Certainly I could not recall all the names of my teachers. Do you? But once in a while in our short life, we ponder and think about the people who molded us into what become today. This is especially when a Facebook message just pop out of your screen announcing the demise of one of your favorite teachers.
Math Teachers
I recalled I wasn't fond of mathematics when I was at the early days of grade 1. I remembered staring blankly at chalkboard. At 5 years old, I was ahead of the rest when it comes to reading and comprehension. But Math, my jaw dropped. A classmate who was probably 9 or 10 (I don't remember the reason why she was still grade 1 at that age), tutored me the basic addition and subtraction. So, the quick learner that I was, I was able to grasp it immediately. I was away from my parents at that time, living with my grandparents, who, while encouraging me to study hard, couldn't do much help in the tutorial.
In Grade 5, I had what I first called my favorite Teacher. And guess what! He was my Math teacher.
When you are at the public school and only a few students are serious in their studies, and some are even sycophants, you tend to go with the flow. But this Math Teacher (Mr. G.) was of rare kind. He created a spark, that made me even research about square roots and ratio and proportion, when it wasn't even in our curriculum at that time. He inspired everyone with his stories and life lessons.
At Grade 6, I thought I'd part ways with Mr. G. He was the class adviser of the other section. Most of his students there are repeaters and the chances of a valedictorian coming out from that section is slim. But fate had it's way. I was switched with another student, who was also vying to become the class valedictorian. The girl was also the favorite of some of our teachers, so her request was granted. I too, easily acceded because Mr G was the adviser of the other section. And Mr G didn't disappoint. I knew I made him proud as well.
Then came high school.
Though I was the top student of my elementary class, high school was different. I had the shock of my life when I failed at one of the first year subjects. No, it wasn't Math. Good thing I was able to recover because the replacement teacher, made everything easy for me.
There were rumors that the math teachers at our third year broke the hearts of many students. I was mentally prepared for her - Madame M. My first impression was that, she was not scary as they first described her. Her instructions were clear and I can easily follow. My only disappointment was that, I didn't study hard enough to get higher grades. Mediocrity got me.
College came and my course involves lots of Math. There were times when I couldn't help but smile and thank my favorite teachers - Mr. G and Madame, in silence.
Fast forward to present
Mr G died many years ago. I wished I knew about it, or even visited him while he was still alive. But I was too distant from my elementary school. My fault.
Madame M died a few days ago and RIP messages flowed at the group pages and chatrooms. But I can still remember that petite woman, heads up, showing motherly love at the classroom, giving clear and simple instructions, and inspiring everyone to be better not just at Math but also in life as well.
Rest in peace Mr. G and Madame M, my favorite teachers.
Showing posts with label Leftover Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leftover Thoughts. Show all posts
Thursday, June 08, 2017
Monday, January 14, 2013
Insanity
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
- Albert Einstein
I don't know if I have this little bit of insanity within my head if I go by with Einstein's definition of the word. Some things I've been doing over and over again knowing the futility of them all. I am not talking about blogging. It is some other things that bothers me right now.
2013 is here and as always, I hoped for the better. 2012 was somewhat like 'plus 2 minus 3' for me. I thanked God for the unexpected blessings. And there were unexpected challenges too.
Forgive my shallow understanding of the situation as sometimes my mind circles on the problem. There is a solution to this I know. LORD, help us overcome.
I don't know if I have this little bit of insanity within my head if I go by with Einstein's definition of the word. Some things I've been doing over and over again knowing the futility of them all. I am not talking about blogging. It is some other things that bothers me right now.
2013 is here and as always, I hoped for the better. 2012 was somewhat like 'plus 2 minus 3' for me. I thanked God for the unexpected blessings. And there were unexpected challenges too.
Forgive my shallow understanding of the situation as sometimes my mind circles on the problem. There is a solution to this I know. LORD, help us overcome.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Goodbye, American Dream
The other month we ended our dreams of going to America. My wife couldn't control her emotions when she wrote the formal withdrawal letter. She cried.
She is one of those nurses who had hoped of immigrating to the US. Her application has been pending for years, and yet we patiently waited. Most of her batchmates and friends are there already and she is one of the few left behind. Our priority date was May 2006 and as per latest visa bulletin, we're only a month away.
But passion died years ago, compounded with the expiry of her CG and IELTS. She failed the NCLEX twice and it had dampened her hope and desire. Though the exam can now be taken in Manila, she doesn't want to undergo another excruciating review and pay the expensive exam fees.
