My Earth Hour

I first heard of Earth Hour at Twitter.com.
I can still remember who invited me for Earth Hour at Facebook.com, it was my twitter buddy, Gretchen. Honestly, I don't know anything about it not till I ask some twitter buds. Out of that moment, I suggested to DT (Dailytwitter), what if we ask some twitter friends all over the globe to take one shot of their Earth Hour celebration. We aim to get 10 but sadly because of short noticed, we got 5 pictures from different people.

My very own Earth Hour celebration is to take snap shots of different establishments participating in the said event. Sadly, none of which that are near to where I am turned off their lights for Earth Hour. My date is also an airhead which made my whole evening useless and unproductive.

If I could have known earlier then I would have prepared for it very well. It's not my event though, it is just that some people never care anymore. I can't just say the whole Davao did not participate, that would be unfair for those who silently celebrated Earth Hour in their individual homes.

I hope one day when there will be a worldwide event like this and we all know it does not consume much of our energy and time, I do hope we contribute somehow. I mean, this is for the earth we are living in.

Sparta

Courtesy of Teri (Facebook)

I love Google Maps

Person: Shawn G. (a.k.a. Spider Man)
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia

Choose to Live Life to the fullest

Mediocrity isn't at root a national problem nor a corporate or institutional problem; nor a departmental problem... You see, mediocrity is first, a personal trait, a personal concession to less than our best.... Mediocrity always begins with me!
(from: John Maxwell's Book, You're Road Map to Success. I call this; You're Road Map to what you want)

Most of the times, we ask for something in one snap of a finger. We ask other people to do something for us only because the other could not give it to us. And we limit ourself from that corner because you don't want to let go with what we got used to.

Any one resist to change. Any one resist to commit. Any one resist to acknowledge that sometimes they have to step up so the others can follow. And most of the time, when we resist change, we look for something that will somehow gives us temporary solitude.

It is right to do that for humans are not perfect. We do not rule everything that is within the reach of your arm nor within the reach of your sight.

Everyday is a choice. There is no shortcuts to anyplace worth going. If you want something go get it but don't think you can get it easily. You can not dedicate yourself to pursuing pleasure and make genuine progress in your personal growth at the same time. You have to choose one or the other.

When I am in that situation, I normally confronts the other so I can choose better and rightful decision. For if I just let time control my future, there will never be any goals achieved. I'd rather get hurt now than endure hurt forever.

You pay a price for getting stronger.
You pay a price for getting faster.
You pay a price for jumping higher.
But also, you pay a price for staying just the same.

Sweet One Week

I am happy
And busy
But you made me happy
and happier when you drop that line

So much to be true
But why not
Nothing is wrong with it
I'm too dreamy, am I?

Oopps!
"I love you so much"
Damn!
"Is that for real"

Ok
"I love you too"
Darn!
There I go again.

Don't get into fucked up situation young lady!
Of course, he never mean that!
He's fooling around!
Reality check ------ it is true.

"So you want me to choose?"
"No it is up to you'
Of course, he won't!
And he will never do that

Ding, Dong.
Special delivery
I love reality TV
Tells you to wake up

On the first floor.
Wanting to go to the second floor.
Let see...
Guess, you have to use the stairs again.

(This is how I describe the one week with you.)

Sticking to the Budget

The story starts from applying for a job. After a couple of job interviews, you're HIRED! Oooohhh, yeah. Enjoys your starting salary for you are a single, and since you are single, you spend like from left to right. You thought your salary is big enough for a single person. After a small chit chat with yourself, you told yourself that the 30th of the month is coming up so you will just borrow money from friends and pay them on pay day. Sounds perfect!

Tell me who among you are actually doing it because you deserve a high five? Some may tell me now, "I did that last month."

I know it's hard to do the new year's resolution of sticking to the budget and save. I know that this post is easier said than done. This happens to me too. So that's explains we are human.

In the past 4 months, I tried this simple ways to stick to my budget.

1. I don't do groceries. Whenever my friend would go to the grocery store, I list down what I need and then put a price at the right corner, add them all and just give him the money. If ever the money is not enough, I told him not to buy the last item at the bottom. First on the list are always the priority for I need those items.

2. I sold my car long time ago and I learn to appreciate riding public utility vehicles. It saves a lot of money.

3. Bring your own food for lunch. Or if you eat out, learn to eat veggies and fruits only. No rice please.

4. Don't watch TV commercials.

5. Don't go for window shopping or even go to the malls to eat.

6. Treat yourself on pay day. Only buy those what you really need.

7. Love yourself. It is for your own good.

I will not tell you I was 100% obedient to this cycle but if you will take a look at my bank statement, I guess I was because I see the big difference now.

One last tip, don't make your bank statement fool you. This time you have to be a great actor of pretending your savings are not improving. It will help you not to withdraw some money.

Tragic Saga of the Other Woman

I like to read blog posts from other people especially those that write whatever it is on their mind.

