go with him half pass 8pm. “Ok then, let’s meet in subway #8 at 8:30pm and we’ll go together in UC.” Alex stood up and waived goodbye for now. “See yah there and don’t be late for 1 minute or I will go my self.” Sandy pointed at her liked shooting with a pistol. “See yah there tonight!”
To be continued……
Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)
There were those times when Sandy wake up everyday feeling numb and couldn’t hear a thing about what’s happening around. Light from the window partially entering the bedroom, shadows moving in his face as the wind from the air-conditioner move the curtains. He thought to himself “I have to stand up and have breakfast.” Actually it’s already in the afternoon; so much time was wasted in the morning.
In the kitchen, coffee is the king of all smells. The unmistakable aroma of coffee brings life back into the world. Mesmerizing that today is a living day for humans alike. Couldn’t grab a bite of 2-day old bread, Sandy sat down and turned on his laptop. As he switches on the DSL, he thought that a wild current suddenly connects into the world’s information. Browsing through the news and favorite sites, Sandy couldn’t stop but trying to avoid thinking about next week’s work. Today is Saturday and he needs to enjoy that. Some clothes are still hanging in the kitchen chairs. The bathroom door is partially open; he also forgot to turn off the light in the shower last night. What a waste! He thought as he wonders where the utility bills are for this month. “Buzz” a common sound that chat rooms use to say hello. Here they are checking in, family and friends of the internet age. What small world it has become, internet connecting far away friends and love ones. Small as he compares to his studio type condo.
It lasted for several hours…..well it ended after 5pm and Sandy needed to go shopping for a week’s consumption. In the City-shop, a dozen friends also showed up. Amazing he thought, why would they be around that time also? Dinner would take place after buying the goods. The fast food areas would be a fun place to chat with friends. It’s another 2-3 hours before everyone will split. It’s not yet goodbye since they would probably bump into each others in the bars tonight.
“Hey Sandy!” a voice seems familiar yet couldn’t remember a name for her. As he glances to his left, it was Alex. “Hi Alex, how’s last night at the bar? Sorry I have to slip out early, I need to be at another place.” Remembering, he wonders what happened to the wasted young people he left at a friends’ house.
“It was boring, couldn’t get out, some friends set me up on a blind date wit a city engineer. You should have waited a little bit, guess who showed up when you vanished? It’s Lucy!” Sandy felt his heart running into his old feelings, grasping back he said “how is she?” Alex smiles back and said that she looks fine.
It’s been two years now since Sandy and Lucy broke up and eventually did not get married. Alex sat down beside him and asked “what is that you’re eating?” “Pork with some orange extract and honey I think.”
“I sent you an email last night did you see it today? If you’re interested I will arrange a meeting in their office. They are a big advertising company here in Makati and the southern federal states. Loisa is our contact person and she will introduce you to their marketing director Miss Ivy. What do you think?” Drinking up his milk-tea he said thanks and hoping to arrange a presentation of his services. “Do you think I should try this out? “Well of course Sandy, you’re very strong in design and you should not stick only in sub-contracting Cad-Drawings and programming. You’re a great designer and I know your graphic skills, it’s too far better than what their company is producing right now. I am sure you’ll end up well with them!”
“I am really thankful Alex for your support!” Sandy is once the most talkative and energetic guy in the city. Almost anywhere he would surely know someone especially at the bars. Alex stayed as a close friend of him; they were old colleagues in a big planning and architectural firm. Just after the 2014 Government Federalization, Alex moved to the government service while Sandy does home based work. It’s actually an Ideal job, using a laptop at home with a good sat-link, that’s how Sandy earns a lot of money for just 4 hours a day.
Sandy met Lucy in one of his architectural clients. Just after two years they were engaged. Lucy was a project coordinator during that time. When she got promoted as a project architect, life became tough for both of them. After 3 years more, Sandy tried to convince Lucy to quit her work and be a consultant like him. But it was not that easy for Lucy, she was up for promotion and besides she really liked her job. Lucy also became a project architect for international projects which made life harder for both of them. Lucy opened up to Sandy and told him that they may be going nowhere because of the situation. Sandy understood Lucy’s dream and sadly-Sandy said goodbye to each other. Next month is New Year’s Day and it feels like a mystical year to be in 2020.
