Life Quest

The Boiling Point

2009-11-13T00:50:00.003+08:00

It has been quite a while since my last post. Things got a little tight at work. Well, it still is but we have managed to put on the heat and now we are beginning to reach the boiling point.

How does it feel to miss a Football Game?

2009-07-31T01:29:00.000+08:00

Americans love football. For the longest time, the weekend schedules of the professional league was perfect. The family sat together, enjoy the game and bond. But from 2006, the NFL has started to schedule games on Thursdays and Saturday nights after the college regular season. For the working Dad's like me, don't you just hate the feeling of missing your favorite game when it's scheduled on a week day?

Good thing there is the
nfl sunday ticket. You never have to miss a single game every season. You can select which nfl sunday ticket price you like, whether for just one game or for the whole season. Many would attest that its worth every penny.

Here's more. Did you know that with the nfl sunday ticket schedule you can watch 8 games at once all at the same time. Now, how is that for an overload?

Wordless wednesday: Steady Sky

2009-07-15T01:12:00.002+08:00

This entry is for the Tuesday and Wednesday Edition of Wordless Wednesday:

wordless wednesday

Satisfying the Need for Speed

2009-07-13T02:25:00.005+08:00

My sister was on her second year of learning how to drive. One time she got the chance to drive along the North Luzon Express Way (NLEX) from Manila to Pampanga. She drove fast with an average speed of 100KPH. It was quite an experience for her which let out her need for speed.

I wonder what her experience would be like if she drove the luxury cars along those hi-ways. She would have loved it, I guess.

Just imagine if you had a chance to drive a Volvo or a Toyota Highlander, which do you think will give you a better ride? They both look so cool and sleek to me. I wouldn’t miss it if I get that chance.

Actually, I will always envy those who test drive and rate these luxury cars. They get to drive the high end cars and get to give their professional comments and all. They are beneficial for prospective buyers; slack jawed for us who can only dream about it (at least for the moment).

For me, my dream car to drive would be a Ferrari. Just looking at that car and you can almost already feel the speed. It has such a raw power! Like the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It has a 611HP with a 48 valve 6.0 liter V-12 engine. Cruising the whole 88Km of the NLEX would be breeze. My sister would definitely drool about it.

On the other hand, while there is this desire for speed, automobile companies have started to realize the importance of having cleaner emissions. They have started going GREEN so to speak and are already making hybrid cars. Like what General Motors did with one model of the Saturn Vue. Too bad they plan to drop the Green line badge.

Sometimes it’s a tough decision to make, choosing between speed and power over slower cars with greener emissions. But who knows, these companies would someday come out with a model that can satisfy both. Just keep reading those reviews.

Weekend Snapshot: Dusk

2009-07-12T21:42:00.003+08:00

Last weekend, while driving back to Quezon City coming from Pasig City, my wife and I were awed by the scenic afternoon sky. I just had to park the car and take the snapshot.

Using an exposure time of 1/40 and an aperture setting of f/5.0 at ISO100, There was very minimal processing left to be done with the picture. I just had to resize it and put the usual borders and watermarks.

Have a great week ahead!

Wordless Wednesday: Precious Water

2009-07-08T04:27:00.002+08:00

This entry is for the Tuesday and Wednesday Edition of Wordless Wednesday:

wordless wednesday

The King Knight

2009-07-06T01:56:00.004+08:00

While looking for my son's rubber shoes, we found one of his favorite toys three(3) years ago. It is a magnetic knight with movable parts. It is fun to play with. That is one thing commendable about the toys today, they are very detailed and realistic.

Seeing the opportunity, I immediately took the latest issue of our company magazine and positioned the knight in front of it. Then viola! Instant background.

Which Picture is True & Which is Not?

2009-06-30T00:30:00.000+08:00

This entry is for the Tuesday and Wednesday Edition of Wordless Wednesday:

wordless wednesday

Simply Gorgeous

2009-06-29T05:36:00.003+08:00

Its Monday morning once again. Almost a third of the household will be rushing off for work starting at around 6-7AM. Before, I thought the competition in terms of first to use and first to finish would be in the bathroom. Since there are times when you have to take a priority number if your family is big.

