CMABLOGS

Blog, Gaming, Career, and Other Drugs

2013-03-19T17:49:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I visited my blogs and actually "blogged". It has already been what almost two to three months of hiatus in my blogs, and some of those blogs really needs some updating. I really can't say if I am back or what. For now I am taking my sweet time with work and gaming.

I think I mentioned before that I am working as another BPO agent with some flashy sub-name "Game Master". Currently, we are now handling an MMOFPS which I will end at that. Well, can't really chose what genre to pick as we are all just corporate slaves here in the end. Well, I start to appreciate shooters now more than before, maybe I'll try out various FPS on Xbox 360 now.

I've finally decided to join the dark side and modify (JTAG) mg Xbox 360. I had always the options to do so, but back then I was still digging the whole online connectivity thing. Well, I grew tired of it and most of the games I purchase are lengthy single player (RPG) ones, so what's the use right. Currently I am now playing 2013's Tomb Raider from Crystal Dynamics which is really kick ass. I haven't had the chance to play the uncharted series, but seeing the videos posted online, I think the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise is much more like Uncharted which is not a bad thing. I am also playing the Ultimate Adventure (story mode) of Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, which is great as usual. Not to mention, I have unlocked a number of characters for multiplayer. Can't wait to play with friends once I've unlocked all the characters. Thanks to my new JTagged Xbox360, I can now play those games which I haven't had the resources to play before ;-)

I only got two days every week to continuously play Xbox 360 games, but that doesn't mean I can't play on the road. I recently purchase PSP 3000 which I play in trips to and fro to work. Yes, it is modified as well, currently enjoying Valkyria Chronicles II, Persona 4 Portable, and Duodecim Final Fantasy 012. So is there anything else a geek like me can ask for? More time to enjoy these perhaps? Every once in a while I think of romance, but then I remember what possible life I can give them and I immediately snap out of that dream. Maybe someday when I have more than enough (financially) to give myself and my parents. For now, romantic relationships are out of the picture.

I will probably share my thoughts on relationship next time. Recently had a talk with a good bud of mine about this, and i think it is worth talking about and oh boy I have a lot in mind about that issue.

Here and Back Again This 2013: First Blog Post for 2013

2013-01-07T19:30:00.000+08:00

Ah how fast time flies. One moment I was wondering what new blogs will I push for 2012 and then the next thing I know is that the year has ended. It has also not been a good year for CMABLOGS as I have been inactive in the later half of the year. Basically I still blog, but not here. I generally focused my attention on my other blogs, mainly CMAQUEST, Pinoy Movie Blogger, and Retro Pilipinas. Unfortunately work got in the way, but I am not complaining I love my new career as an outsourced Game Master. I got to work in the gaming industry and finally know what it is like behind the scenes. I planned to start a blogging series last year relating to my new career, but eventually work and gaming schedule conflict got in the way. Hopefully I can juggle my schedule playing, working, and blogging this 2013.

It was not long ago, 2007 to be precise that I started blogging for the sake of earning a little. after a series of trial and error, I finally got it and eventually infiltrated the local blogging community thanks to mainstream commercial bloggers who I met in the past years. I learned a lot from that experience and thankful for everything. As much as i enjoy attending blogging events and sharing experiences and new stuff from such events, we all need to eventually prioritize what matters most... family and personal growth. So cheers and here is to a more active blogging this 2013. Catch me blogging and check out updates on my blogs :D

Infographic on How Credit History Can Predict Divorce

2012-12-26T14:35:00.002+08:00

Marriage is the final step taken by a couple who are in love with each other. To finally settle down in holy matrimony, have children, and spend the rest of their lives living happily is supposed to be real life's very own fairy tale... a happily ever after. As much as we want our lives to be like that of the fairy tales that we grew up listening or watching to, in reality marriage is not like that. It doesn't end in one "magical" or memorable wedding. Marriage is a commitment. It requires the couple to have loyalty, honesty, trust, and dedication towards one another. Failure to do so can result to betrayal.

Betrayal is the ultimate killer of a marriage. No matter how much love is there, if one of the parties involved betrays the other then it will only be a matter of time before doubt, hate, and jealousy rots away that once was perfect marriage. Luckily in most part of the globe (specifically the United States of America), divorce is an option. Betrayal can take many forms. Infidelity is probably one of the main reasons why couples get divorce, but let us not talk about the usual kind of infidelity that involves third parties. Let's talk about a different kind of betrayal...financial infidelity, a real definite factor on why most married couples get divorce.

Do you find yourself hiding your shopping bags or opening secret bank accounts to keep your personal funds private from a loved one? If your credit history is a touchy subject, this could actually predict the future of your relationship. This infographic shows how experts believe your credit usage and history can impact your chances of divorce in the future.

No matter how much love a couple has towards each other, nobody can really know how their marriage will end or last. Ideally, if they can work on it, then all is well. But let us just say they cannot? The helpful infographic shown here gives us an idea on how to avoid the getting a divorce. Divorce can be messier if a couple already has children. It just makes life more complicated to both the parents and their children. This infographic on how credit history can predict divorce is something to inform and remind us that marriage does not only involves love or emotional readiness, but financial readiness as well. Of course, in the end true love should reign over a marriage. If a couple has love towards their partners, then there shouldn't be any secrets especially in the financial aspect of their marriage.