Also, hospital experience is now a strict requirement which she had none. She had applied at a nursing home which do not require hospital experience. But we heard lots of nursing homes in the US had closed because of their country's financial woes. It used to be that retirement and pension plans pay for the retirees nursing homes expenses. But these were all gone with the economic crisis.
We prayed hard for this plan and it seems that the answer was a clear 'NO!'. So today, we'll shift our dreams to somewhere else. I will no longer have to imagine working from home in Texas or driving a school bus in Idaho. We'll rebuild our dreams from where we are right now. Wifey and I have lots of things to do.
She is one of those nurses who had hoped of immigrating to the US. Her application has been pending for years, and yet we patiently waited. Most of her batchmates and friends are there already and she is one of the few left behind. Our priority date was May 2006 and as per latest visa bulletin, we're only a month away.
But passion died years ago, compounded with the expiry of her CG and IELTS. She failed the NCLEX twice and it had dampened her hope and desire. Though the exam can now be taken in Manila, she doesn't want to undergo another excruciating review and pay the expensive exam fees.
Also, hospital experience is now a strict requirement which she had none. She had applied at a nursing home which do not require hospital experience. But we heard lots of nursing homes in the US had closed because of their country's financial woes. It used to be that retirement and pension plans pay for the retirees nursing homes expenses. But these were all gone with the economic crisis.
We prayed hard for this plan and it seems that the answer was a clear 'NO!'. So today, we'll shift our dreams to somewhere else. I will no longer have to imagine working from home in Texas or driving a school bus in Idaho. We'll rebuild our dreams from where we are right now. Wifey and I have lots of things to do.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Facebook Hoax - Tiered Membership Fee
I saw this in the shoutouts of a few of my Facebook friends a few days ago.
Haven't you noticed the timing? Facebook made some overhauls, Google+ is now available to everyone, and then this hoax. I don't know which came out first. But I know of someone who compared the complex Facebook changes to the last days of MySpace. I have not even tried MySpace and now it's gone.
FACEBOOK JUST RELEASED THEIR PRICE GRID FOR MEMBERSHIP. $9.99 PER MONTH FOR GOLD MEMBER SERVICES, $6.99 PER MONTH FOR SILVER MEMBER SERVICES, $3.99 PER MONTH FOR BRONZE MEMBER SERVICES, FREE IF YOU COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. WHEN YOU SIGN ON TOMORROW MORNING YOU WILL BE PROMPTED FOR PAYMENT INFO...IT IS OFFICIAL IT WAS EVEN ON THE NEWS. FACEBOOK WILL START CHARGING DUE TO THE NEW PROFILE CHANGES. IF YOU COPY THIS ON YOUR WALL YOUR ICON WILL TURN BLUE AND FACEBOOK WILL BE FREE FOR YOU. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON IF NOT YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED IF YOU DO NOT PAY !Another one protested, and posted some invectives against those who posted the above message. Oh, my, my gullible friends.
Haven't you noticed the timing? Facebook made some overhauls, Google+ is now available to everyone, and then this hoax. I don't know which came out first. But I know of someone who compared the complex Facebook changes to the last days of MySpace. I have not even tried MySpace and now it's gone.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Goodbye Madam!
The other day, a batchmate announced in our Facebook group page that one of our high school teachers died. She was 83 years old.
Scores of messages filled our group's wall. "She was my favorite English teacher" says one. Another mentioned the teacher's unusual habit of eating menthol candy during class and sticking the wrapper in the blackboard. "She was my favorite Math teacher" says another.
I don't know if it often happens but I find it unusual for someone to be an English and Math teacher at the same time. And she's excellent at both, inspiring students to do better and excel. I remember a time when half of her literature class had to take removal exams.
Also, I love how she pronounced the word "POEM". She even corrected us from our wrong pronunciation. Imagine, no one among us got it right the first time!
She's a motivator. Every week she gives us an assignment - a quotable quote, plus an explanation why it catches one's attention. Even the funniest quotes gathered by some of my comical classmates turn into something that gives us serious moral lessons.
She's compassionate. She gave some of my naughty classmates second chance when what they did could have cost them dismissal, or even some time in jail. They were forever grateful to her.
And so, what are my memories of her?
1. A principal at that time, she signed my suspension letter - due to habitual tardiness. Up to now, I haven't overcome it.
2. She gave me 3.0 in all grading period. I could not believe my consistency.
3. She scares me when she raises an eyebrow and throws a question. It will surely throw you off your seat.
4. Her pronunciation and the way she reads poems is quite intimidating. It has some chilling effect on me which I cannot explain at that time.
But hey, it was because of her that I began to appreciate poetry and literature. My early poems were done because it was for a class assignment. But a few of my friends continued writing poems and short stories even after we're through with lit class. And even until now, I collect quotable quotes.