“What are you having Alex? Just drinks?” Surely, in the back of Sandy’s mind is Alex aura, she was a hot-talented-intelligent-funny girl also, a hot headed one. Well she looks more amazing when she’s mad. “Oh its milk gulaman it’s pretty sweet, you should try it", Alex said. "Thanks, I already ate, I just saw you when I passed by.”
“Where are you going after this Alex? Would you like to go to the underground city tonight? Smiling back at him she said that she’ll be free around 8pm and would love to go with him half pass 8pm. “Ok then, let’s meet in subway #8 at 8:30pm and we’ll go together in UC.” Alex stood up and waived goodbye for now. “See yah there and don’t be late for 1 minute or I will go my self.” Sandy pointed at her liked shooting with a pistol. “See yah there tonight!”
To be continued……
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Looking Back 01
Sometime last year, my daughter took a photo of me in a now closed restaurant in Shanghai...he he he.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Vindicated
Have you had that situation where you feel all the blames are set on you? Even though people around you are saying that it is not you’re fault, still there’s that feeling of anxiety. Yet, in the back of your mind, maybe they are saying that just to comfort you.
Guilt over runs your mind and bothers you a lot everyday. You want to talk to the right person but it would feel that you’ll be accepting that you had done something wrong on the matter. Several days would pass and the horror of loosing your confidence as a good employee would fade in the shadows.
I have done nothing in a situation that I cannot control. I try to convince my self as my friends told me so. I waited until the day we’ll have a meeting to discuss the situation. And yesterday, I woke up in the morning with less intense feeling of the matter. Then we had a meeting and I said this is it. In the opening of the meeting they mentioned what happened. The second thing they said was to comfort me that it was not my fault and that absolutely I have not done anything wrong. They said, as old timers, they have been there many times and that it happens.
I guess sometimes that not to say anything is best when you’re trusted friends and love ones told you not to worry. Great is the feeling that you passed something and regained more confidence in thy self.
Guilt over runs your mind and bothers you a lot everyday. You want to talk to the right person but it would feel that you’ll be accepting that you had done something wrong on the matter. Several days would pass and the horror of loosing your confidence as a good employee would fade in the shadows.
I have done nothing in a situation that I cannot control. I try to convince my self as my friends told me so. I waited until the day we’ll have a meeting to discuss the situation. And yesterday, I woke up in the morning with less intense feeling of the matter. Then we had a meeting and I said this is it. In the opening of the meeting they mentioned what happened. The second thing they said was to comfort me that it was not my fault and that absolutely I have not done anything wrong. They said, as old timers, they have been there many times and that it happens.
I guess sometimes that not to say anything is best when you’re trusted friends and love ones told you not to worry. Great is the feeling that you passed something and regained more confidence in thy self.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A financial Depression…
Imagine what the U.S. financial crisis did to world market? It affected everyone who had investments in banks. The un-controlled panic in the stock markets made everything worse. In times of financial meltdown, the stock market cannot save it self. It basically needs each government to help its own financially. What kind of market that we are engaging therefore if just one nation can ultimately alter the global market. Most of the stocks are not insured, therefore there is no guarantee in the beginning. Still, how can these fundamentals of the market be acceptable? Now, all rich nations had to act for the sake of saving the global market and even there own. By the way, whose money are they using? Oh yah, it’s the peoples money saving the peoples market
It is clear now, that to be globally active is to be globally risk aware. The domino effects of global market fallout are human in nature. For those who have seen this type of crisis may have well survived it. I don’t know how they cope with the financial crisis in their own means. For me, I realized there should be a personal “crisis shelter” to fall back. The Crisis Shelter is a place where you:
a. A place to fall back to forget the global chaos and relax for sometime. Of course you’ll need little money to pay for utility bills. Probably a back-garden to get vegetables to save on food cost and a hobby to let time past while being productive. Or better yet, invent a sustainable house and share with others.
b. Do not only depend on bank products to earn on risky stocks or funds. If you already have stocks just don’t panic. Study your options carefully before deciding on what to do with the investments. It’s investment anyway, so forget about it so you’ll have no further headache. Just kidding!
c. Create your own insurance. Where you will save your money is your secret now. Well, if you have good ideas let me know! If there is only a tree that produces a lot of fruits all year round non-stop, I will plant one right now.
d. Do not only rely on fund managers or the market experts, trust you’re self since it’s your money and no one will insure you money anyway. Look at what happened to this crisis, how much hard end money is now lost because of stocks value went down crazily.
e. Scatter you’re money as if like a child who knows where to get back his stocks of cookies under the pillow when the time he wants to eat it.
f. Develop a habit of saving money, a stock of rice, a stock of flour, or even a stock of resiliency of the heart. Just don’t become an illegal hoarder.
g. Don’t worry much of the future since you cannot literally use your money when all you need is love.