Hilariously Subtitled Ghost Fighter Opening Theme Song by Wasted Productions

2012-11-06T22:30:00.002+08:00

Wasted Production's Ghost Fighter Theme Song (Taglish) was one of those videos that took me by surprise which probably the reason why I can't stop laughing when I first saw it and get sudden bursts of laughter everytime I remember it. It featured the lyrics of the popular Japanese animated television series Yu Yu Hakusho a.k.a. Ghost Fighter which became very popular here in the Philippines around the 90's.

Watch Ghost Fighter Theme Song (Taglish) here:

Lyrics:

matsing oh! shit ang dumi
cat daga dumiskarte
hito ni bu-bunchek
ha? taena! isoli
ka siga pi-prito
hito ni bu-buncek

nood see the raw
nakita ko naron mag-jowa
puta subaru mo, sugat eh
trophy di auto nasa

mitsa mitsa, kurot she
grabe na di po init nasuka
kotse ko asul
you hit cubao ah
wah itek! krudo no ah
mista, mitsa kimchi
hinto the jeep
the who in it? me soda
yes! sa sea sya no?
selda ang tarik
sulu hmm there oh on me
hari got toyo sa himas

ewww mama
dyan lang kayo noh
chikito din
can u suck it? hmm..tatalon
ewww mama benta ko sayo narra
dont lie teh, wag ka rin tatalon

nood see the raw
kuya may toyo oh, kasuhan
nag-ani ikulong, kain teh
trophy di auto nasa
mista, mitsa
crush she don't kill that
the who in it? nasuka
no recon eto
you will hit cubao ah
wah itek! krudo no ah
mista, mitsa yes sa sea
hinto the jeep
the who in it? me soda
key busy sya noh
selda ang tarik
sulu hmm there oh on me
hari got toyo sa himas.

**no copyrights infringement intended**
The First Encounter

November 2, 2012, a Friday, I started noticing my office mates barely controlling themselves from laughing really hard and loud as our Korean boss might come in any moment. I was curios as to what could be the source of this contagious and uncontrollable laughter, the a wild MSN link to the shared facebook uploaded video of the Badly Subtitled Yu Yu Hakusho Theme Song appeared on my MSN and the rest is history. I immediately shared it on my FB wall to spread the madness.

It is funny because it exactly brings back memories of me singing various anime (opening or closing) theme songs with the wrong lyrics or as how I heard them. It was before there was even the internet or anime magazines to help us sing it right. This video is so funny because it it is exactly that only funnier. A comedic take and a what-if scenario. What if someone tried to make sense of a Japanese song by associating words with this foreign language. That is what we get with the hilariously subtitled Ghost Fighter Opening Theme Song by Wasted Productions and it warrants to be both filed under the Social Network Vault and Fave Videos here at CMABLOGS.

A Wholehearted Participation in the Website Blackout Protest Against the Philippine Cyber Crime Prevention Law

2012-10-02T02:03:00.001+08:00

Today, October 2, 2012 yours truly wholeheartedly joins the bwebsite black out protest/awareness raising for the cybercrime law. Do not get me wrong, the Cyber Crime Law is what the Filipinos need to protect their basic rights and welfare from being violated online, but the inclusion of a highly exploitative parts in the recent 2012 Philippine enacted law is what drove us mad, online libel.

Learn more about the Movement to Correct the Cyber Crime Prevention Law through the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance Official Website

By now there have probably have countless write ups to discuss why most Filipino netizens hate the Cyber Crime Prevention Law of 2012. I suggest you seek them out, read from both sides and be the judge yourselves if we are just merely over reacting or there is truly a basis to all of this... which is the latter. I'll say it straight right from the get-go I don't have what it takes yet to march to march to the Philippine Supreme Court hours from now and join the rally and protest against this potentially malicious and oppressive law enacted by our "good" Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III along with majority of our 2012 Philippine senators with the exemption of Senator Teofisto Guingona III (I tip my hat to you, Sir). What I can do however is express myself like what I always do and plan to do so in an unforeseen future, only if this low gets amended/revise soon!

If you happen to pass by all of my blogs this October 2, 2012, (CMAQUEST, Retro Pilipinas, and Pinoy Movie Blogger) you'll notice that you'll first be introduced with a splash banner that aims to spread awareness that the freedom that most Filipinos currently enjoy online whether it is on a conversation via chat, social networks, or through blogs is threatened by the current state of the Cyber Crime Prevention Law. If ever all of these actions fail and Filipinos once again forget that there is that dangerous section in the Cyber Crime Prevention Law that is like a slowly crawling time bomb. How will you answer the younger generations (that is if you are still alive and free to even talk to them in this potential future that retains this law), "Where were you when the government started taking our freedom to freely express?" or "Was there any way that your generation could have done to right this error that we are suffering now?". If ever that dark dystopian hopeless Philippines does takes place, I will face them with pride and say "we fought the good fight back then but failed because our numbers weren't enough, that average Filipinos didn't give a darn.". The only question now is what will you do about the Cyber Crime Prevention Law while you still have the capability to stop it dead on its oppressive track towards that potentially dark future for freedom in the Philippines?