What can I say but goodbye, Madam! You are surely the best!
Scores of messages filled our group's wall. "She was my favorite English teacher" says one. Another mentioned the teacher's unusual habit of eating menthol candy during class and sticking the wrapper in the blackboard. "She was my favorite Math teacher" says another.
I don't know if it often happens but I find it unusual for someone to be an English and Math teacher at the same time. And she's excellent at both, inspiring students to do better and excel. I remember a time when half of her literature class had to take removal exams.
Also, I love how she pronounced the word "POEM". She even corrected us from our wrong pronunciation. Imagine, no one among us got it right the first time!
She's a motivator. Every week she gives us an assignment - a quotable quote, plus an explanation why it catches one's attention. Even the funniest quotes gathered by some of my comical classmates turn into something that gives us serious moral lessons.
She's compassionate. She gave some of my naughty classmates second chance when what they did could have cost them dismissal, or even some time in jail. They were forever grateful to her.
And so, what are my memories of her?
1. A principal at that time, she signed my suspension letter - due to habitual tardiness. Up to now, I haven't overcome it.
2. She gave me 3.0 in all grading period. I could not believe my consistency.
3. She scares me when she raises an eyebrow and throws a question. It will surely throw you off your seat.
4. Her pronunciation and the way she reads poems is quite intimidating. It has some chilling effect on me which I cannot explain at that time.
But hey, it was because of her that I began to appreciate poetry and literature. My early poems were done because it was for a class assignment. But a few of my friends continued writing poems and short stories even after we're through with lit class. And even until now, I collect quotable quotes.
What can I say but goodbye, Madam! You are surely the best!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tired
I'm tired of blogging. There are so many things I wanted to do with my blogs but can't seem to pull it off.
What were my goals? Before I even achieve them, I changed them. Here now this blog is going nowhere. Blogging anonymously is a thing of the past. To my blogging friends, I'll one day reappear in your blogs, with my real name. And I hope you are still as welcoming as before and not have become snobs or too engrossed with traffic, adsense and blog community.
What were my goals? Before I even achieve them, I changed them. Here now this blog is going nowhere. Blogging anonymously is a thing of the past. To my blogging friends, I'll one day reappear in your blogs, with my real name. And I hope you are still as welcoming as before and not have become snobs or too engrossed with traffic, adsense and blog community.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Ania Na Pud Ko Sa Sugbu
Ania na pud ko sa Sugbu! (I'm back in Cebu again).
Pero mubalik ra ko sa Manila unyang kadlawon. Kadali ra ba! Mura man lang ko ug nisimhot sa kwarto, midulog sa akong kapikas, unya biya na sad. Hahay, kapait ining kinabuhia! Taud-taod na man diay akong wala makabalik diri. Enero pa kadto ug karon Hunyo na.
Sa eroplano kagabii, sa iyang pag take-off, gisud-ong nako ang kalapdon sa Metro Manila. Nindot tan-awon ang kahayag sa syudad. Nakita ko sad ang mga highway diin naglinya ang mga suga, ug murag tadlis kun tan-awon sa itaas. Gipiyong na lang nako ang ako mga mata,ug nahimuklod. Nganong napadpad man ko aning dapita nga ang akong kasing-kasing tua man sa sugbo?
Tuig 2008 kadto nga gibalhin ko sa akog kumpanya diri sa Manila. Taas nga posisyon, ug dako sad nga responsibilidad. Kini laging duna pud tay ambisyon mao nga gikab-ot nako ang oportunidad. Niuban pirmiro akong asawa apan nibalik dayun kini tungod sa kalaay ug sa mga oportunidad sa negosyo balik sa Sugbu. Lahi man diay ning mag-inusara ta. Walay mosugat nato inig-uli kundi ang iro sa silingan. Walay panihapon nga naghulat, kundi mga plato nga wala mahugasi sa pipila na ka adlaw. Wala sad kay magakos sa tugnaw nga kagabhion ug mahagkan nga mga tam-is nga ngabil.
Mao sab ang gibati nga kamingaw sa akong asawa. Maayo gani nga naay Sun Cellular kay pwede ra mi mag-istorya sa celphne bisag duha ug tulo ka oras kada adlaw. Kun wala pay Sun, linibo gyud among gasto. Maayo ra pud naa promo ang mga airlines para kun mibisita sya nako, dili na pud dako ang gasto.
Nasayod ko nga dili ra ako ang naa niining sitwasyon. Ang uban, wala gyud sila makaantos ug natintal gyud tungod sa lawasnong panginahanglan. Mao nga mag-ampo gyd mi pirmi sa Kahitas-an nga iya kaming buligan ug tagaan ug kusog sa pagbarog sa husto ug matarong.