But do you know what I found out? Its not on the bathroom where the longest preparation time happens. Its in front of the dresser, especially for women (No offense intended, this is pure observation). Facing the collection of suits for work, it will take them at least 10-15 minutes to select which suit to wear. Then comes the hair styling, the make-up and most of the times including the nail polishing. All in all it would take them around 1-2 hours of preparation.

That was for the regular work days. When it comes to dressing up for parties and special occasions, women do love to take their time and look for the best dress to wear. Good thing on-line outfit shopping is already available. Ladies can select clothes as easy as selecting an attire for a SIMS.

The House on the Prairie

2009-06-29T04:09:00.003+08:00

While traveling from Tacloban City to Ormoc sometime last April, I chanced upon this house by the road. It was sort of isolated, situated at the middle of grass lands and fruit trees. When I saw the antenna on the roof, it reminded me of the days when we were kids. There were only a handful of TV channels to choose from and whenever the wind blows you see your TV screens register a short haze.

Nowadays, its different. Thanks to the Direct TV, even if your place is in the middle of a desert, you can have hundred of channels to choose from. Be it news, sports or movies, you can watch until you fall asleep and never run out of TV shows to watch. Of course kids would always prefer cartoons.

Unlike the cable TV, when it comes to service, Direct TV Service has an advantage. Not only does it cost less, you can enjoy HD TV quality in all channels.

A directv System will suit any housing like the one above. Instead of tweaking the antenna from left to right, with the satellite dish after pointing it to the right direction, you are almost set to watch TV for life.

Learning to Croc

2009-06-29T02:23:00.006+08:00

I had to make an emergency bank transaction during the weekend. Hurriedly, we drove to the mall together with our nine month old son, but because of the commotion, we forgot to put on his shoes.

So while I was waiting on queue at the bank, my wife, with our son on her arms, went window shopping for a baby stroller at the nearby baby shop.

But just as she was entering the stall, my wife was surprised by the sales lady who immediately greeted her and asked...."Ma'am, are you looking for some shoes, or socks?"

Wittingly, my wife replied with a smile..."No thanks, Just looking." Then she remembered that our sons was bare footed.

Luckily, we saw a new arrival from CROCS in the department store area and bought him a pair. Now we can say that "He is learning to CROC, before he can walk."

weekend-snapshot

The Mail Box

2009-06-22T01:08:00.004+08:00

Have you checked your
mailbox lately? When was the last time you received a greeting card that was sent through the post?

Since the onset of emails and mobile SMS, the only items we receive now in our mailboxes are bills for payment and an assortment of flier advertisements. Plus of course, you can always expect the arrival of subscription magazines and delivered packages. Back then you can see people waiting for the arrival of the mail man to see what he has brought home for them. But now, every time you open the mail box, you can almost always get that "DooDad" feeling. Probably because of the recurring bills. Ugh!

The world has shrunk and the speed of communication has become faster than the blink of an eye yet mail boxes still keep their essential functionality. For modern and suburban households, they have become part of the overall architecture. That is why you can still shop for a variety of mail box that will suite your taste and need.

Mail boxes are our time proven portals to the world, regardless of its speed, because it is inherent for people to stay connected.

Wordless Wednesday: Burning Passion

2009-05-27T02:28:00.001+08:00

This entry is for the Tuesday and Wednesday Edition of Wordless Wednesday:

wordless wednesday

Hog Convention

2009-04-27T23:45:00.002+08:00

The 18th Hog Convention and Trade exhibits was held last April 23-25, 2009 at the World Trade Center - Manila in Pasay City. It is an annual affair attended by more than 48 hog raisers association all over the Philippines where the different companies that cater to the industry showcase their latest products and services.

Each company spends a sizable amount each year just to make their exhibit more attractive. This is common practice in trade show exhibits where advertising companies make a killing. Well it is an investment of course. At least if you let the advertisers conceptualize and make the presentation, the exhibitor no longer has to worry what table covers to use at the booth. They would just need to approve that their table top display conveys the right message.