Remember remember the secondth of October...
Cyber Crime Prevention Law, tyranny, and freedom-suppressed.
I see no reason why Cyber Crime Prevention Law
Should ever be forgot...

- Inspired by Remember Remember Poem
(Guy Fawkes & the Gunpowder Plot)
V for Vendetta (2006) Film

Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone: Insightful Relationship Advice Video Series from Ramon Bautista

2012-08-31T04:08:00.000+08:00

I stumbled over Tales from the Friend Zone a few days ago, and was in for a treat when I started watching the Tales from the Friend Zone video series in RARivera's Youtube Video Channel. Tales from the Friend Zone is hosted by Ramon Bautista where he answer questions sent via Ramon Bautista's Formspring by everyday Filipinos trapped in the friend zone. The usually 5 - 7 minute long episode begins with the disclaimer "Ang susunod na programa ay hango sa tunay na buhay" ("the following program is based on true events") which later transitions to the show's title screen with the background OPM "Kaibigan lang Pala".

About Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone

Love advise Internet show for people trapped in the Friend Zone. Made in the Philippines by Ramon Bautista and RA Rivera.

Source: Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone Official FB Page

So why does Tales from the Friend Zone works (Each video currently has more than 100,000 pageviews and counting)? The video series slash love advice show is spoken in Filipino, so every Filipinos will feel right. Not to mention that almost everyone has (is, had) or knows someone who fell in love with someone but eventually got friend zoned putting them in crisis or utmost pain. Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone (TFTFZ) is just like any of the currently airing love advice radio shows here in the Philippines. Ramon Bautista's TFTFZ features one chosen letter which will be read by Ramon with a funny re-enactment showcasing their interpretation of the letter sender's crisis. The re-enactment ends as soon as Ramon finish reading the letter where he later gives his insightful advice like a "pro" hahaha. In the end, the chosen letter sender will received a baby-tee, which Ramon says that should be given to their potential future partner with various prints related with being friend-zoned. He ends it with "Na-Friend Zone ka nga, may t-shirt ka naman" ("You might got friend-zoned, but you got a free t-shirt"). Besides the re-enactment, the episode is funny because we can all somehow relate and although it seems pretty simple to our perspective, the conflict is very much real in the eyes of those who got friendzoned. Well, honestly I am watching and learning from this video series, since I think I've experienced one myself. This will arm me from being friendzoned, hahaha. Well. I'll leave you with the first three episodes from Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone. You can hit both the Subscribe button to get regular video updates from Ramon Bautista or Like their FB Page.

TALES FROM THE FRIEND ZONE episode 01
A story of deceit, passion, and murder

TALES FROM THE FRIEND ZONE episode 02
Mahal kita, kaso finriend zone mo ako

TALES FROM THE FRIEND ZONE episode 03
Do not strike when the iron is not yet hot

So how did you find the first three episodes of Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone? Share your thoughts and opinion in the comments section below:

The Social Network Vault - An Archive of Anything and Everything Viral and Phenomenal on Social Networking Websites

2012-08-21T02:46:00.000+08:00

Facebook is "the social networking website" where anyone can everyone can hang out, share their thoughts, and socialize with each other. With so many people in one's network, one fb post can easily be flushed down in a matter of minutes. Has it ever happen to you that you have this one particular fb post that you wanted to looked at again but then you cannot because of the many activities you have already done that flushed it down your memory (you have posted, liked newer posts, and have forgotten which date did you liked it)? Well, this is what I will try to remedy with the Social Network Vault here in CMABLOGS.

The Social Network Vault is just a more permanent and stable archiving vault where I can once again look at any social networking posts that I have found very interesting, funny, scary, thought-provoking, phenomenal, disturbing, and many more. You may share my fascination with these viral images, videos or mere status updates, or you may not. This is just my personal archives. What matters is that whenever I wanted to laugh my arse off on one particular post I liked days, months, and even years ago I'll just go to the social network vault section here in my blog (www.cmablogs.com) and check them out again. Well, you can also do this same thing in your individual blogs, for everyone has different taste or preferences. Most people I know in various social netwoking website (including myself before this post) has addressed the issue of these favorite posts getting flushed down into oblivion by simply saving these vital images and create an album where all their fave pics go. The Social network Vault is just my version of that. So if you want to find out if your favorite viral pic, meme, and video got included in my social network vault, or you have something that warrants a spot here, then feel free to just drop by and share one here.

A Look on What Eat Bulaga! Indonesia Is Like

2012-07-17T03:54:00.000+08:00

Last time we talked and confirmed that Indonesia officially franchised Eat Bulaga!. Now let's check out what Eat Bulaga! Indonesia is like on its first episode.