Ang akong mga ginikanan, ug bisan akong ugangan, wala gyud makasulay ug panaglagyo sa ilang isig kapikas. Karong mga panahuna, uso na kaayo ni.
Karon, ania na pud ko sa Sugbu mao nga pahimuslan nako ang gamay nga panahon kay unyang kadlawon mubalik na ko sa Manila. Mubalik na sad ko sa mamingaw nga lugar, apan nasayod ko nga sa pipila ka mga bulan, mag-uban na gyud mi sa akong pinanggang asawa ug dili na kami magkalagyo pa.
Pero mubalik ra ko sa Manila unyang kadlawon. Kadali ra ba! Mura man lang ko ug nisimhot sa kwarto, midulog sa akong kapikas, unya biya na sad. Hahay, kapait ining kinabuhia! Taud-taod na man diay akong wala makabalik diri. Enero pa kadto ug karon Hunyo na.
Sa eroplano kagabii, sa iyang pag take-off, gisud-ong nako ang kalapdon sa Metro Manila. Nindot tan-awon ang kahayag sa syudad. Nakita ko sad ang mga highway diin naglinya ang mga suga, ug murag tadlis kun tan-awon sa itaas. Gipiyong na lang nako ang ako mga mata,ug nahimuklod. Nganong napadpad man ko aning dapita nga ang akong kasing-kasing tua man sa sugbo?
Tuig 2008 kadto nga gibalhin ko sa akog kumpanya diri sa Manila. Taas nga posisyon, ug dako sad nga responsibilidad. Kini laging duna pud tay ambisyon mao nga gikab-ot nako ang oportunidad. Niuban pirmiro akong asawa apan nibalik dayun kini tungod sa kalaay ug sa mga oportunidad sa negosyo balik sa Sugbu. Lahi man diay ning mag-inusara ta. Walay mosugat nato inig-uli kundi ang iro sa silingan. Walay panihapon nga naghulat, kundi mga plato nga wala mahugasi sa pipila na ka adlaw. Wala sad kay magakos sa tugnaw nga kagabhion ug mahagkan nga mga tam-is nga ngabil.
Mao sab ang gibati nga kamingaw sa akong asawa. Maayo gani nga naay Sun Cellular kay pwede ra mi mag-istorya sa celphne bisag duha ug tulo ka oras kada adlaw. Kun wala pay Sun, linibo gyud among gasto. Maayo ra pud naa promo ang mga airlines para kun mibisita sya nako, dili na pud dako ang gasto.
Nasayod ko nga dili ra ako ang naa niining sitwasyon. Ang uban, wala gyud sila makaantos ug natintal gyud tungod sa lawasnong panginahanglan. Mao nga mag-ampo gyd mi pirmi sa Kahitas-an nga iya kaming buligan ug tagaan ug kusog sa pagbarog sa husto ug matarong.
Ang akong mga ginikanan, ug bisan akong ugangan, wala gyud makasulay ug panaglagyo sa ilang isig kapikas. Karong mga panahuna, uso na kaayo ni.
Karon, ania na pud ko sa Sugbu mao nga pahimuslan nako ang gamay nga panahon kay unyang kadlawon mubalik na ko sa Manila. Mubalik na sad ko sa mamingaw nga lugar, apan nasayod ko nga sa pipila ka mga bulan, mag-uban na gyud mi sa akong pinanggang asawa ug dili na kami magkalagyo pa.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Of Blogging Plans Again
My blogging plans never materialized. With time in my hand between 9pm to 12am on weekdays and whole day on weekends, I should have worked my butt off to make more money online. Instead, I just stared at the computer screen, facebooking, or those online games, wasting precious time.
I write this with a sigh. The other night I chatted with my cousin regarding some new plans. Maybe I was just envious that some of my friends are now earning more online when, a couple few years ago, they were earning cents. Rumors of a friend had it that than one heyday, a single post raked in $100 of adsense money. How's that for a sideline!
Or maybe I was convinced of the internet's potential, yet looked at it as a clear blue sky while lying on my back in a green green grass.
This has to change. Now.
I write this with a sigh. The other night I chatted with my cousin regarding some new plans. Maybe I was just envious that some of my friends are now earning more online when, a couple few years ago, they were earning cents. Rumors of a friend had it that than one heyday, a single post raked in $100 of adsense money. How's that for a sideline!
Or maybe I was convinced of the internet's potential, yet looked at it as a clear blue sky while lying on my back in a green green grass.