I love the way Spike talks about the other woman. I also would like to suggest that Spike would also talk about those who are cheating. I am aware the whole post was Spike's advices to a woman who is having intimate romance with a married guy. So whether you are the other woman, the wife, the girlfriend or you know someone who is into this illegal relationship, read Spike's whole article here.

Here are some things that would probably struck you.

"........you freely entered into this relationhip with a full knowledge of the circumstances (ie. that he was married and that he was just looking to get his rocks off), so you really have no right to try to change the rules now.......

........that even a whore should be a professional whore, so that means you should say nothing. Just because the two of you have developed a level of intimacy and you have some twisted fantasy of building a life with this guy gives you no right to try to switch things up on him. That’s the cross the other woman has to bear. You don’t fuck with the guy’s real life.

..........You’re helping this guy cheat

.......because if everyone abdicates their own personal responsibility for good taste we court the apocalypse.

.........If you stop smoking this guy’s sausage it’s not going to stop him from looking, and its not going to stop some other hungry homo from taking your place, but you will no longer be contributing to the problem. It would be the moral choice.

........you’re just an asshole and you really need to spend some time thinking about why you make the evil choices you do. Or maybe you’re just a submissive little piggy who gets off on servicing guys. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are plenty of big-dicked, sexy, single gay and “straight” guys out there looking for some action, so why not find one

.......But it’s your choice. You can either do the right thing, or you can continue being a greedy

Computer Mediated Communication

It is the "in-thing". I don't know of anyone that does not know of what computer is. Amazing it is to see younger generation be exposed to computers so much and yet, they are also exposed to what I call "Bad Elements" in the internet. In return, the ability for a human being to react to what is real is somehow not being applied to computer mediated communications.

My love for computers started with Lotus application. Then there's hangman. There's Mario Teaches Typing. Then Yahoo Mail is there. Bill Gates as a millionaire because of Microsoft. There's Hotmail and so many other sites. Chat rooms are available to talk to someone on any place on the planet (I guess only to those with computers). Then there are social networking sites for us on the Web 2.0. No doubt, every time there is a new site it either give us what we want or it gives us headache.

Almost all of us who spend more than 8 hours in front of the computer knows what a chat room can do for us and what a chat room can do against us. The benefits can be are the following.

1. Teaches me to type fast.
2. Learn English the easiest way.
3. Able to know what the culture of this and that country.
4. Able to exchange ideas about anything.
5. ( and more if you may want to add)

While this are the disadvantages.

1. Pedophiles take advantage of younger kids. (It's a fact!)
2. You could not determine emotions whether he or she was angry or not. As humans, we normally read what's between the line and it is where miscommunication started.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is a medical condition where a nerve is compressed at the wrist leading to pain.
4. (Other things need not be mentioned)

In my case, I spend more than 12 hours in front of the computer. If there is a gym buff, I am a computer+internet buff. I am a very chatty person and indeed my speed in typing is quite fast. Since, social networking sites are available, I don't spend time in public chat rooms anymore. Normally, when I talk to this person for like 3-5 consecutive days, miscommunication begins. I don't blame the other to misunderstood me and no matter how many times I try to rephrase what I said to be understood the most humane way possible, I still get misinterpreted or vice versa. Still, it is a computer mediated communication and the more talk the more mistake. It is like, I am trying to explain and it is still not clear to the other end, and the more I try to explain the bigger the hole of misunderstanding.

Since I get to experience that first hand, I would like to advice a actual social gathering, meet person to person, and use the e-social gathering, meet cam to cam or mic to mic. It has to be balanced for if not, you might lose a friend that might be a lifetime to keep.

If it is not clear to you then ask and vice versa.

Spring in Canada

(Photos are taken by Leprechaun in Canada)

Idiot's Grave

Idiot was originally created to refer to a person without professional skill. Over time the word "Idiot" was shifted to the original meaning and came to refer to individuals with overall bad judgment–individuals who are "stupid".

It maybe a stupid thing for you but not for others. I am completely aware that some of the great people are called stupid in their times but their works are applauded today. I think they don't care at all.

"Any man can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his error"

I guess having stupidity is not bad at all. I mean, as human, we are just scared of stepping up because we know that we will be laughed at when we mess up. Don't that make us human at all? We all know humans are not the perfect being, so it is ok to be stupid.

"Here is the Idiot's Grave. May he rest in peace."

(I like Calvin and Hobbes. I think sometimes what they do are stupid)

Broken Road

I don't know if you really follow every post that I have published on this blog. If you do, I have posted a song "Blessed the Broken Road". Here's the lyric to that song. And this post is for someone out there that made me smile these past few days. Hoping that this someone will make me smile everyday.

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I'm not perfect. I do get my ups and downs. I was playing smart that I was able to get through all adversities. Life with family, with friends, with work, with anything that revolve around me. My broken road somehow made it easy for me. Met few people that made me smile. Also met someone who made me happy and happier the next day. I do pray they won't change. I am definitely considering something and this will make me happy.