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia's version of Pambato ng Videoke ng Bayan

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia's version of Sugod Bahay Gang

INDONESIA PINTAR - Eat Bulaga! Indonesia's version of Pinoy Henyo Segment

Amidst the language barrier, I still find it amusing how Eat Bulaga! Indonesia has managed to duplicate the feel and the look of the original Philippine Eat Bulaga! in their own fun and conservative type of way. For most Filipinos who are not privileged enough to learn the Indonesian dialect, we just have to read the scenes as it is the exact same Eat Bulaga that we grew to loved with for 33 years, only with a different coat. Well it is expected for a franchise anyways. Hopefully Indonesia's localized version and franchise of Eat Bulaga! will soon become a household name that will not only entertain generations of Indonesians but provide public service to its people.

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia: Philippine's Longgest Running Noontime Variety Show Eat Bulaga Got Franchised!

2012-07-16T04:05:00.006+08:00

Eat Bulaga! has been providing television entertainment for 3 decades and is tsill counting. Millions of Filipinos grew up with this long-running Philippine noontime variety show since it began airing back in 1979. I've seen almost everything there to see on Eat Bulaga and told myself that nothing will surprise me anymore with this television entertainment show for the mass, until I stumbled on a news about Eat Bulaga! Indonesia.

Eat Bulaga! Indonesia
Official News about the Eat Bulaga! Franchise in Indonesia

Yes, Philippine's undisputed number one noontime variety show got franchised by Surya Citra Televisi a.k.a SCTV Network in Indonesia. Indonesians will now be able to watch Eat Bulaga! Indonesia every Mondays to Saturdays at an afternoon timeslot of 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM starting July 16, 2012 in SCTV. Eat Bulaga! Indonesia will be hosted by Uya Kuya, Aja Farid, Reza No, Ramzi, Narji, Ciripa, Rian Ibram, Rio Indrawan, Steven, Leo Consul, Selena Alexandria, Jenny Tan, Bianca Lizza and Julie Christie. The Indonesian afternoon variety show will also feature its own version of Eat Bulaga's popular segments like Bulagaan (Bolagaan), Juan For All, All For Juan (Satu Untuk Semua, Semua Untuk Satu) and Pinoy Henyo (Indonesia Jenius). "We want this program to be a success like in the Philippines, where it has been running for the past 33 years," said Harsiwi Achmad, Director of Programs and Production at Studio Penta SCTV. "We’re not adapting 100% of the Philippines’ Eat Bulaga but will format in accordance with the state and introduce positive values, environmental campaigns, and sharing with others," said Harsiwi.

News Source: KapanLagi

No thanks to my day job, I am not that updated with a much more live news from Eat Bulaga! that is currently airing on GMA Network. Luckily we have the internet to save me from the hassle. It is not an April Fool's Joke or anything and it has been confirmed by the Eat Bulaga Team themselves. Eat Bulaga! Indonesia is really happening.

Well, Eat Bulaga! didn't get to where it is now (as the longest running undisputed noontime variety show in the Philippines for 33 years) without the support of millions of Filipinos. Eat Bulaga! has endured the test of time, triumphed over its numerous competition, and survived some controversies that its host has gotten themselves into.Eat Bulaga has consistently evolved to the show that it is now. Besides the usual entertainment, Eat Bulaga! has now become a public service program that won the hearts of more Filipinos. The big question is to whether Eat Bulaga! Indonesia will have the same impact as what Eat Bulaga! did here in the Philippines. If all the cards are played right by the television compay and its initial 14 hosts, Indonesians will have something fun, entertaining and good on their television screen every weekdays at 4 PM with Eat Bulaga! Indonesia.

The Winners of the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival: Rejuvenating the Philippine Music Industry this 2012

2012-07-15T03:01:00.000+08:00

July 14, 2012 marks the new year for all original Filipino music with the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival. I was still fortunate enough to at least saw the last part - announcement of winners of the Philippine Popular Music Festival 2012 telecast in TV5. I'm glad I did,

There are a total of 14 finalists for the 2012 PPOP Music Festival.
Check out their individual entries here.

Philippine Popular Music Festival Top 14

"Kesa" music and lyrics by Edwin Marollano
"Piso" music and lyrics by Krist Melecio
"Dulo ng Dila" music and lyrics by Noah Zuñiga
"Takusa" music and lyrics by Byron Ricamara
"Tayo-Tayo Lang" music and lyrics by Toto Sorioso
"3:00 AM" music and lyrics by Keiko Necesario
"Bigtime" music and lyrics by Trina Belamide
"Brown" music and lyrics by James Leyte
"Himig Ng Panahon" music and lyrics by Thyro Alfaro
"Minsa'y Isang Bansa" music and lyrics by Gary Granada
"Bawat Hakbang" music and lyrics by Karl Villuga
"Negastar" music and lyrics by Mike Villegas
"Kontrabida" music and lyrics by Soc Villanueva
"Slowdancing" music and lyrics by Kennard Faraon

Although almost all entries have somethings special to offer, unfortunately there can only be one grand winner. Here are the list of winners for the 1st PPOP Music Festival:

The Winners of the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival

1st Philippine Popular Music Festival Smart People's Choice Awards:

"Brown"
Music and Lyrics by James Leyte
Interpreted by Brown Man Revival

1st Philippine Popular Music Festival 2nd Runner Up:

"Kontrabida"
Music and Lyrics by Soc Villanueva
Interpreted by Sam Concepcion

1st Philippine Popular Music Festival 1st Runner Up:

"Tayo-Tayo Lang"
Music and Lyrics by Toto Sorioso
Interpreted by Ebe Dancel

1st Philippine Popular Music Festival Grand Winner:

"Bawat Hakbang"
Music and Lyrics by Karl Villuga
Interpreted by Mark Santos with the Acafellas

Filipino music has taken a step back and has steadily decline over the past few years (if not decades) and this is because of a number of reasons. Rather than pondering on what almost destroyed it, let's look forward at what will build it anew. Hopefully the Philippine Popular Music Festival will become a consistent annual music event like what the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop) has established before it. An annual event that will help rejuvenate the Philippine music industry by ushering in new all original Filipino music by creative and Filipino artists (Filipino composers and singers alike).

For more information about the Philippine Popular Music Festival visit their official website at http://www.philpop.com.ph/

Dolphy's Death: The Death and the Celebrated Life of Philippines' Comedy King

2012-07-11T05:01:00.002+08:00

Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. a.k.a Dolphy - "The King of Comedy" died this July 10, 2012 at the age of 83. I will not go into further details explaining his life, career, and milestones, the media already got that covered. I'll just simply talk about Dolphy's influence on me and probably to most of us who new him as a good entertainer and public figure.

Well, other folks born before me might remember him in John en Marsha or from his other works he starred in, but being a 90's kid I was more familiar with Dolphy as Kevin Kosme from ABS-CBN's Home Along Da Riles. He became this cool, loving, traditional, funny and iconic second father figure with this long running television sitcom. I was oblivious to his career before Home Along or John en Marsha back then, but would later be greatly impressed when I made a researched and compiled the the list of the comedy films in the Philippines, because films featuring Dolphy was already more than a handful and was alone enough to fill that database.

The last film that featured the Philippine Comedy King was with the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry "Rosario" in a much more serious tone. I have high respect for commedians as comedy is a more complicated form of art/entertainment than let's say drama. Dolphy is one of those celebrities who can make us both laugh and cry everytime the circumstances calls for it. I blame it on the ever changing times that it somehow desensitize me with the last few television shows he starred in, but that doesn't take anything away from what Dolphy has accomplished as an entertainer, an actor.

Don't get me wrong, but I was not really surprised to see the news that Dolphy was in a bad shape when he was admitted to Makati Medical Center back in June 16, 2012. Death has always been a part of life, and Dolphy was already at the end of his life. I remember TV5's Trade Launch back in 2010 where he was on stage with Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon and by then I knew that he was already struggling with some health complications as we observe Dolphy seems to tire so fast and seems out of breath. Fortunately he was still capable after that and managed to still make two films on that same year, Father Jejemon and Rosario in 2010. The last television show that Pidol starred in was with TV5's Pidol's Wonderland.

I started receiving news on my Facebook timeline that Dolphy has indeed passed away. Being the skeptical person that I am, it was only natural to doubt these so-called internet news. So I double checked with this news from various Philippine online news portals. Eventually it was true. The Comedy King was indeed dead at the age of 83. It saddened me a bit to see another icon bite the dust, but it was inevitable. To the family, friends, and the lives of the people touched by the Dolphy, it can't be helped to mourn for his death. Dolphy may not lived a perfect life but he became a Filipino icon. Dolphy might have died but his legacy, contribution, and legendary status will continue to live on and will never be forgotten.

All Hail The Philippine's Comedy King.

Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon, Sr., OGH, (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012)

Haggling and Saving Online Just Got Better with Galoo

2012-07-10T05:17:00.000+08:00

From learning to shopping, life seems to keep on getting better and better thanks to the wonders of the internet. It has become a haven for both buyers and consumers; for individuals to corporations. The power is brought back to the users, to US. We can either go the traditional route of buying various goods and services at their regular price, OR do some little exploring to find online markets that offer great discounts and savings on the things that you WANT! ...on the things that you NEED! This is where Galoo comes in.

Galoo is a new free concept in buying products and services online for less which saves you money. It sounds great right? But it is definitely true. It is technically a online market which also serves as a junction for buyers and sellers to interact. Say what you want at the price you want for products and services at Galoo.com. You just enter the products or services that you want, make your offer at your price, and let the sellers come to you, or vice versa. Galoo will also notify whether you are a buyer or a seller with the offer that you wanted. Both parties can communicate with one another to settle and potentially push with the transaction. Try Galoo out if you want to save on products and services as a consumer, or a seller if you want to get new markets in and all the wile helping various charitable institutions in the process.