This has to change. Now.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Will The Real Big Bad Blogger Please Stand Up?
It was a Sunday when an article about blogging was published in my favorite daily. I really didn’t know about it until a Facebook link from a friend pointed me to another page and then to the article.
The article written by Margaux Salcedo, also a blogger herself, mentioned a restaurateur and her resto and how the villains - Bad PR firm (probably not big) and a Big Bad Blogger, applied extortion in presenting their services. The title, catchy to the bloggers’ eyes it seems – Please Don’t Give Blogging a Bad Name.
Some readers were quick to point a finger at a certain popular blogger. And some bloggers, were also ready to aim fire at whoever that shows up. Probably it is easier to shoot a blogger than the PR firm. But who is REALLY giving blogging a bad name?
If getting paid for a review already qualifies one to become a bad blogger, then I am a bad blogger too. And so are my friends, who despite having great blogs, kept other secret sites used to generate $$$. I used to have paid posts here when the price was still at $20-$50. Now when there were already lots of us bad bloggers, the price went down to a pittance wherein you can’t even buy a Starbucks coffee with it. It’s probably because we’re not big and we write for the fun of it. It’s not the review they wanted, but rather the link.
So, will the real big bad blogger please stand up? Oh there you are, eating in a resto, taking pictures of the food and the crews whom you asked to give their best smile. “Pay up or I’ll scr*w you with my review”. Unbeknownst to the big bad blogger, somebody might have already wished that he choke up or something while he chews his meal. That unless he writes a positive review.
The article written by Margaux Salcedo, also a blogger herself, mentioned a restaurateur and her resto and how the villains - Bad PR firm (probably not big) and a Big Bad Blogger, applied extortion in presenting their services. The title, catchy to the bloggers’ eyes it seems – Please Don’t Give Blogging a Bad Name.
Some readers were quick to point a finger at a certain popular blogger. And some bloggers, were also ready to aim fire at whoever that shows up. Probably it is easier to shoot a blogger than the PR firm. But who is REALLY giving blogging a bad name?
If getting paid for a review already qualifies one to become a bad blogger, then I am a bad blogger too. And so are my friends, who despite having great blogs, kept other secret sites used to generate $$$. I used to have paid posts here when the price was still at $20-$50. Now when there were already lots of us bad bloggers, the price went down to a pittance wherein you can’t even buy a Starbucks coffee with it. It’s probably because we’re not big and we write for the fun of it. It’s not the review they wanted, but rather the link.
So, will the real big bad blogger please stand up? Oh there you are, eating in a resto, taking pictures of the food and the crews whom you asked to give their best smile. “Pay up or I’ll scr*w you with my review”. Unbeknownst to the big bad blogger, somebody might have already wished that he choke up or something while he chews his meal. That unless he writes a positive review.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Welcome 2011
Today is the 2nd day of 2011 and it actually feels like 2010. I planned to make a blog entry on the last day of December but geesh, I forgot about it. It must be the age. But I'm young(if 30 something is young), and shouldn't be forgetful.
Okay, so who among my early blogging peers are still blogging? I mean blogging. Not copypasting and/or reviewing and/or newsreporting. My blogroll isn't that filled because I deleted that blogrolling link that they say contained malicious codes. What malicious code? Was there a proof?
I'll take a peek at the blog of my peers. Must be 50plus of them. Some had already shed off their masks of internet anonymity. I did. But partially. What will my niece say if she reads this blog? She'll be amused because she will not understand anything until, maybe 10 years from now.
Others retired. It's really sad to think that those I interacted with 4 years ago are no longer blogging. Some may have forgotten that we were once internet friends. They should know by now that I am only using a pen name. And that if you ever try to search me on Facebook using my pen name, you'll be surprised to see that I am Caucasian, tall and handsome. That is NOT me, of course.
So, what's up for 2011? Nothing, really. This blog will still be about my leftover thoughts, and that I am still here blogging.
Let us try politics next time.
Okay, so who among my early blogging peers are still blogging? I mean blogging. Not copypasting and/or reviewing and/or newsreporting. My blogroll isn't that filled because I deleted that blogrolling link that they say contained malicious codes. What malicious code? Was there a proof?
I'll take a peek at the blog of my peers. Must be 50plus of them. Some had already shed off their masks of internet anonymity. I did. But partially. What will my niece say if she reads this blog? She'll be amused because she will not understand anything until, maybe 10 years from now.
Others retired. It's really sad to think that those I interacted with 4 years ago are no longer blogging. Some may have forgotten that we were once internet friends. They should know by now that I am only using a pen name. And that if you ever try to search me on Facebook using my pen name, you'll be surprised to see that I am Caucasian, tall and handsome. That is NOT me, of course.
