Mithril Knight

Protecting Hands

2009-06-28T20:02:00.003+08:00

I was searching for something interesting on the net when a question popped in my mind. What does my name mean? So I searched for my name and here's what I got.

The boy's name Raymond \ra(y)-mo-nd\ is pronounced RAY-mund. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "protecting hands". From thinkbabynames.com

What a coincidence. The meaning of my name suits my very nature and attitude. I'm not the aggressive type of person, normally I would just keep on beefing up security and protection. As I look back into how I play some games like Generals and Tribal Wars, etc. I will build up my defense but never attack.

In life, when people attack me emotionally, I just keep quiet and muster my strength within. I focus on my goals and my dreams. That way, I don't get affected and I keep on going towards my goals. I never attacked anyone emotionally, I just focus on myself, on what I do, but at the same time, I make sure that I don't hurt anybody. Also, I prepare myself physically, always keeping myself in good athletic shape. In the future I want to learn self-defense.

The people and things I care for I want to protect. That is why I want to earn lots of money, so that I can protect them. For me money is protection. Protection against illness and death, I want to be able to afford any treatment that my family would need in the future. Thankfully God is helping us, my family is healthy. At the same time I always make sure that I keep a low profile, not flaunting wealth and being too proud, because I know that would spell disaster and attract more bad elements. I want to live a frugal but secure life. Camouflage is also protection.

When I see people being oppressed I want to protect them. But right now I am powerless, I am just a normal person with no superpowers, nor am I rich to afford to have Batman's gadgets or to build a private elite army like Mithril. That is why I want to become rich. With money, I can protect people.

My amusement with military hardware and tactics is purely built on the purpose of protection or self-defense. I never intended conquest, they attack, I just defend. My name coincides with my traits. This really must be destiny. By the way, I think the term "Protecting Hands" is cool don't you think?

Glory to God who guides and protects me and my family.

Namae

2009-06-21T19:04:00.002+08:00

Namae... Namae... Namae...

This was the highlight of my day today. Finally, the boss of my boss noticed my hard work. "What is his name?" The client asked my manager in Nihonggo. I have been inspecting welding joints for the past 1 month and 1 week, and it has been a rocky ride. The client is very strict and does not allow even the smallest defect. We have a standard for inspecting joints, the ASME B31.1 Power piping systems. Unfortunately the client wants absolutely zero defect, even if ASME B31.1 allows up to 5mm pinhole, the client notices even the smallest, up to 0.1 mm pinhole. Such a perfectionist person he is. I feel guilty every time he sees a defect I did not see. In the past, that always happen. But now, I toughen up my own standards to meet the client's expectations. Doing that was hard because I have to deal with the subcontractor who refuses to execute Dye Penetrant Test many times because of the additional cost. But they finally gave in after I explained to them my view of quality work.

Quality work is determined by the client. That is what I think of. Even if there are standards written for inspection, if the client does not approve, it's just a waste of effort and time to push with something they don't want. It is the end user, that decides quality.

It just feels good. The client asking for my name because of the success of the last 12 DPT is already a reward on its own. Looks like I finally earned his trust. I will do my best!

Gambarimas!

Glory to God who guides me in my work and life and protects me and my family from harm.

Building an Empire From Scratch

2009-06-20T20:57:00.004+08:00

I'll keep this short.

I will build an empire from scratch with my own bare hands.

I will persevere!!

Let this blog tell the story of a person who chased after his dreams with undying passion.

What happened today:

Current Location: Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines.

1) Inspection of pipe welding joint postponed due to not being ready for the Final inspection of the client. Will resume tomorrow 3pm. Sto. Nino area and Diallage st.

2) Helped in de-watering of the excavations. Learned new technique in transporting heavy genset on wheels.

3) Gave a free snack to 6 workers for camaraderie. 1.5L Coke and 1L Sprite. They are happy and worked more efficiently after snack.

I hope to continue making this diary to track my progress.

Adventure Palawan 3 months??

2009-06-14T19:34:00.006+08:00

Taken at Trestle area on a stormy day.

Tool box meeting.

Good evening!

Home sick na home sick na ko d2 sa Palawan.

Buti n lng may internet cafe d2 sa Rio Tuba .

Gusto ko ng bumalik sa dati kong buhay.

Ngunit subalit datapwat kailangan ko itong gawin upang abutin ang aking mga pangarap.

Magtitiis na lang ako dito hanggang sa makaipon.

Sa umpisa lang ang paghihirap, pagkatapos nito magtatayo ako ng sarili kong negosyo.

500k php in 2 yrs ang target ko.

Tapos magtatayo ako ng magandang computer shop.

Palalaguin ko ng palalaguin ang pondo tapos magtatayo ako ulit ng isa pa within 2 yrs.

23 taong gulang ako ngaun.

Target ko na makaipon ng 500k sa aking ika-25 taong gulang.

Todo pagtitipid ang ginagawa ko ngayon dito.

Gagawin ko ang lahat upang matupad ko iyon.

I miss you all!!

Wait for my return...

Full Speed Ahead!

2009-04-10T10:55:00.002+08:00

Just do it.

God is Good

2009-02-14T21:04:00.002+08:00

Hmm... I'm finally back at home in front of my computer.

I feel sad and at the same time happy right now.

Happy because I have a job now at a construction company.

Everything's going perfect, even though the work is very tiring.

I have lots of friends now.

They are all so kind.

Hmm...

I'm confused.

There are a lot of beautiful girls in the place where I work.

And they are all very kind to me.

I don't know who I will pursue in love.

As of now, I am just being friendly to all of the girls.

Hmm...

Suddenly I have a lot of friends and contacts.

My Japanese boss is very kind.

My superiors are also very kind.

They teach me lots of things, from the morning till the afternoon.

I feel at home at the site in Laguna.

My company is very stable and has lots of projects.

Batangas, Laguna, Surigao, Palawan, Cagayan de Oro, Vietnam, Thailand

Where would I be assigned next?