Preparations for the Future: Starting My Journey to Financial Freedom

2012-07-06T17:52:00.001+08:00

Whether you subscribe to it or not, the fact still remains... money makes the world go round. This is why most that belong to the middle class work diligently. The ultimate objective should be financial freedom. No, not should but that "MUST" be our the ultimate goal right. Unfortunately, not everyone (at first that is) seems to realize that this should be their goal in a financial standpoint. When they do realize it, regret is one of the initial emotions that comes up, but on the brighter side of it, it is never too late. This is what I want to impart with you on this little personal development blog post about starting my journey to financial freedom.

I made this post this 6th of July, 2012 and plans to make this blog post as a starting point in my journey to financial freedom. Basing on its two keyword "finance" and "freedom", financial freedom is not entirely about being wealthy (although it is under it), but more on being able to enjoy life without being affected with financial complications and uncertainties that may rise in the future. So how do we become "financially free"? Well, I am no expert, I did say that I was just starting. The best way to learn about it is with research, that's what I did and that is why we have books and the internet, right? At the age of 26, I regret some financial decisions I did in my life. If only I saved my money before. If only I invest it on interest-yielding financial mechanisms. If only I did or didn't do this. In the end, rather than sulking up on the mistakes of the past, we should move forward. What truly matter is that we learned from these mistakes, that in some weird way that it helped us get to this point of realization. Although it is good to reward yourself every once in a while, we should never loose track of the future, of the goal to be financially free. A luxurious and spendthrift lifestyle only belongs to those who can afford wasting their own or their family's wealth. Well we can even say that they are having this sort of lifestyle because they have reach that point of financial freedom. So while we haven't reach the point of financial freedom nor have resources to waste we should learn to change. One shouldn't live beyond his means but under it, and find other ways to increase his income.

What I leaned from researching is to SAVE MONEY. That is my biggest mistake in life. It always come to my mind, but never actually acted on it. But now, there is no time to waste. If I want to get started with the new knowledge I gained, I need to take up action.

Here are some great tips:

Save Money. The bank is a good place to start.
Pay up and be free from your debts. Completely avoid credit cards
Have a separate emergency savings. A 3-6 months worth of emergency funds is essential to serve as a cushion to protect you from various unfortunate financial situations like losing a job or medical concerns.
Set money for investments. This is the money generating machinery that would help you gain financial freedom. This is worth researching for.

This past few days, I have talked with colleagues in my new career about finance and the future. The new career I have isn't that rewarding and I need to maximize my income stream and total earnings. This is why I have been researching about the stock market.

Here is a good informative animation about how stock works I stumbled on my research:

I now plan to invest on stocks. A year ago, I did plan to start with time deposits and buying bonds through banks, but I wasn't that serious to actually act on it. I am thankful for maturity finally catching up on me. If I want to give my future self and family a good life, then I have to change and compromise some things in life.

Ask yourself this, what are you willing to do to achieve the things you want in life?

RetroPilipinas.com and PinoyMovieBlogger.com: Blogs Leveled Up and Updates

2012-06-21T05:24:00.001+08:00

Retro Pilipinas and Pinoy Movie Blogger, two other blogs I authored finally got their own domain names this June 21, 2012 (Thursday). Everyone can now reach Retro Pilipinas, blog dedicated to everything nostalgic and retro in the Philippines at http://www.retropilipnas.com for Retro Pilipinas; and Pinoy Movie Blogger, blog dedicated for Filipino movies which include local film trailer impressions, Filipino film reviews, and articles about the Philippine cinema at http://www.pinoymovieblogger.com.

It was really a big challenge maintaining four blogs especially now that I have a new career to pursue unlike before. But even if the time restrictions and limitations, my passion to share and blog will never fail. Now more than ever I am more passionate to create more informative, entertaining, and worthwhile content for both the local and international netizens.

Taking Poker Up to the Next Level: Learning to Play Poker Like a Pro with Party Poker

2012-05-26T21:01:00.000+08:00

Most members of our family are into card games. They sometimes throw in a few bets to make their game more engaging, challenging and competitive. It is not the type of gambling that can ruin a person's financial life. It is more on the casual and entertainment side of gaming. Well, mom isn't that into gambling nowadays, but there once was a time in her life that she was. I remember seeing her having a game of cards with her siblings, relatives, friends and some of our neighbors. While traditicnal card games were not my forte, it was definitely my brother's. Our youngest brother got into card games himself, specifically poker.

My brother was influenced by mom to play traditional card games with them but he eventually outgrew that and learned a different card game, poker. He learned it at home, from various poker-themed social games in facebook. He was so into playing poker that I saw him a few times watching Party Poker Video to see how the profesional poker players and celebrities do it. Playing the social networking version of the highly addictive poker was in a completely different league from the actual card game itself. Poker-themed songs weren't made because it was "that" easy. I think brother wants to see how pros wear their poker faces. He wants to expand his limited knowledge of poker and I can't really blame him. As long as playing poker entertains him and does not get him to trouble, then I am all in for it.

Papa Jack and Chico Loco: Ending the Day Right with Two of Philippine Radio's Funniest DJs

2012-05-19T22:22:00.004+08:00

I am not really a big music fan or radio listener, but when our television broke down at around four years back, still studying and with limited budget, we were forced to look for other modes of entertainment back then, and the only available one that time was the radio. This is when we heard 90.7 Love Radio's Papa Jack. It was a good one month of continuous listening to people's love problems, sound advices, and a very mass-friendly humor. All good things eventually must come to an end when we got a new television.