So, what's up for 2011? Nothing, really. This blog will still be about my leftover thoughts, and that I am still here blogging.
Let us try politics next time.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Trying-Hard Haggler
Yesterday I went to Tutuban Mall. I would have wanted to go to Divisoria mall but I got stuck in traffic. The normal 30-minute drive from Makati to Divisoria became a two-and-a-half-hour ordeal. When I tried to maneuver, as I thought of taking another route, I was caught on a u-turn violation. What I did to get away without paying the hefty fine is another story. But it's somewhat related to my title, if you get my drift.
So, what's with Tutuban?. First, I wanted to buy some RTWs to bring to Cebu. Second, I wanted to try my best to haggle like my wife does when she goes to the area. The P250 becomes P150, or something like that. Wifey sells them at margin.
My problem is not in the selection of items to buy. I can manage even if I have to endure the suspecting gaze of the salesladies. "What is this big guy doing, buying women's clothes?". I don't also need to ask the salesladies of their opinion on the design of the clothes. If I like what I see, I directly go for it.
Now, I have this difficulty in haggling, negotiating with the seller to bring their price down. P250 for a dress is already cheap, right? That is if you are in a department store. But in Divisoria, you can bring it down to P100 if you have the skills. So what were my intro lines?
"I buy these for wifey. I'm gonna resell these. I have no money left, and I appreciate if you sell it to me at this price." I am a trying hard haggler, you know. The most I got is a P50 reduction of their initial price. For the uninitiated, this is already a good start. But I am not yet satisfied.
If I'm gonna resell to wifey all the items I bought yesterday, I'm very very sure that I will incur losses.
So, what's with Tutuban?. First, I wanted to buy some RTWs to bring to Cebu. Second, I wanted to try my best to haggle like my wife does when she goes to the area. The P250 becomes P150, or something like that. Wifey sells them at margin.
My problem is not in the selection of items to buy. I can manage even if I have to endure the suspecting gaze of the salesladies. "What is this big guy doing, buying women's clothes?". I don't also need to ask the salesladies of their opinion on the design of the clothes. If I like what I see, I directly go for it.
Now, I have this difficulty in haggling, negotiating with the seller to bring their price down. P250 for a dress is already cheap, right? That is if you are in a department store. But in Divisoria, you can bring it down to P100 if you have the skills. So what were my intro lines?
"I buy these for wifey. I'm gonna resell these. I have no money left, and I appreciate if you sell it to me at this price." I am a trying hard haggler, you know. The most I got is a P50 reduction of their initial price. For the uninitiated, this is already a good start. But I am not yet satisfied.
If I'm gonna resell to wifey all the items I bought yesterday, I'm very very sure that I will incur losses.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
So, You're A Blogger Too!
A few days ago, I had this conversation with a new colleague and she noticed the sticker on my laptop. "What is that sticker?" she asked. "It's very familiar to me."
I told her that it's a Wordpress sticker. "Wordpress is a blogging platform" I added. What was supposed to be a work-related conversation shifted to blogging. She has a blog too, using an alias she don't want me to know about.
"So, you must have started it 3 or 4 years ago?" I told her. "Every blogger then used an alias".
She smiled. "I have a few entries in that blog that a colleague once told me that I could publish them. But I don't want my real name attached to it, and publishers, she said, won't publish works of anonymous writers. And... it's just some personal essays."
"Oh!".
I discreetly searched her name, (yahoo and google alike) like a detective. No relevant results. I don't really know why I did it. Maybe it's because I want to see the person behind their corporate persona. But then again, if she wants to keep it a secret, why my intrusion? No one would like their diaries read without the owners permission, isn't it?
I told her that it's a Wordpress sticker. "Wordpress is a blogging platform" I added. What was supposed to be a work-related conversation shifted to blogging. She has a blog too, using an alias she don't want me to know about.
"So, you must have started it 3 or 4 years ago?" I told her. "Every blogger then used an alias".
She smiled. "I have a few entries in that blog that a colleague once told me that I could publish them. But I don't want my real name attached to it, and publishers, she said, won't publish works of anonymous writers. And... it's just some personal essays."
"Oh!".
I discreetly searched her name, (yahoo and google alike) like a detective. No relevant results. I don't really know why I did it. Maybe it's because I want to see the person behind their corporate persona. But then again, if she wants to keep it a secret, why my intrusion? No one would like their diaries read without the owners permission, isn't it?