My Unholy Holy Week

Holy Week started with Palm Sunday. If you are able to remember the history, Palm Sunday or the Passion of Sunday, is the entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. Then there's Maundy Thursday, which is the institution of Communion and the betrayal of Judas. This is the memorable washing of the feet. Then there is Good Friday, the day Jesus died. Black Saturday is the day Jesus rested in his grave. And Easter Sunday, time for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

I spent my Holy Week at home with my Auntie, and two nephews with their Nannies. Talked to my dear friend Myrna for it is her birthday. Talked to someone special too over Yahoo Messenger. Read some books and watched Disney Channel 24 hours. Not to mention I did some thinking about my life. It is not your typical Holy Week isn't it? My unholy Holy Week indeed.

I don't think Holy Week is the only time to contemplate and ask for forgiveness. There maybe some of you who would think it is time to ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. I do believe that forgiving someone is not about waiting for the right time. It can be any day, as long as you know you have to forgive and you know when to ask forgiveness. Besides, Holy Week isn't all that. It is the time to think about your life too. I guess, forgiving doesn't only start with saying sorry to someone, also starts with reflecting what you did to yourself. In my past, my Theology teacher always tells us, "Christ lives in us." I guess, every time I hurt myself is also the time that I hurt others. I should acknowledge that part first before I can start forgiving those who have hurt me in return.

Araw ng Dabaw 2008

I didn't participate much on this particular event. Not that I don't like the street parade of colors and dances, I just like Kadayawan better than the city's birthday. One reason is, Kadayawan is fruits, people, dances, and flowers. The festival of all festivals.

If you don't know what Kadayawan is, here's a link. Pictures here.

March 16, 2008.

Araw ng Dabaw 2008 (pictures courtesy of Jonald)

































History of Davao

In 1930's there was an issue of whether who should rule Davao, the Japanese or the local Davaoeños. The issue has led to the creation of the city.

Today, Davao City is known as the Little Tokyo for most of the people that lived here are descendants of mostly Japanese soldiers. Japanese where able to gain access to a vast land where mostly abaca is planted. Davao was the biggest producer of Abaca in the world. Despite laws on restricting foreign people to own lands, they managed to marry local women particularly those with Datu lineage, using dummies to buy lands or renting at local landowners.

In 1930's, Davao was completely under the control of Japanese. By 1939, their population grew to 17,900 and the presence of Japanese at this time becomes a national problem.

On March 16, 1936 Davao Assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo filed Bill No. 609, an Act creating the City of Davao. The City of Davao was to be formed by combining the capital town of Davao and the municipal district of Guianga. This made Davao City the largest city in the world with a territory of 2,244 square kilometers or 244,400 hectares.

On October 16, 1936, the bill was signed into law by President Manuel L. Quezon. The following year, on March, 1937, Executive Proclamation No. 132 was issued that formally organized the City of Davao.

It was during the term of Mayor Elias B. Lopez that the celebration of the foundation of City of Davao was made a week-long celebration that culminated on March 16.

Today, it is the most progressive city in Mindanao and the most livable city in the country. Top five when it comes to Best Human Resource and top ten Best Asian Cities.

Social Media Etiquette

It wasn't easy to maintain what you are to other people you've met online. I must say this, I am having a hard time to mingle with people online. I go online and talk online because I love to blah blah. I talk, I write, I comment and I suggest. I may be too late for others are ahead of me but I am taking it slow only because I don't want to hamper myself with too much information that might get my head bigger than my body can actually handle. I don't want to be pretending I know everything in the world of Web 2.0.

I honestly love my profile online. Some people come and others go. It is simple. If once I deal with these people and if it offended them, they will stop dealing with me. I simply could not please everyone. Although it is sad to see someone leave, on the contrary, it opens the door to new meetings. Some may have stopped dealing with me but it does not mean that I close the door and barred the hallway to not see and meet them again.

In social media, I started as a person who would do a shout out on to anything. I got myself as a subject of a university gossip. I don't even call it gossip, I just want to yell out my idea and I didn't mean to be rude about my suggestion nor the idea ever give rudeness character to the person concerned. I found myself talking about other people just to get attention to my posts. I join this and that to earn. Now, I admit, that was definitely a wrong path to go to. Although it will not stop me from writing anything, I just need to be careful with what I write.

I am aware that there is no such thing as social media etiquette. I am aware that I know when to react and give blunt comments. I am also aware not to be easily involve with anything that is likely to be a war between who said it first or not. I might find myself in the middle of the crossfire and the situation maybe the fastest way to lose the benefits I got with social media.

Steve

Gino

Conversations

Conversations between two friends. Look at the reflection. Very nice.

Candid it is.

Self Portrait: Me, Myself and I

Behind the camera are the eyes of a simple girl with long hair (now that's funny)

Priceless Collection

Kitten

Colors that Warm My Cold Heart

Celebrating Life With Friends

Trying my Best to take the Almost Perfect Shot