Fast forward to April 2012, after losing my three year job as an online outsourced writer for a foreign company, I am now forced to have a more stable and sustainable job. My new career that eats away 14-15 hours of my everyday life (except for two restdays per week). "Fifteen hours? What kind of job could that be?" you might ask, well it is because of the hours wasted in commuting. I lived in Dasmariñas Cavite and my work is located in Ortigas Center in Pasig City. So I have to anticipate the traffic every morning allocationg 2-3 hours depending on my sched. Currently I am schedule for the afternoon-night shift and after a normal day in the office, I am left with two more hours of waiting in the bus. Luckily I got a phone with radio feature in it. Now it is no longer just Papa Jack that can makes me smile and laugh silly while in the bus heading home, there is now 101.7 Yes YesFM's Chico Loco.

Even in the radio business, competition is inevitable. Every DJ or radio station seems to vye for the number one most listened to station in the Philippines. Times are changing and people's tastes are shifting. They could either prefer the old ways or look for something new. Radio listeners come from all walks of life, some might prefer the more classy radio DJ delivery while others may like an all-music less or little talk kind of radio. Although people may argue, statistics says otherwise. Love Radio has been successful in maintaining its position as the number one Philippine radio station and this is because of its mass appeal. Not far behind is a Radio station that adapted a similar format to Love, Yes FM. After a while, the once rival radio stations are now working together as one, Love Radio and Yes FM. Radio listeners to one or both the station will be usually hearing these lines on both stations: "Radyo? dalawa lang yan! Kundi Love, eh di Yes. Kung hindi Yes, eh di Love." I can testify to it as I usually end my day or night by listening and switching between 90.7 Love Radio's Papa Jack and 101.1 YesFM's Chico Loco.

Chico Loco in Papa Jack's Wild Confessions/True Love Conversations on July 20, 2011
To have a better idea on what goes on their show or their brand of humor. I looked for their radio show on Youtube and here is what I found. The materials shared below are copyright of YesFm and Love Radio. Yours truly didn't upload them on the popular video sharing website. These embed videos are for merely personal and "educational" purposes.

Papa Jack's True Love Conversations of TLC is a radio segment in Love Radio where he give his sound advices and interesting conversations with his callers usually with love problems and heartaches. Papa Jack's other segment is called Wild Confessions which deals with callers sharing their naughty experiences in a "public radio"-friendly manner. Papa Jack usually has this self-righteous tone when it comes to giving his advice which sometimes sounded so preachy. Although it sometimes bothers me, all in all his segment rocks. Maybe I just wanted to listen to a light heart conversations where he usually cracks jokes, but it can't be helped as some callers really deserved some scolding from the usually self-righteous radio jock.

Chico Loco's Yes Diaries on the other hand offers the same segment in terms of problem sharing but his style is way different that Papa Jack. Don't get me wrong he can be as self-righteous when giving advice to callers that deserve it but I somehow find his radio show more lighthearted. This is probably because before each caler share their issues with him, he has this routine skit where he reads people's fate by their birthday. So what's new with that you may ask? Well he doesn't really ave a black book of birthdays, he just uses this as a comedic skit. He changes his voice and takes up a character that will read the caller's fortune. Chico Loco can take up the characters like Madam Chiki (a flirty loud-mouthed drag queen), Notnot (a witch of some sort who uses rituals usually to curse the caller), Chiklet (a talkative and naughty kid that likes to tease and ask for money), and Kapitan Tutan (a male chauvinistic macho barangay captain who also was a former celebrity with tons of movies with naughty titles under his wing). I usually laugh silly when he assumes the role of his segment's many characters.

Since Love Radio and YesFM have jjoined forces and their DJs literally working on the same building. It can't be helped that other DJs from opposite stations make various cameos on their segment. In some rare occasions, Papa Jack might appear on Chico Loco's radio show or vice versa and usually a laugh out loud chaos ensues.

Papa Jack Wild Confession JV and Chico Loco Guests as Kapitan Tutan

You can only do so much when waiting in a bus headed home. You are lucky when the bus you rode in has a television open, but sometimes with that schedule there isn't much to watch, not to mention some televisions may be open but the audio and reception are horrible. So what is left is to sleep, bu what if you can't? This is where the radio show of these two jocks comes in. I usually prepare my handkerchief to cover my face so that people won't think I'm crazy while I listed to the jokes brought by these two amazing radio jockeys. For me, the best way to end you day is to listen to Papa Jack and Chico Loco.

You guys can follow them on twitter at:

Papa Jack's Official Twitter Account
Chico Loco's Official Twitter Account

or like Official Facebook Pages at:

Papa Jack's Official Facebook Page
Chico Loco's Official Facebook Page

Purchasing Aderall Online: A Prescribed Solution for People Suffering from ADHD and Narcolepsy

2012-05-18T18:28:00.000+08:00

The human body has always been a great mystery to Science. Unfortunately not everyone receives the gift of a fine health. The lives of both the suffering person and the people close to them are forever changed. This hold specially true with patients that either have terminal illness or chronic disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy are examples of such chronic disorders which can bring so much pain to the people around the person suffering such disorders. Science has continually researched and come up with temporary remedies to such seemingly heartbreaking disorders, Aderall is one of them.