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Spur of the Moment
One good thing about blogging is that you can write anything you want anytime you want. There is no pressure for me to fill this blog with blahblahs. Even if I'd stay silent for a month or two without updates, I'd still be able to sleep worrying not about web metrics. I have no obligation to please my readers either. But if you are wondering where I am or what I am up to, I am just around Metro Manila. Almost two years ago I left Cebu for a temporary assignment here. (My bosses would raise their eyebrows if I say temporary. But really, this world is just a temporary place for us.)
This blog was created at the spur of the moment. A friend told me about blogging, then suddenly out of the blue, I registered a blogger account and wrote my first post on March 16, 2006. I was fighting off boredom so I titled my first post, "Boredom".
This spur-of-the-moment writer in me got so excited that from 2006-2008, I was able to write 321 blog posts. Of course, there were lots of trash in there that earned me a few hundred dollars. And it's not something that I should be ashamed of. This is my blog, and I can do whatever I want to do with it. I can sell it if I want to. But who would buy it? Offer me something that I cannot refuse. Yeah, who cares about PR4 these days.
So I'll just write my leftover thoughts. If you have your own writing standards, keep it in your blog, please. Also, let's no longer talk about passion to blog, because maybe that stage is behind me now.
This blog was created at the spur of the moment. A friend told me about blogging, then suddenly out of the blue, I registered a blogger account and wrote my first post on March 16, 2006. I was fighting off boredom so I titled my first post, "Boredom".
This spur-of-the-moment writer in me got so excited that from 2006-2008, I was able to write 321 blog posts. Of course, there were lots of trash in there that earned me a few hundred dollars. And it's not something that I should be ashamed of. This is my blog, and I can do whatever I want to do with it. I can sell it if I want to. But who would buy it? Offer me something that I cannot refuse. Yeah, who cares about PR4 these days.
So I'll just write my leftover thoughts. If you have your own writing standards, keep it in your blog, please. Also, let's no longer talk about passion to blog, because maybe that stage is behind me now.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Stupid, Stupid
Stupid of me not to make updates for this site for many many weeks. A lot of things has changed - even the looks of this site. Blogger has really made improvements to make them more relevant and attractive to bloggers and readers alike. Don't you like my new mask?
So what's with the title? Nothing really. It's just a remark I overheard from someone. "Stupid, stupid! That guy is really stupid!" If it was just in a movie, I'd like to join him. But it was not. It was directed at a colleague who was just doing what was vaguely instructed to him by a boss.
We do stupid things sometimes. Or maybe we watched too many movies where cursing is as common as a period in a sentence. A joke may be tolerable. But in all seriousness, and you call someone stupid, damn or fool, you're actually inviting hailstorms from heaven to fall on you.
If you call me stupid, I'll hate you forever. Stupid and hate aren't really in my dictionary. Peace, brother!
So what's with the title? Nothing really. It's just a remark I overheard from someone. "Stupid, stupid! That guy is really stupid!" If it was just in a movie, I'd like to join him. But it was not. It was directed at a colleague who was just doing what was vaguely instructed to him by a boss.
We do stupid things sometimes. Or maybe we watched too many movies where cursing is as common as a period in a sentence. A joke may be tolerable. But in all seriousness, and you call someone stupid, damn or fool, you're actually inviting hailstorms from heaven to fall on you.
If you call me stupid, I'll hate you forever. Stupid and hate aren't really in my dictionary. Peace, brother!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
When Is The Time To Quit?
There are days when you don't understand where you're going. And you just stand still not looking at any direction. You stoop down and gaze at the soil where your feet are planted. You find that you're slowly sinking.
There's an adage that says, "A quitter never wins. A winner never quits". Is it true or is it a fallacy? Your childhood dreams vanish even before you see the light at the end of the tunnel. The road leading to success is closed and the detour leads to the opposite direction.
When is the time to quit, leave this comfort zone, pack up and go where the wind leads you? It's no wonder some took the easier route of taking their own lives.
There's an adage that says, "A quitter never wins. A winner never quits". Is it true or is it a fallacy? Your childhood dreams vanish even before you see the light at the end of the tunnel. The road leading to success is closed and the detour leads to the opposite direction.
When is the time to quit, leave this comfort zone, pack up and go where the wind leads you? It's no wonder some took the easier route of taking their own lives.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sports and Everything
This 3 year old blog of mine is filled with posts about sports. Yeah, 34 entries under Sports category. It is my habit to read first the sports section of the newspaper and check espn, philboxing, and yahoo sports every now and them. And when I find an interesting item, I blog about it.
And so I set up a sports blog wherein I could write anything and everything about the different sports I love and are familiar with. I had my own predictions of the Pacquiao vs Hatton boxing fight. If the bout will be held in UK, our own hero is in great danger.