Hmm...

My sickness is finally defeated.

Didn't I tell you?

I have TB these past 6 months. :heh:

I am coughing up blood before, but now no more.

I kept it a secret all this time.

From 110 lbs, I am now 131 lbs!

Sad?

Hmm...

I think I'm just feeling sentimental and optimistic all at the same time.

Of course I still don't have a Valentines date yet.

But I have a lot of prospects.

Today, Valentine's Day,

the company had a little party for all the singles in the company.

What a fun filled day!!

God is good!!

Abusive Politicians in the Philippines

2008-12-28T20:32:00.003+08:00

I was browsing my favorite forums when I saw a thread about a mauling incident by a politician. I am deeply enraged by what I read so I decided to help the family spread the story to others. The suspects are:

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr.

and his son

Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur

Here is the post from her blog:

Friday, December 26, 2008

The world has gone crazy.

So, I just had the worst day of my life.

At around 1:30 PM today, at Valley Golf and Country Club, Antipolo City, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr., Mayor of Masiu City, Lanao del Sur, his father, Secretary Nasser Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform, and company, beat my defenseless 56-year-old dad and my 14-year-old brother to a pulp because of some stupid misunderstanding on the golf course.

This is a golf course. I have been a golfer all my life, and I have never seen anything like this. NOTHING. This is hard to comprehend. And it happened to my own father and my own brother too. Right in front of my eyes.

My brother and I were playing golf at the South Course of Valley. We were on the 3rd hole, and we see two golf carts going past us, overtaking our flight, and setting up to tee off on the next hole. My dad goes up to them and asks them why they would do that, why they would overtake us without even asking for our permission. Golf etiquette 101. One of the guys says that they're with the flight in front of us. (So what? That doesn't give them the right to just pass us WITHOUT asking.) So, we go to the 5th hole. The flight behind us catches up with us, and asks us what caused the hold up. We said that this flight just slipped in front of our flight. So we complained to the marshall. We play the 5th hole and walk towards the next hole, where there is a teehouse, and both the flights in front of us were there, talking with the marshall. The mayor of Masiu City, Lanao del Sur talks with my dad. Things get heated up. Voices were raised. But never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine that someone would pull out a punch. Apparently not. He attacks my father. His flightmates, maybe 2 or 3 of them, rush to his aid and beat up my father. My 56-year-old father. My younger brother and I could not just watch. We rushed to break the fight. My younger brother pleads to the mayor to please stop it. To not hurt my dad. To just stop. His words still ring through my head..."Sorry na po, sorry na po...tama na...tama na po..." With his hands in front of his chest in a praying position. PLEADING. The mayor socks him in the face. My brother defended himself. My dad is still on the ground getting clobbered. My brother is the same way. I try to stop the fight, but all I can do is stop one person. There were 4 or 5 of them attacking now.

Someone breaks up the fight. I thought it was all over. The mayor shouts to his caddy: "Hindi nila kami kilala! Sabihin mo nga sa kanila kung sino ako!" And believe me, I had no idea who this person was. But now I know. He's the person who, with 4 other men, beat up my 56-year-old father and my 14-year-old brother. He's the person who sacks a pleading 14-year-old kid in the face. He's a person who, I am sure, is gonna rot in hell.

I lash out, but my dad held me back. I was screaming my lungs out, shouting to this mayor, telling him about what he had done. I said: "Nakakahiya kayo. Singkwenta'y sais anyos ang tatay ko. And kapatid ko kakatorse anyos. Anong ilalaban nila sayo?"

The mayor looks at my brother, point to his face, and says, "Tatandaan kita!" And he tells me that my brother has a bad attitude and that I need to watch him. WHAT THE HELL?! So, my brother's bad for defending his father?!

We leave. We walk to the clubhouse to file a complaint. My brother asks for a doctor. My dad could barely walk. Their group comes to the clubhouse, sees my brother. Once again my brother pleads, says sorry, and is crying. He was CRYING, for crissakes. But no. The relentless mayor still punches him in the face, and then sees my dad and goes after my dad again. Him and his friend pull my dad to the ground, pulls at his feet, and steps on him like he's dirt. I run to him and try to hold him back, holding him back by his shirt, while this other guy and this girl tries to stop me. She tells me to just stop it. I scream in her face "they're beating my father up and you want me to stop?!" I pull at his shirt--I don't let go. All I can see was my dad being trampled on. I didn't even see my brother getting beat up.

People pull them away. I get my dad, and I saw my brother. His right ear was bleeding. I freaked out. I told the receptionists to bring my brother to the clinic. I pull my dad away. People were separating us.

My mom and my older brother come. I tell her Bino's right ear is bleeding. They both look like they could kill. My dad holds my brother off, I hold off my mom. When I finally got my mom under control, my older brother gets away and I hold him off. Two of the mayor's bodyguards pull out guns. I embraced my brother from the back, just holding him back, crying. The receptionists came to us, crying, hugging me, my dad, and my mom, whispering to us to just leave. "Maam, umalis na po kayo, may mga baril sila...Maam...umalis na po kayo please..."

I am pretty sure the Secretary of DAR did not take part in the fight, but he just watched all this happen. He watched two of his sons, as we figured out, the other guy was his son, too, beat up my father and my 14-year-old brother. He didn't do anything to stop it. And this person is what now? A cabinet member. A politician.

Sounds like something out of a movie, doesn't it? But this is what happened. TODAY. The day after Christmas. To my family. And all I ask for is JUSTICE. The people at Valley Golf did not seem to want to help us. None of the security guards even tried to stop the fight. Right in the clubhouse. I came back after the fight was over and talked to the receptionists. They say they did not see anything. The general manager of Valley Golf would not give us the names of the men who made my brother's ear bleed. It took him an hour. Maybe even more than that. He seemed to not want to help us. Because, we were against the SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM and the MAYOR OF MASIU CITY, LANAO DEL SUR. They were all scared.