But this year, although the Hog convention went well in general, the booth presentations were not as extravagant as before. Some companies did not even put up a booth. Maybe because of the financial situation we are all in. The good thing is that people still strive to make the connection no matter how life can be. Besides at the end of the day, its the value of what a company can deliver on a day to day basis that counts rather than a yearly exhibit that is all for a show.

A New Lens to Connect

2009-04-25T09:04:00.005+08:00

As a hobbyist, my wife & I have both enjoyed the digital pictures we've taken using our Canon EOS 450D(In the US, it is equivalent to the Canon EOS Rebel XSi) that we bought as a kit(lens included: Canon EF-S 18-55mm). Then, just a few weeks ago we upgraded the lens to Canon EF-S 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6IS. The satisfaction was really invigorating. Its a testimonial that I've posted in my Acobay account.

Speaking of Acobay, its a new social network site where you can share your stuffs and get connected with other people who share the same interest. Its still in the beta release as of now and the circle is growing bigger.

In life, it pays to know that you are connected. Whether it be a network of pet lovers or even book network, the common treads and experience will make you feel related.

Now for the camera enthusiast like me and my wife, lets share and live the passion.

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-23T08:20:00.002+08:00

Last April 22, in commemoration for the Earth Day, our company held a short program and planted trees around our plant. We envisioned a continuance of our 2008 Earth Day goals and build up on the momentum that it has created. That for our company, we share the movement in 100 locations, 30 countries worldwide.

In spite of all the economic turmoil that we are facing today, one thing is certain. If each one of us contribute in any small way for preserving our planet earth, the glimmer of hope will not die.

We can create our future. Let us start by preserving Mother Earth.

Wordless Wednesday: Carassius auratus

2009-02-11T00:13:00.006+08:00

This entry is for the Tuesday and Wednesday Edition of Wordless Wednesday:

wordless wednesday

Weekend Snapshot: Overlooking

2009-02-09T11:01:00.007+08:00

Back from the tour of duty, I got lucky to snap this shot while the plane was taking off from Cagayan de Oro City. Fortunately, it was a sunny afternoon. Unlike the previous weeks were heavy rains caused a lot of flight cancellations.

Looking at this view made me feel like singing the song "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash.

Have a Great Day!!!

weekend-snapshot

Wordless Wednesday: Weaners, Whiners or Winners?

2009-01-14T08:50:00.004+08:00

This entry is for the Tuesday and Wednesday Edition of Wordless Wednesday:

wordless wednesday

Weekend Snapshot: First & Last Full Moon

2009-01-12T11:01:00.007+08:00

Last night was the Full Moon. You can consider it as the first full moon for 2009 and for the Chinese,it is the last full moon before their new year on the 26th.

I do not know if there is any relation with the moon assuming its fullness, but last Saturday when we brought our 4 month old son for his scheduled shots to his pediatrician, the doctor received numerous calls of babies having diarrhea. That prompted her to change my son's vaccination schedule and gave him a booster shot against rotavirus instead.

Then yesterday morning, our household helper fell ill and slept almost the whole day. Then on the same evening, I had some stomach upset. Coincidence? Most probably.

Studies have failed to substantiate any relationship of illness, lunacy or birthrates to full moons. But one thing is certain, our days and nights go around in a pattern. A cycle that can be pieced together to spell out LIFE. The beauty here comes from the choice of pieces that we pick. Although there can be no turning back,it can always be a full life well lived.

Have a Great Day!!!

weekend-snapshot

Creating Back-up Files

2009-01-11T21:55:00.002+08:00

As part of the company's information protection (IP) program, we are required to back up our files. This is especially true with our electronic files. When I was in Korea last September, our sister business unit have a warning sign posted on their walls as a reminder.

Electronic file management differs somehow with manual files. It makes use of extension files that classifies the specific type of software that that file was created. For example, a presentation file is created and saved with a File Extension PPS. PPS stands for PowerPoint Slide Show.

Then, there are times when you run a certain program that temporary files are created. Usually, you can identify these temporary files because of their File Extension TMP. However, be very careful when clicking such kind of files, especially if it comes as an attachment in an email. It can contain a computer virus.