As to tennis, my predictions for the Australian Open 2009 Men's Finals is a match between Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Of course, King Roger will have to win. (With apologies to Rafa fans).
As to my sports life, I guess living alone here in Manila will give me more time to blog and play real sports. I can play badminton every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. A work colleague set up the pingpong table at our company's warehouse. A basketball court is right there in front of our house in Sucat. But a busy work schedule and laziness are two things that would deter me from getting back into shape.
And so I set up a sports blog wherein I could write anything and everything about the different sports I love and are familiar with. I had my own predictions of the Pacquiao vs Hatton boxing fight. If the bout will be held in UK, our own hero is in great danger.
As to tennis, my predictions for the Australian Open 2009 Men's Finals is a match between Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Of course, King Roger will have to win. (With apologies to Rafa fans).
As to my sports life, I guess living alone here in Manila will give me more time to blog and play real sports. I can play badminton every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. A work colleague set up the pingpong table at our company's warehouse. A basketball court is right there in front of our house in Sucat. But a busy work schedule and laziness are two things that would deter me from getting back into shape.
Monday, September 01, 2008
September Once More
I would have been in a new office today. But thank God it didn't happen too soon. I am still here in Cebu and would probably be here till I don't know when. Or when some hand would lead me overseas.
Two years ago, I wrote something about September. This month of the year is really something for me.
Ok, so it's September once more. Probably it's time to reflect on 2008 and plan for 2009 at this early. Nah, I'll just greet you all in advance, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
Two years ago, I wrote something about September. This month of the year is really something for me.
Ok, so it's September once more. Probably it's time to reflect on 2008 and plan for 2009 at this early. Nah, I'll just greet you all in advance, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Skipping Tomorrow
Sometimes I'd like to skip some portions of tomorrow, like in a time travel, or into a time warp. I just want to close my eyes and sleep, then wake up a year from now.
I don't know if I am alone with this feeling. But it's simply what I feel like now as the days are approaching. Part of me wants to stay, part of me wants the challenge, and another part of me wants to go somewhere else.
Wisdom and courage, I seek from Thee Oh, LORD!
I don't know if I am alone with this feeling. But it's simply what I feel like now as the days are approaching. Part of me wants to stay, part of me wants the challenge, and another part of me wants to go somewhere else.
Wisdom and courage, I seek from Thee Oh, LORD!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Leftover Thoughts on Google Search
Leftover Thoughts in blogspot had been in the top of SERP since a long time, even topping the one with the dotcom. There was no SEO involved. Just plain and natural link-building and blog content.
Today, in my curiosity, I peeped at Google search to find my site at no.3. There are 2.6M results in Google for that particular keyword, but since it's not something that is marketable, no one probably optimized it, because the one with the dotcom is now on top.
The wikipedia entry on SEO says
“Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results for targeted keywords. Usually, the earlier a site is presented in the search results or the higher it "ranks", the more searchers will visit that site. SEO can also target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, and industry-specific vertical search engines.”
One way of going high in the search engines is to include your keyword of choice in your URL, i.e. your domain name. So, if you want your name to be easily searched, buy a domain name with your name in it. There's some bragging rights to be on top. For marketable keywords, there's plenty of money for it.
But it does not really end with the domain name. There are other techniques required to further bolster one's position. To bring this site back on top, I have to apply some techniques for leftover thoughts. I hope this works, because no one really knows the mind (algorithm) of Google.
For those who would like to experiment on SEO, there's a local contest going on around: Cebu SEO Contest. The web is rich with resources on SEO and all you have to do is research.
Today, in my curiosity, I peeped at Google search to find my site at no.3. There are 2.6M results in Google for that particular keyword, but since it's not something that is marketable, no one probably optimized it, because the one with the dotcom is now on top.
The wikipedia entry on SEO says
“Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results for targeted keywords. Usually, the earlier a site is presented in the search results or the higher it "ranks", the more searchers will visit that site. SEO can also target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, and industry-specific vertical search engines.”
One way of going high in the search engines is to include your keyword of choice in your URL, i.e. your domain name. So, if you want your name to be easily searched, buy a domain name with your name in it. There's some bragging rights to be on top. For marketable keywords, there's plenty of money for it.
But it does not really end with the domain name. There are other techniques required to further bolster one's position. To bring this site back on top, I have to apply some techniques for leftover thoughts. I hope this works, because no one really knows the mind (algorithm) of Google.
For those who would like to experiment on SEO, there's a local contest going on around: Cebu SEO Contest. The web is rich with resources on SEO and all you have to do is research.
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