The world has gone crazy. Two politicians beat up a defenseless 56-year-old father and his 14-year-old son. At a golf course. I swear to God, I thought golfers were decent people. You would think politicians were decent people. I guess not. I guess they gang up on 56-year-old men and beat up pleading 14-year-old kids.

Please pray for my dad, my brother and for my whole family. Please pray that we get JUSTICE. Oh God, please, give these people what they deserve.

Posted by decidido at 8:34 AM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And here is the article from GMA7
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/141395/DAR-chief-son-accused-of-mauling-golfers-in-Antipolo

As you can see, GMA7 has removed their own article. What could be their reason? Hmm...

Here is the article from ABS-CBN

(Update) DAR chief, son face mauling raps

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/27/2008 4:29 PM

Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son allegedly mauled two golf players, including a 14-year-old boy, inside a golf club in Antipolo City, Rizal province, on Friday afternoon.

Delfin dela Paz and his 14-year-old son, Bino, went to the Antipolo City police station and filed complaints of serious physical injuries and violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children, against Pangandaman and his son, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur.

Dela Paz told Antipolo City police investigators that he and his son were already on hole No. 6 of the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo City, when the younger Pangandaman tried to overtake them, which they said was against golf etiquette.

The victim said he got mad and tried to complain, but he was suddenly mauled by the mayor and his bodyguards. He added that his son tried to pacify the mayor, but, he too, was mauled by the group.

After the incident, dela Paz said he went to the country club's front desk to complain, but he was followed and mauled again by the mayor and his bodyguards.

Dela Paz said Secretary Pangandaman was one of the men who allegedly mauled him and his son at the country club's front desk.

While being mauled, dela Paz said he saw the younger Pangandaman pull out a gun, which alarmed other people at the golf club.

After the incident dela Paz's daughter Bambee wrote about the incident in her blog site, where she also said the staff and management of the golf club did not help them after the incident.

"None of the security guards even tried to stop the fight. Right in the clubhouse.... The general manager of Valley Golf would not give us the names of the men who made my brother's ear bleed. It took him an hour. Maybe even more than that. He seemed to not want to help us," she wrote in her blog.

Antipolo police said they will file the charges against the Pangandamans.

Meanwhile, in a phone interview, the elder Pangandaman told the ABS-CBN News Channel that it was Dela Paz who started the incident by cursing at his son.

Pangandaman added they did not overtake Dela Paz's group, since they were already ahead of them.

The secretary said they will file counter charges against Dela Paz.

The management of the golf club, meanwhile, has not yet issued any statement as of posting time.

Pangandaman was recently appointed to the government's peace panel with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have found a copy of the report from GMA7, the copy that they removed from circulation.

DAR chief, son accused of mauling golfers in Antipolo

They’re supposed to be public servants for crying out loud.

DAR chief, son accused of mauling golfers in Antipolo
Article posted December 27, 2008 - 03:53 PM
[via GMANews.TV]

MANILA, Philippines — Already in hot water with farmers over land reform issues, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman is in trouble again, this time over an alleged mauling incident at a golf course in the city of Antipolo.

Radio reports on Saturday said police were looking into claims that Pangandaman not only flexed his muscles but also let his son Nasser Pangandaman Jr., mayor of Masiu in Lanao del Sur, beat up members of the De la Paz family at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo Friday afternoon.

“Hindi ninyo ako kilala. Ang yabang-yabang mo, ang tapang-tapang mo, mag-ingat ka (You don’t know me. You’re so conceited and foolhardy, you better be careful),” 56-year-old Delfin de la Paz recalled the Cabinet official telling him, while poking a finger at him after the mauling at the clubhouse.

Radio dzRH reported that the De la Paz family filed Friday night a complaint with the Antipolo police for physical injuries and violation of the law protecting women and minors.

The elder Dela Paz said he was with his 14-year-old son Bino and 18-year-old daughter Bambi at the golf course when the incident happened at about 1 p.m.

He said the Pangandaman father and son overtook them at one of the holes, prompting him to ask a marshal to have them get back in line.

When they were playing at the fifth hole, the mayor allegedly voiced impatience with De la Paz’s slow playing.

Dela Paz said at least four bodyguards of the mayor roughed him up, and beat up his 14-year-old son who tried to pacify them. He said his daughter was crying and pleading them to stop the attack.

After the scuffle, De la Paz said he and his children trudged back to the clubhouse but the secretary and the mayor, with their bodyguards, followed them.

He said the golf course’s management and security personnel came late.

On the other hand, he said that at the clubhouse, the mayor poked a finger at his 14-year-old son and said, “tatandaan kita (I will remember you).”

He said that when his elder son and wife arrived at the clubhouse with baseball bats, the Pangandamans’ bodyguards drew handguns.

Security personnel then tried to pacify dela Paz and supposedly told them, “umuwi na kayo, napakalaking tao ‘yan (just go home, you’re messing with big personalities here).”

Pangandamans side

Secretary Pangandaman could not be reached for comment but other radio stations reported that Mayor Pangandaman filed with the Mayamot police station in Antipolo a counter-complaint of physical injuries and grave threats against the De la Paz father and son.

The mayor said he talked with the elder De la Paz in a nice way but the man hit him instead with an umbrella and hurled invectives and twice challenged him to a fight.

The elder De la Paz admitted hitting one of the mayor’s men with the tip of an umbrella in self-defense as he was being ganged upon.

Golf etiquette 101

In a blog, Bambi De la Paz recalled that the Cabinet official and his son apparently resented their being told to observe golf etiquette.

Bambi wrote that she saw how the mayor hit Bino in the face even as her brother was pleading. She also recalled hearing the mayor shout to his caddy: Hindi nila kami kilala! Sabihin mo nga sa kanila kung sino ako! (They don’t know who we are. Tell them who I am).”

“I lash out, but my dad held me back. I was screaming my lungs out, shouting to this mayor, telling him about what he had done. I said: ‘Nakakahiya kayo. Singkwenta’y sais anyos ang tatay ko. And kapatid ko kakatorse anyos. Anong ilalaban nila sayo? (Shame on you. My father is 56 years old. My brother is just 14 years old. They are no match to you),’” she wrote.