It is clear now, that to be globally active is to be globally risk aware. The domino effects of global market fallout are human in nature. For those who have seen this type of crisis may have well survived it. I don’t know how they cope with the financial crisis in their own means. For me, I realized there should be a personal “crisis shelter” to fall back. The Crisis Shelter is a place where you:
a. A place to fall back to forget the global chaos and relax for sometime. Of course you’ll need little money to pay for utility bills. Probably a back-garden to get vegetables to save on food cost and a hobby to let time past while being productive. Or better yet, invent a sustainable house and share with others.
b. Do not only depend on bank products to earn on risky stocks or funds. If you already have stocks just don’t panic. Study your options carefully before deciding on what to do with the investments. It’s investment anyway, so forget about it so you’ll have no further headache. Just kidding!
c. Create your own insurance. Where you will save your money is your secret now. Well, if you have good ideas let me know! If there is only a tree that produces a lot of fruits all year round non-stop, I will plant one right now.
d. Do not only rely on fund managers or the market experts, trust you’re self since it’s your money and no one will insure you money anyway. Look at what happened to this crisis, how much hard end money is now lost because of stocks value went down crazily.
e. Scatter you’re money as if like a child who knows where to get back his stocks of cookies under the pillow when the time he wants to eat it.
f. Develop a habit of saving money, a stock of rice, a stock of flour, or even a stock of resiliency of the heart. Just don’t become an illegal hoarder.
g. Don’t worry much of the future since you cannot literally use your money when all you need is love.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Health Checkups & Medicines
The best way to monitor health and the idea of saving lots of money is to have a family type doctor. The doctor can be a family friend, an old classmate, a relative, or your trusted town doctor. An annual general physical and laboratory test is highly recommended. I learned this when I became an OFW in 2003. I regularly have an annual medical checkup abroad. I also do a general blood test every time I have a chance when I am back at home.
Knowing the levels of your cholesterol or glucose and the likes, gives us the power to balance our diet. We can be more convinced what food we should avoid and what are alternatives to craves. Achieving knowledge and control avoid the risk of getting sick and eventually reduce the cost of medical expense. In other matters, having a family doctor gives us a cost-effective medicine.
There are over the counter medicines for headaches, colds, and fever. What if your headaches are caused by clustered headaches and not by sinusitis? When we start overdosing the use of these meds, our liver and maybe other parts of the body suffers. Just make sure you eat something before taking the drugs.
Well, all of these are not enough of course, we need exercise etc. It can be a simple city walk, a run in the park, and sport activities with friends. In my hometown, a doctor’s checkup fee would be 7USD/300PHP, a general blood laboratory test is 14USD/600PHP, and chest x-ray is at 8USD/350-500PHP.
A clean environment is also a big factor; this is one reason that good urbanization has to come in. Redevelopment and or rejuvenations of old towns and cities are large steps in securing a cleaner and functional environment. If we start by analyzing just a household, what happens when pest like mice or cockroach start touching your plates, glass or spoons? Imagine the bacteria that will be transferred to your body system. How about mice that just eaten poisoned food from neighbors and had crawled to your cooking utensils? The cost of getting sick is increasing as one infects the other family members. The mood in the home changes as it tends for everyone to be quiet because someone is sick. Someone has to get up every 4 hours or 5 hours because medicines have to be given to the sick. There are physical sacrifices aside from emotional stress.
Of course and I agree that a family’s love will overcome everything but prevention is better than surprises.
Knowing the levels of your cholesterol or glucose and the likes, gives us the power to balance our diet. We can be more convinced what food we should avoid and what are alternatives to craves. Achieving knowledge and control avoid the risk of getting sick and eventually reduce the cost of medical expense. In other matters, having a family doctor gives us a cost-effective medicine.
There are over the counter medicines for headaches, colds, and fever. What if your headaches are caused by clustered headaches and not by sinusitis? When we start overdosing the use of these meds, our liver and maybe other parts of the body suffers. Just make sure you eat something before taking the drugs.
Well, all of these are not enough of course, we need exercise etc. It can be a simple city walk, a run in the park, and sport activities with friends. In my hometown, a doctor’s checkup fee would be 7USD/300PHP, a general blood laboratory test is 14USD/600PHP, and chest x-ray is at 8USD/350-500PHP.