Depending on your computer operating system (OS), different file extensions are used. But usually it runs a three (3) letter suffix that is separated with a dot. It is not always the case of course. Take for example the File Extension TORRENT which represents a Peer-to-peer (P2P)computer link.

There are a variety of file extensions. All of which function for easier filing, usage and retrieval. The thing is on properly backing them up and saving them on a recognizable format. As the sign says: "Back them up"

Weekend Snapshot: At Holidays End

2009-01-05T11:00:00.009+08:00

The holidays are over. Its time to get back to the daily routine and the pile of work to be done. Just like in every feast, after all the sumptuous meals and bubbly wines were shared and dined, they leave a full sink pile of pans and dishes to be washed.

This is the picture after our "Media Noche". I made chicken macaroni salad with lots of ham, cheese and bacon. Maybe next time I can share the recipe.

The sink was a heap full to look at. Procrastination attacks were tremendous. But when I dove in and opened the faucet, our sink was again gleaming after 30 minutes. It felt very satisfying.

The same is my inspiration in meeting today's task list. Dive in and make things happen.

Have a Great Day!

weekend-snapshot

The New Year Bang!

2009-01-01T21:04:00.006+08:00

All around the globe, we celebrate the coming of the new year in a festive fashion. Though we might have a different way and reason of welcoming the new year, it usually goes with a BANG!

For some it commemorates the achievements for the year that was. For others, it denotes a fresh start. A time of renewal and setting of new goals. But whether we hit those targets or miss them miserably, only one thing is for sure....Life will go on. After 365 days, we will come to hear another BANG! But I hope its nothing suicidal of course. LOL!

It will all depend on how we choose to live that life. That will determine how meaningful that next "BANG!" will be for each of us.

Phone Home

2008-12-31T21:11:00.004+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

For most of us, the holiday season is the time when family members get together and celebrate the occasion with a feast. But for more than a million Filipino Overseas Contract Workers (OFW), this year will be another season away from their love ones. They would have to contend themselves with a phone call or webcast just to get in touch. Thanks to modern technology.

Speaking of phones, did you know that there are now land line phone units that is equipped with spy-bugs? They are called Phone-007. They can record phone conversations in progress and even ambient noises with in the phones range.

I was also surprised when I learned about such phones. They can be hooked to an internet connection and you can listen to conversations by dialing a local Phone-007 access code. That would be eavesdropping in the truest sense of the word. In addition, you can even log-in to my.PurpleGoods.com to access all previous recordings made.

As I always say about technology, they are here to improve our way of life. Its a choice how we use such technology. Our individual intentions and motives will dictate how we dispense of them...good or bad.

Well, its the start of another year. We can always change for the better. And for our OFW's, yes they are lonely, but who knows, they just might have sent home a Phone-007 just to stay connected. (",)

HERE'S TO A BETTER 2009 FOR ALL OF US!!!

Delivering on Commitments

2008-12-31T05:04:00.001+08:00

After opening a new plant in the northern part of Mindanao (Southern part of the Philippines), the immediate concern that our operation experienced was the issue on logistics. Freight cost are high inspite of the continuous roll-back of fuel prices. Apparently the distance and the terrain play a major obstacle.

Cagayan de Oro City is around 300KM (186 Miles) away for Davao City and some 450KM (280 Miles) for General Santos City (Manny Pacquio's home town) travelling south. It would take a 10-wheeler truck 2-3 days to complete a round trip. Considering the wear and tear of the truck including tires, fuel consumption, and driver's fee, Most of the truckers are charging a considerable sum of money.

Nonetheless, since our commitment to our customers is to deliver their requirement on time, we have to carry the freight burden. In any kind of business, delivering to what has been committed is foundational to building trust and the first step for a repeat sale. Nothing can prosper if such commitments are violated.

Almost for the whole month of December, my team and I hurdled the hick-ups of a start up operation. There were a lot of sleepless nights and internal challenges. But in the end, by putting the customers first, everything went fairly well.

All thanks to the relentless efforts of an engaged team.