After the scuffle at the clubhouse, she said, her younger brother’s right ear was bleeding and that when her older brother reacted, two of the mayor’s bodyguards pulled out guns.

“I am pretty sure the Secretary of DAR did not take part in the fight, but he just watched all this happen. He watched two of his sons, as we figured out, the other guy was his son, too, beat up my father and my 14-year-old brother. He didn’t do anything to stop it. And this person is what now? A Cabinet member. A politician,” Bambi wrote.

“The world has gone crazy. Two politicians beat up a defenseless 56-year-old father and his 14-year-old son. At a golf course. I swear to God, I thought golfers were decent people. You would think politicians were decent people. I guess not. I guess they gang up on 56-year-old men and beat up pleading 14-year-old kids,” she added.

To make matters worse, she said, none of the security guards at the clubhouse even tried to stop the fight and that other personnel reportedly told refused to cooperate when they asked for the names of the Pangandamans’ companions.

Radio reports quoted the dela Paz family as saying they won’t be intimidated by the powerful Cabinet member and mayor and they will pursue the criminal complaint against them.

100%

2008-12-25T08:00:00.001+08:00

I am now 100% fully recovered. Resuming exercise routine gradually...

Private Server GMs vs Level Up GMs

2008-12-15T19:09:00.007+08:00

I have read a post in RB talking about the difference between Ragnarok Private Server Game Masters and Level Up! Game Masters. And this is how it goes.

"Ang private servers kasi, nagkaka profit sila from donations ng players. So, ginagandahan nila serbisyo nila para maenganyo mag donate ang mga players nila. Meaning nagsisipag sila para give and take sila ng customer. Dagdag mo pa yung masisipag nilang GM na laging online para i monitor ang servers and aside from that active din mga GM nila sa forums nila not in directly promoting something where they can gain money, but to help the players with their concerns so they could make the game as close to home as possible for the players and of course para maenganyo sila mag donate. Yes, may nakakalusot paminsan minsan na mga pasaway, but you can rely na gagawan nila yan ng paraan.

Dito naman sa pRO, ang tatamad ng mga GM. Well, masipag in a way na masipag sila maglabas ng bagong HM items (which of course will give them more profit). But when it comes sa pag asikaso sa mga concerns ng players, *no comment*. Most of the time, ang strategy nila is kung paano sila kikita. Mga GM (mostly) pa dito, antipatiko, walang galang sa customer. Umaasal na parang walang pinag aralan.

Malakas kasi ang loob ng mga yan na balewalain ang players kasi maraming players dito na from beta days pa, na nahihirapan na mag quit kasi sayang nga naman yung time, money, at yung mga nagain nilang friends sa pRO.

One good example ng pagwawalang bahala nila sa concern ng players is yung mga compensation nila. Pag nagkaron ng aberya gaya ng severe server lag at bugs, magbibigay sila ng compenstation but in a way na kikita sila. So in short, kumikita din sila dahil sa mga problema sa servers. They don't really care about fixing the problem first. What they do is sasamantalahin nila yung pagkakataon at instead na hanapan nila ng solution ang problema, ang ginagawa nila is hahanap sila ng paraan kung paano nila mapagkkakakitaan yung pagkakataon. Sila mismo ang sumisira sa laro.

You know what? LU!'s just so goddamn lucky na maraming nagmamahal sa laro na 'to at hindi maiwan iwanan. Dahil kung hindi, baka sabay-sabay silang kumain sa iisang plato.

I've been in and out of the game. I went out because of how they manage the game but the game pulls me back because I just love it so much. But to my disappointment, wala p rin pagbabago. Umiiral pa rin ang mga ugaling namana ng mga Pilipino sa mga Kastila.

Nakakalungkot."- Beowulf of Ragnaboards

My Comments:

That is so true. Just look at my other blog posts to see how disappointed I am at how they treat their players. When someone rebels against their wrong doings, he is slapped with a permanent ban from the boards, instead of fixing the problem. About compensations, you have to pay first before you can be compensated, for example last server merge, the servers suffered extreme lag and disconnections. Nobody can play properly for more than a week, and what compensation did they give? They gave a mere 2x mod xp! Simultaneously, they released a hypermart item that gives instant 2x xp, and they marketed it heavily. What a coincidence! You see how they take advantage of the situation that they themselves created? Also the events, have become hypermart centered, you have to buy first before you can take part in one of their in-game events. And the release of those hypermart boss scrolls like Ghostring, Phreeoni, Orc Hero and Tao Gunka scrolls. These scrolls stack with the attributes of the currently equipped armors which renders the game extremely imbalanced in favor of the filthy rich. What's worse is that they're also doing it on Thor server.

Hmm... What happened to the pinned thread about the Midgard Police? Why is it missing? Based on my observation when I occasionally log in, there is still a scarcity of MPs and plenty of bots to jail. Is the removal of that thread a public admittance that they cannot fulfill their promise?

English Translation:

Private servers obtain money from the donations of their players. So they make their service very good so that the players will be encouraged to donate. It is a give and take relationship between them. And the fact that their very industrious Game Masters are always online to monitor the servers, also their GMs are active in the forums, not in directly promoting something where they can gain money, but to help the players with their concerns so they could make the game as close to home as possible for the players so that they will be encouraged to donate. Sometimes, some jerks do get away, but you can still depend on the GMs that they'll do something about it later.

Here in Philippine Ragnarok Online, pRO, GMs are very lazy. Well, somewhat industrious, industrious in promoting the Hypermart, (which of course will give them more profit). But when it comes to dealing with the concerns of the players, *no comment*. Most of the time, their strategy revolves only around gaining more profit. Most GMs here are also jerks themselves, they don't respect their customers. They act like uneducated people.