A clean environment is also a big factor; this is one reason that good urbanization has to come in. Redevelopment and or rejuvenations of old towns and cities are large steps in securing a cleaner and functional environment. If we start by analyzing just a household, what happens when pest like mice or cockroach start touching your plates, glass or spoons? Imagine the bacteria that will be transferred to your body system. How about mice that just eaten poisoned food from neighbors and had crawled to your cooking utensils? The cost of getting sick is increasing as one infects the other family members. The mood in the home changes as it tends for everyone to be quiet because someone is sick. Someone has to get up every 4 hours or 5 hours because medicines have to be given to the sick. There are physical sacrifices aside from emotional stress.
Of course and I agree that a family’s love will overcome everything but prevention is better than surprises.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Financial Planning 101
1. Love your Job, don’t get fired and be smart when there’s a global recession.
2. Find extra income if possible, setup a small business, or create passive income investment. Probably borrow money from your parents because there’s no interest.
3. Save 20-30% of your income automatically, then you can budget the rest for the monthly expenses. Check with your wife because she does the shopping.
4. Prioritize payment hierarchy from credit cards to phone bills to mortgages. By the way how many cards do you have?
5. If you have kids, it’s better to have insurance or educational plans. Make sure also that your policies are insured. How many kids are you planning? You should check with your wife because she may want more than 5 kids!
6. Check your pot; make sure you have more assets than expenses and liabilities. Know what “needs” from “wants” are.
7. Continue your SSS, it is still a good source for retirement fund and insurance.
8. Have your wife continue her Phil-health; the contribution is small but big hospitalization reimbursements.
9. You can invest in hard assets like; real estate, gold, collector stuffs that has appreciating value for future cash convert ion needs.
10. Don’t get sick; take 1000mg of vitamin C a day.
11. If you get extra money and or bonuses, you can be prudent and invest it or saved it. I suggest spend the money in your own country with your love ones and be happy. You deserved it! If the bonus is small then something is wrong.
12. Create a fund, an amount accumulated from your monthly budget that can be used in helping needy relatives, the desire to donate disaster victims, etc. It’s like the “tithes”. Once you’ve done it for several years you’ll know who’s deserved to help more; others or you’re self.
2. Find extra income if possible, setup a small business, or create passive income investment. Probably borrow money from your parents because there’s no interest.
3. Save 20-30% of your income automatically, then you can budget the rest for the monthly expenses. Check with your wife because she does the shopping.
4. Prioritize payment hierarchy from credit cards to phone bills to mortgages. By the way how many cards do you have?
5. If you have kids, it’s better to have insurance or educational plans. Make sure also that your policies are insured. How many kids are you planning? You should check with your wife because she may want more than 5 kids!
6. Check your pot; make sure you have more assets than expenses and liabilities. Know what “needs” from “wants” are.
7. Continue your SSS, it is still a good source for retirement fund and insurance.
8. Have your wife continue her Phil-health; the contribution is small but big hospitalization reimbursements.
9. You can invest in hard assets like; real estate, gold, collector stuffs that has appreciating value for future cash convert ion needs.
10. Don’t get sick; take 1000mg of vitamin C a day.
11. If you get extra money and or bonuses, you can be prudent and invest it or saved it. I suggest spend the money in your own country with your love ones and be happy. You deserved it! If the bonus is small then something is wrong.
12. Create a fund, an amount accumulated from your monthly budget that can be used in helping needy relatives, the desire to donate disaster victims, etc. It’s like the “tithes”. Once you’ve done it for several years you’ll know who’s deserved to help more; others or you’re self.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Pavement…
Cultural identity and remembrance from the Forbidden City to Ming Tomb to the Olympic Park grand pavement detail………
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday in Shanghai……
It is a little gloomy outside because of smog and rain showers. Fall is on its way and the cold temperature is early again. Five years ago the temperature will come almost as expected. Now, and for the last two years it’s seem so early for fall and winter to come. One would wonder, in everything that is happening in the warming up of the world, is the north pole ice melting is one big reason. The last two winters is not that cold. I don’t need to wear any gloves. I don’t even need to use thick winter jackets anymore. However, I may be wrong this winter year. If this time it snow again, then winter will be a tough wet and icy streets again in Shanghai. Well, I like the winter but not really the hail-like-snow.