They have the nerve to ignore their players because of the fact that most players in pRO are Beta players, those who have played it from the very start during the Beta period. They find it hard to leave the game because of the time and money they have spent here and the friends they have gained.

One good example of how they ignore their players is how they give out compensations. When something bad happens, like severe server lags and bugs, they give out compensation, but in a way that will earn them more money. They gain profit from the problems of the server. They don't really care about fixing the problem first. What they do is take advantage, instead of finding a solution to the problem, what they do is find out more ways to gain profit out of the player's misery. They themselves are the one who's destroying the game.

You know what? LU!'s just so goddamn lucky that there are many players who just loves this game and can't leave. If not because of that fact, they will all be eating in one plate.

I've been in and out of the game. I went out because of how they manage the game but the game pulls me back because I just love it so much. But to my disappointment, nothing has changed, the traits that we inherited from the Spaniards is still manifesting. Beowulf of Ragnaboards

Strength

2008-12-10T19:41:00.004+08:00

You Scored as VIII - Strength

Strength is not just physical strength, it also means emotional and spiritual strength. It is the Strength to do what you know is right in the face of opposition. Strength to defy convention and authority. Strength does not have to be used directly. It can be inner strength that supports one in the face of attacks on what they hold dear. The person of Strength remains true to their beliefs. In a Tarot reading, this card can indicate overcoming of obstacles and refusal to be beaten down. If badly aspected this card can indicate loss of faith, failure of Will.

VIII - Strength

100%

IV - The Emperor

94%

XIX: The Sun

94%

XIII: Death

88%

XVI: The Tower

81%

I - Magician

75%

0 - The Fool

69%

II - The High Priestess

69%

III - The Empress

56%

VI: The Lovers

50%

XI: Justice

50%

XV: The Devil

38%

X - Wheel of Fortune

25%

The Emperor represents power. There is nothing subtle about this Tarot card. The Empress has power through love.The Emperor has power through power. He is in control, he is forceful and ambitious. Nothing will stop him. He is a natural leader, having either been born to the role or having disposed of all those who stood in his way. If well aspected in a Tarot spread this card can indicate success. It represents obstacles overcome, goals reached and ambition fulfilled. If badly aspected it can indicate either weakness or an abuse of power.

The Sun. This is the happiest card in the deck. It is full of joy and optimism, everything is right with the world. We are as innocent children playing in the fields without care. The Sun brings success, well-being and happiness in all spheres - material, emotional, spiritual -wherever our desires lay.When this card appears in a Tarot spread it indicates success, joy and happiness. Obstacles will be overcome, goals achieved.When badly aspected, it can indicate a stagnation through over-indulgence, too much of a good thing.

http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/Cirrus/which-major-arcana-tarot-card-are-you/

Consumer Empowerment

2008-12-05T10:35:00.007+08:00

Players should stick to what they can do. IMO imbestigador and Tulfo isn't the solution. You have three options, continue playing the game, quit, or find another RO host.

Players should show the company who is boss around here. Why don't you all quit? Maybe just for a few weeks or months. That is the only thing that would would compel them to do their jobs properly. You will find peace of mind, and you might also find other things that can make you happy.

You are thinking too much of your "investment", that it prevents you from making the right decision. You have become a slave of your own "investment". Letting go means no more additional costs, while staying means more costs for you and more stress. Tell me, what kind of investment earns you stress? Investments are supposed to give you happiness not sorrow. I say, if you feel sad or stressed because of your "investment" then throw it away!

The only problem with quitting is that you need to quit as one. All players should cooperate. For the company to feel the effects. Badmouthing them isn't good enough anymore. Years and years of being badmouthed has made them numb and immune. You know what they think of you? They think of you as caged monkeys. You threaten to escape captivity, yet you are all still here, because you don't have the guts nor the will power to do so. They are just laughing at your silly threats. Imbestigador?? Tulfo?? You and them both know that is like shooting an arrow at the moon.

My point is, do the things that are within your capacity as a consumer. How many times have they taunted you with silly replies from their customer service like, "If you don't like the services being offered by the company, you can discontinue the service." Show them who's in control, you or them.

As a former RO player I am also guilty of blaming the management, but now, I have learned that blaming others for your own unhappiness is a sign of weakness.

When you blame someone, you are putting yourself under the person you are blaming. Always remember, you have a choice. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." You already know that you are being fooled, yet you still give them your hard earned money? So who's to blame? Not the mods, not the GMs, but YOU! Wake up!

Changes and Some Random Thoughts

2008-11-12T21:04:00.005+08:00

Change, the only thing that's permanent in this world is change itself. Everything changes, including me. I'm changing targets, if before my targets are within just a simple game, Ragnarok, HAHA!! Now my goals are bigger and perhaps, even larger than life. Change has dawned upon me, just like how change has dawned upon America with the election of Obama. I am moving forward, new header, new text. The mistakes I did, I just charge them to experience. To all the people I messed up with in Ragnaboards, no hard feelings, we had some heated arguments, but I learned a lot of things from you guys, so thanks a lot. If you still hate me, then too bad, you lost. You are all forgiven. HAHA!! This is just the beginning, the time for talk is over, its time for some action. God, please grant me wisdom.

So I'm pursuing bigger goals, but I think my body is not yet 100% fully recovered from my sickness. Yes my friends, I am very sick when I took the Mechanical Engineering board exams last October 14 and 15, it was a miracle that I passed. To God be all the glory. As of now I'm still recuperating, I think I'm at 75% recovered. However, I still can't workout as I used to before. Today I just do light workouts, usually stretching and light loads. God please make me stronger.

I want to work already but I think my body needs more time to rest, but there is a coming Job Fair in November 14 and 15 in my alma mater Mapua. It is hard for me to pass that up. I guess I'll just have to push myself to the limits once again. They say that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Besides, what's life without hurdles? HAHA!! Just keep having faith to the Lord. There is nothing I cannot do with God on my side.

My friends always say that I have high standards in choosing a girlfriend. Maybe they're right. Usually, men like me get to have a girlfriend/wife in the place where they work or study. But not me. It's not that I don't have the courage to ask a girl, but it's just that I don't want to lower my standards. You see, I think some men tend to lower their standards because they are desperate to find a mate, so when a classmate or officemate comes along, they immediately cling to that girl, even if that girl does not meet his standards in the first place. Also, by pursuing the girl of my dreams, I avoid hurting other girl's feelings by not getting into a relationship with them which can end miserably in the near future. So if I muster all of my courage to come up to a girl, that only means that I am dead serious, because I have found the one. God help me on this one.

Today I visited my Apo Oli in Pampanga. She congratulated me for passing, and as a reward she gave me an envelope containing 1000 pesos. God, please take care of her.

And most of all, NO PAIN NO GAIN!! NO GUTS NO GLORY!!

Update: Autocad and Quezon

2008-11-03T11:11:00.004+08:00

October 28, 2008

I started my training in Autocad 2009. Autocad 2009 is a drawing program, a computer aided design software to be exact, made by Autodesk that allows the user to make technical drawings with a high degree of accuracy. It is highly demanded by employers that they recruit somebody with knowledge in Autocad. I got a schedule of Tuesday and Thursday, from 6am to 9pm.

October 31, 2008

I went home with my dad to Quezon province to visit the grave of my dear Lola. We took the A&B Bus liner. The whole trip took more than 6 hrs. Lola must be very happy in heaven that I visited her. We went home on November 2 Sunday. The Superlines bus company is still plying the roads, I felt happy that the bus company I rode with my Lola 15 years ago when I visited Quezon the first time is still operational. Brings back a lot of memories.

A Perfect Example of False Advertising

2008-10-22T19:50:00.010+08:00

http://ragnarok.levelupgames.ph/thor/index.html

Now this is a very good example of false advertising.

Last September 21, 2006 Thor opened. The above images was the promise of Level Up! Games to the players. They promised a bot free environment where players can feel the real essence of the game. At first it was a success, thousands of players flocked to the new server, leaving their previous characters in the bot infested servers behind, other oldies who quitted the game came back to try it out. Obviously, lots of profits for Level Up!.

Let me quote this article.

Meanwhile, other plans for Thor are already in the works. Sheila Paul also assures all pRO players that this is only the beginning; “Thor and Ragdefender are just some of the numerous plans that Level Up! has for Ragnarok. This affirms our official statement on ‘responsible gaming’ and we aim to support the playing community by basically heeding their requests. We’ve heard the community’s clamor for a third-party-free game and Thor is the start of better things to come. We’ll be closely monitoring Thor and if all is well, there is a good possibility of configuring the other commercial servers similarly.”

But Level Up! only fooled its players. Within days, there are rumors of bots roaming Thor server. And within weeks, the rumors were proven to be true. The bot developers said that Thor is not actually using Ragdefender, rather, it was using an old program that has already been cracked. The real Ragdefender is still out there. Protecting Japan RO from third party programs. Level Up! tricked its players. After one year, Thor's original population is less than half of what it once was.

And so on December 21st, nPro and RagDefender were implimented in jRo. nProtect was a relatively harmless piece of anti-hacking software, the same as they use on kRo. The real workhouse was RagDefender. RagDefender was a fabulous piece of work. RagDefencer (henceforth RODef) scanned the RO folder for any dll hooks, It seriously encrypted the login process, and monitored ro from memory modifications.

The community made an effort to remove bots from the server, they reported bots, they sacrificed their game time just to maintain game balance. By the way, Thor is a pay to play service.

Game time denominations:

500php for two months
350php for one month
100php for one week
50php for 8 hours
20php for 2 hours
10php for 1 hour

You can just imagine what drove the players of that server to sacrifice their own money, some of which came from their school allowances. They just wanted a bot-free server where there is real community and essence of the game. But Level Up! Games did next to nothing to help them, instead, they milked more money out of the hopeful players by promising again and again that they will find a solution to the problem. None came true.

One promise was the stationing of a GM at Prontera where players can report a bot, so that the GM team can catch it immediately. That GM was Wintertsuki, after a few months, or even just weeks, he was no longer seen where he should be. Bots became rampant at the "bot-free" server.

The second promise was that Level Up! is working with a third party to come up with an anti-bot program.

Valkyrie Bot

While the original anti-bot was successful in eliminating a lot of third party program users, there are still a significant number of violators. We’ve actually already applied the third-party software solution but it also didn’t work. Our supplier for that is already working on a fix while Gravity promised to deliver an in-game anti-bot system sometime early January. As soon as I get details on the new in-game anti-bot system, I’ll let everyone here know. Again, please note that these dates and information are TENTATIVE. I am not the developer so I have no control on what will happen in Korea.

Are you kidding me? the date today is already October 22, 2008. Now where is that anti-bot program you just promised? It has been two years since September 21, 2006, the date you have opened Thor server. One year since you made the quoted statement, and still nothing.

One thing that they always reason out is that they depend on the developer, Gravity Corp. to be able to make changes in-game. They say they need it's approval, they say that they cannot do anything without Gravity's help. Level Up! says that Gravity is very strict when it comes to modifying the game. If that is true, then how was Japan Ragnarok Online which is handled by GungHo able to come up with its own anti-bot program, the Ragdefender? Obviously that is just one of their many lies.

Another promise is about the Midgard Police. When all else failed, they used this to garner support and hope for their sinking game. Basically a Midgard Police is just a player that will hunt down the bots. MPs have limited powers, they have no banning powers. They can only teleport and summon players. For a botter to get banned, the GM will have to review the case, and then if the evidence gathered by the MP is enough to convict the character, that is the only time the character will be banned. But where is the GM?

One member of the MP team quit because his reports are not getting any action from the GMs, and that MP is Lyranix. Other MPs stopped hunting down bots because of the same reason. Also, the MP ranks is not replenished. Another empty promise from Level Up! Games.