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Thursday, October 2, 2008
Home School
This morning as I start the morning with my routine internet searches, beside me is my eldest daughter working her Math Skills.
I am really surprised on her curriculum, its advanced compare to what I learned during elementary days. When friends ask me about it, I would typically say that it’s great and successful as of now. It is very challenging and you would really need a full time mommy or daddy teacher for this kind of teaching programs.
Home schooling offers a multitude of benefits and other opportunities like: it is a distant learning, mobile for an OFW family, one-on-one teaching or small group, fast-pace learning opportunity, actual learning experience, advance learning experience, child is not afraid to ask questions because of teacher-parents, you can adjust teaching methods according to child pace or way of learning, they are safe at home, balanced sleep & play, cost-management, and a lot more. For common issues like social interactions, parents have to find the child some group activities, join clubs or outdoor programs.
So far it’s great as long as the child listens. It is really challenging and you learn more about your child as she/he grows up. She learns how to open up her emotions or way of thinking to parent and even to other people.
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I am really surprised on her curriculum, its advanced compare to what I learned during elementary days. When friends ask me about it, I would typically say that it’s great and successful as of now. It is very challenging and you would really need a full time mommy or daddy teacher for this kind of teaching programs.
Home schooling offers a multitude of benefits and other opportunities like: it is a distant learning, mobile for an OFW family, one-on-one teaching or small group, fast-pace learning opportunity, actual learning experience, advance learning experience, child is not afraid to ask questions because of teacher-parents, you can adjust teaching methods according to child pace or way of learning, they are safe at home, balanced sleep & play, cost-management, and a lot more. For common issues like social interactions, parents have to find the child some group activities, join clubs or outdoor programs.
So far it’s great as long as the child listens. It is really challenging and you learn more about your child as she/he grows up. She learns how to open up her emotions or way of thinking to parent and even to other people.
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Same Old Faces and Problems….
There they are again, same old political faces making notice that they will be running for the 2010 presidential election in the
I came back one time in 2004; well my bet lost it…….
It’s true what they say, that you need to be an outsider for a while to see the beauty or what not of a place you’ve been. I would say that life back home is still layback. Still a lot of regions with internal conflicts, lack of bridge-road infrastructures, and transport like high speed trains to connect the north and the south, a high KW/hour from power suppliers and generators, basic food still high, land & housing expensive, survival had turn most Filipinos to work abroad. I don’t have a survey of how many people would like to go abroad but I can guess there would be more than half of the working class.
What kind of a president we need? Based on the hard experiences that the Filipinos had starting from: Spanish Rule, Japanese Occupation, American Liberation, Marshall Rule and Edsa people powers, what we need is a president who can appoint leaders who are professional in the different departments of government. We need a president who knows how to “discipline” the country, a president that can be fearful yet loved by the masses, someone who can bridge the country as one.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
scary days.....
Milk scare! Toy leaded scare! Diabetic beverages, pesticides in fruits & vegetables, city air pollution, dirty water, high inflation, cancerous products, global warming, global recession, over population, and other stuffs are just everything we are using or living with….I wonder what else next…I hope there are good news too…….I should find those good news stuff, its better also for the hearth & mind!
and then there was Light........
Was seven days a 24hour thing or a billion years per day? Imagine the dilemma of thinking who or what creates what to understand when the time starts? Maybe there was no time at all.
Anyway, we are not asked to prove it but we try to understand it. I wonder why the earth can survive and heal it self? The eco-system depends on each other while humans only depend to all of it: the earth. If the earth can survive by it self and how do humans see’s it self as part of it now?
Many people ask to save the planet or to save human beings? Imagine the long history of us who passed by this so called world! Is it possible to combine belief with science now? Or human knowledge is limited against what we have here in the planet?
Whoooooooooo……….
Yeah! Your right living the best of it is better than possibly thinking about these stuffs and which is why I am going to pass by like you are………
Anyway, we are not asked to prove it but we try to understand it. I wonder why the earth can survive and heal it self? The eco-system depends on each other while humans only depend to all of it: the earth. If the earth can survive by it self and how do humans see’s it self as part of it now?
Many people ask to save the planet or to save human beings? Imagine the long history of us who passed by this so called world! Is it possible to combine belief with science now? Or human knowledge is limited against what we have here in the planet?
Whoooooooooo……….
Yeah! Your right living the best of it is better than possibly thinking about these stuffs and which is why I am going to pass by like you are………
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