And on November 30, 2007, Thor's name was changed to Valhalla. Players can't help but wonder, is it to relieve the evil company of its promise to the people of Thor of a bot free server? With the changing of name of the server, is the responsibility of creating a haven for anti-bot players gone?

As of now, the renamed server of Thor has become a bot heaven. There never really was a Ragdefender to keep the bots out in the first place.

Shining Inside the Storm

2008-10-17T09:47:00.016+08:00

I found my name in the list. That means I passed! Words ain't enough to express how I feel right now, so Ill just leave you with this song. All of those sacrifices, sleepless nights, downed body and mind, my dream is now within my reach...

Shining Inside the Storm by Chihiro Yonekura
(08th MS Team)

You see the dream shining through the storm
Hang on to it now! Don't let it go.
All I want is to take those wings on your back
Those wounded angel wings, and gently...
pull them close to me

Newborn in a corner of the endless blue sky
The dream is there, and even though it may now be small
No matter how strong the wind blow
Or how icy they may be
Those winds can never erase the dream that shines.
The dream that shines in your heart.

You see the dream shining through the storm
Hang on to it now! Don't let it go.
All I want is to take those wings on your back
Those wounded angel wings, and gently...
pull them close to me...

List of Mechanical Engineering Board Exam Passers

To give you an idea, of what I looked like while I took the exams, I looked like this. Thank God I passed the exams. I can now finally rest and recuperate.

Update:

I just received my scores from the PRC.

Powerplant Engineering--81%
Mathematics--87%
Machine Design--85%

Rating--84.3%

Not bad. Passing is 70%

Cabal Online Banned in Internet Cafes?

2008-10-12T14:00:00.007+08:00

Today, I went to my favorite internet cafe, and guess what the owner of the shop told me. He told me that he removed Cabal Online Ph. because it is illegal. Illegal? Cabal is a free to play game hosted by E-Games, the same company that hosts RAN Online. So I thought that's impossible. At first I can't believe it, but when I saw his computers, there's really no Cabal installed. No more people are playing Cabal in his shop, he lost some customers. Others switched to other games. I wonder why Cabal was banned? Upon further questioning, I found out that there was this certain guy with authority from the Computer Shop Association (or something like a regulating body) who told him that Cabal Online is illegal in internet cafes. According to the shop owner the guy asked him to remove Cabal;

"Bawal na ang Cabal... Ikaw ang bahala kung ayaw mong tanggalin" "Cabal is forbidden, it's your choice... see for yourself"

The shop owner did not elaborate any further. Is this really happening? I checked the site of E-Games, and everything seemed fine. It looks like they are not aware of what is happening. I smell something fishy. Anyway, I will try to investigate more on the matter. I'll give updates later.

For more information about the game, visit Cabal Online Philippines.

UPDATE!!
It was all just a misunderstanding, the one that is banned is Elite Cabal, a private server of Cabal Online. The shop owner just misunderstood, so he took away with it the whole client. It's back now.

Lunatic Lunatic

2008-10-11T12:31:00.004+08:00

Read this. This really made my day. I think he's faking it.

To show respect to the person, I'll just keep my comments to myself.

Crossing the Boundary

2008-10-09T09:25:00.006+08:00

It seems that some mods have no idea where their control ceases. They have no right to tell me, or anybody else what to put in our blogs. They accused me of promoting other games, and so I was banned from the boards. My only fault is an oversized sig, and not what they accuse me of. Tell me, based on my sig, what game am I promoting? If they judged my account based on the content of my blog, then they might as well ban everyone who advertises their blogs in their sigs. By the way, thanks to Shana for defending me. I got this idea from her. Thanks!

My dear mods, you just crossed the boundary. It's pretty obvious now how desperate you are in trying to get rid of me, the freedom fighter. How low could you possibly get? Well that's good, it is an indication that I managed to shake up the whole management tree of the treacherous company. Mission objectives achieved. Take away my account, I'd rather die than beg for its release.

Philippine Ragnarok Online (pRO) Bans Good Players

2008-10-07T09:36:00.011+08:00

When I opened my Dong Feng account today, it is permanently banned. I know the reason why, and I am already expecting something like this to happen. What took them so long? HAHA!! In the past few weeks, I upped my criticism against the treacherous company. All they care about is just money. That line has been said over and over again, not just by me, but by everyone else who plays pRO. pRO has become one big botter's paradise thanks to our lazy money grubbing GMs. I hold no grudge against our mods, they are just players like me. They can't do anything about the situation. But the administrators of the forums are the GMs themselves, and I am sure they are well aware of the situation for months now, they just chose not to do anything.

To make the long story short, I got banned for telling them what is wrong in their system. (Just look at my previous blog posts to get an idea) I can conclude that this mission is a success, the objective is achieved, they finally noticed their grave short comings, that for years, they chose to turn a blind eye on. Although they can't accept the truth right now, I know that sooner or later they'll be able to accept it. The feeling is great getting banned for a good cause. I'm not just gonna fade away, my legacy will continue.

In the picture is proof of what I have done for this game. I have already sent thousands of bot screenshots from Thor days up to now. I have done so much to help the company, giving suggestions for the betterment of the community, catching bots, helping newbies, defending them on some of their mistakes, others have done so much too, and yet the company chose to betray us in the name of more profits. Money is all that they cared for. For them, Money is their god.

Right now, I'm just too busy to make this post long, after all RO is not my life. So goodbye for now. And oh, by the way, please do check out iRO Valkyrie server. It has 100% experience and drop rates, and unlike pRO's F2P servers, the rare items actually drop from monsters. Enjoy hunting!

New International RO Valkyrie FREE Server

2008-10-03T11:24:00.007+08:00

Tired of the same old pRO full of hacks, dupes, and bots? Try out the newly opened Valkyrie server from iRO!! No this is not the same Valkyrie that we have in pRO. This is a whole new server, with 100% base, joblevel and drop rates. Unlike the free to play servers that we have in pRO, this one from iRO has all the cards and equipments in the drop table. The joy of hunting for your equipments is back with this new reincarnation of the game we all loved.

After the victory of the previous Thorians against botting, the server that they have fought for, was suddenly renamed by its management. It was renamed Valhalla. After a few months, the server has turned foul, the management abandoned Valhalla. The Midgard Police are no longer active, bot reports left un-attended, bots running rampant, and very laggy War of Emperium. The glorious victory of the Thorians against botters was wasted by the company that they clinged to for hope.

Now we have a brand new server from iRO. Will the Thorians finally find peace in this newfound promised land? Some remain skeptic, others remain loyal to the treacherous company, others seek revenge, while some others really just want to play in a fair environment. The joys and pains of starting out once again, the joy of playing with your fellow humans and not with bots will once again be felt. Many Thorians and other players fed up with the treacherous company have started to scout the newfound promised land, and all they can utter is just pure praises.

So if you want some pure quality service, join us here.

To get to know more about this new server, visit these sites

Link

If your download does not work, try this link.
http://rapidshare.de/files/40600753/iRO_Valkyrie_Client-20080925.exe.html

No need to download the whole client, just copy your current Ragnarok folder into a new Ragnarok Online folder, then extract the iRO Valkyrie installer on the new Ragnarok Online folder, patch up, and Welcome to iRO Valkyrie!!

What is Good Costumer Service?

2008-09-25T10:28:00.007+08:00

GM Anael's very unprofessional reply

I managed to salvage my little encounter with GM Anael. He deleted his own topic due to some unknown reason. Well, here it is. I fervently hope he learned his lesson. May this encounter bring good results to the whole of pRO. We want better service!!

Here is the whole thread. You have to download it first via rapidshare to see.

Thread as edited by GM Anael with missing posts:

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4

Un-edited thread as salvaged by me.

Page 3

Old Full Metal Panic Music Videos

2008-08-28T11:08:00.007+08:00

Here are my favorite Full Metal Panic Videos. This one I found last, last year, way before I made this blog. It took me a while to re-find this video. After two great years, I am glad this video is still intact. i have another favorite video that I can't seem to find anymore. It's also another FMP AMV, the song is titled "At the Beginning" by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis. Too bad I can't find it anymore. Anyway, here is the music.

Another old favorite FMP AMV of mine is this, the song, is "If Everyone Cared" by Nickleback

This last video is entitled fmp photograph. One of the oldest Full Metal Panic AMVs. I remember watching this 2 years ago in a computer shop. it has really nice music and the scenes blend well.

Malabon Part I

2008-06-15T10:59:00.002+08:00

From infancy to 21 years old I have lived in a town called Malabon. Now it is a city. There are a lot of things I can remember with that place. Malabon is famous for being a fishing town, it has a huge fish market where all sorts of sea products can be seen. It is where merchants from all over the Metro get their goods. Another thing which Malabon is famous for is its Pancit Malabon.

Pancit Malabon is a type of pancit, or stir-fried noodle dish. It has a yellow-orange color due to a sauce that includes patis (fish sauce) and bagoong (shrimp paste). Its toppings draw heavily from the fresh seafood that is available in the area and may include fresh shrimp, squid, oysters, and hard-boiled duck or hen eggs, as well as pork.

Malabon is notorious for its floods during the wet season. Because it is below sea level, a small amount of rain or even just high tide will cause the streets to be submerged. It was hell there, your feet is always wet, plus there is the danger of disease, but somehow, the residents have managed to cope with it.

Before when I was still a little kid, I used to like it when it floods, classes are suspended and I get to stay at home. At the second floor that is, my parents wont allow me to play in the flood waters. I just watch from the window the people passing by in knee to thigh deep waters, and vehicles crawling its way through the flooded streets, the driving trying his best not to let go of the gas, otherwise, water comes rushing in his engine.

When I became capable enough to work, in my teens, I was tasked to do the arduous task of lifting to the second floor our stuffs whenever it floods. And then afterwards clean the mess when the flood has subsided. It was a back breaking job, that the older members of the family can't do without hurting themselves. So I was mostly the workhorse, the human pump of the house. Armed with a pail and dust pan, I swooped the water into the pail.

We have put a concrete barricade at our doorsteps to stop water from coming in. But somehow, there are cracks on the floor where the water manages to seep through. We usually just put a rag on the cracks, and when it is wet enough, we just wring it. But that barrier became ineffective as years passed by, the flood rose higher and higher each year. Even after we raised the flooring of the house by pouring dirt and covering it with cement, the relief was only temporary. After 3 or 4 years, the flood is higher than the barricade and the floor. Must be the effect of global warming. Sea level is continuously rising. Because of this, the task of ridding the house of flood water became harder, the barricade stops the water from coming out when the floods subside. So we bought a pump. Now I can rest a little. When the pump can't suck anymore water, that's the time I work. But that's still 2 inches of water in an area of 16 square meters.

Such is my life in Malabon. I used to get up early in the morning, around 3 am to clear the water, so that my young sisters can go down from the second floor. After they became capable, they started helping me.

Back in Action

2008-06-14T10:38:00.002+08:00

I'm feeling great today. After a few days of rest, I do not have cough anymore. I feel light and energetic once again. On Monday, I'll be back in action. For now, I'll just continue to rest just to make sure it does not come back.

Blood in Phlegm

2008-06-12T10:43:00.005+08:00

I was startled to see blood in my phlegm. In the past few weeks I have had this cough. I took medications already, like Sinecod and Ambroxol, along with Amoxicillin, but it seems that they do not work. My lungs feel heavy, there is a very sticky phlegm. My phlegm looked like a very sticky ball colored red. I hope this is nothing serious. I can still do my usual activities, but sometimes I need to catch my breath. I always walk to and fro my Review Center, since there is no direct jeepney route towards there. When my father gets back from Quezon, I will ask him to bring me to a doctor for check up. I am not a smoker, but I am exposed to pollution as I travel through the polluted Metro everyday.