Patients suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are generally prescribed by authorized medical professionals to buy Aderall. The prescribed drug can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant which affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. This medication should only be taken by patients prescribed to take it. A medication that affects the brain should never be abuse and it is not free from any side effects as well, but with proper use and knowledge for people prescribed to take it, Aderall is an effective solution to help improve the lives of patients suffering from ADHD and narcolepsy.

Work Gets in the Way: Missing Blogging and Missing Sharing

2012-05-02T03:11:00.000+08:00

It's almost been a month! I am officially an office guy working for a budding gaming company here in the Philippines. After three years of home-based benefit-less outsourced work as a content writer, I finally got a job that I like and that rewards me for my efforts. The only issue I have now is I missed sharing my thoughts and information online.

Well, this is considered a blog post, right?... you might ask. Well yes, but before, I had a work I usually wake up in the morning to face my PC and share everything that my hearts desire: international movies, Filipino movies, a retrospective on Philippines, and many more. I literally spend my whole day blogging and it's okay. There is a certain fulfillment for me when I blog. Even if there are not that many people responding to my blogs, in the back of my mind, I know that I have done my part.. I have enlightened, entertained, and informed someone. That is probably where I get my drive.

This is an old photo of me on a vacation years ago. Yes, I literally gained wait from this pic and I haven't had any real pic as of the moment. so I'll just use this old pic. Probably next time, I'll have something better to share :P

It is currently 3:00 in the morning. I just finished watching the 19th episode of Grimm while eating the instant noodles mom cooked for me when she opened the door for me when I arrived back at 1:00 am. It was about an hour and a half trip from my schedule which ran from 2pm to 11 pm. Then that same schedule will repeat on the next day. Luckily I have two days of break but recently I got sidetracked when I bought Final Fantasy XIII-2. Well I still haven't finished the game. I have literally spent the small time I had playing the game which is a good reason why I really missed out on blogging. I was really surprised when I received two event invites in the past, but has completely passed out because of my work and leisure. I had this kind of conflict before, but my previous work was more flexible and I was able three tasks at a time. Now I usually spend or waste my time in the bus commuting to and fro from home. I miss blogging and the simple life, but I also know that I need this job right now. One thing is ceratin, I have a lot of things going on for myself right now and a proper time management is really needed to organize the things I love. Yes, things I love. The person to love (romantically) can wait, whomever she might be. As our popular saying goes in the Philippines bahala na si Batman.

SM Cinema e-PLUS Card Launch Coverage at SM Megamall: SM Cinema's Ultimate Convenient Access Card to the Movies

2012-04-15T17:14:00.000+08:00

e-Plus Card is the latest offering of SM Cinema's for its film patrons. The e-PLUS Launch was held last April 11, 2012 at SM Megamall Cinema 3. Yours truly got officially invited to the event thanks to Ferdinand "Ferds" Bondoy of Tatak Digitista. Here is CMABLOGS Event Coverage for the SM Cinema e-Plus Card Launch.

All About the SM Cinema e-PLUS Card

e-PLUS card stands for Entertainment, Privileges, Lifestyle, Upgrades, and Surprises. e-PLUS Card is the most convenient reloadable prepaid access card to the movies.

With e-PLUS prepaid cards, you no longer have to endure lining up at the ticket booth to watch a movie. Go straight to the cinema, insert your prepaid cards and enjoy the movie.

e-PLUS prepaid cards also give you the flexibility of choosing a movie schedule convenient for you. Are you unable to make it in time for the screening time? Not a problem! With e-PLUS, you can simply catch the next available screening without any hassle.

e-PLUS prepaid is the perfect gift for your friends and family members. It lets them choose what movie they want to watch and even better, it's convenient!

e-PLUS prepaid also lets you enjoy the benefits of online convenience. You may use your prepaid cards to purchase movie tickets in advance. It is upgradeable to a loyalty card for free. e-PLUS card earns you rewards points everytime you watch a movie and make a purchase at any Snacktime outlets. Redeem reward items easily at the e-PLUS booth located in all SM Cinema Branches nationwide.

The e-Plus Card is your Ticket to Entertainment, exciting Privileges for different Lifestyles plus Enticing Upgrades and Surprises. With various partner merchants, the e-PLUS Card is able to provide its loyal movie-going patrons with a lot of privileges and exclusive offers.

I rushed to the e-PLUS Card Lunch event as soon as I left the office. Luckily I wasn't late to for anything big. SM Megamall Cinema 3 was already packed with film fans, press people and fellow blogges. I first filled up the necessary forms and showed the necessary identifications for my e-PLUS Card to be processed. Minutes later, I already have in my hands the all-in-one movie access and reward card, the e-PLUS card.

I haven't been into any events lately, luckily there are familiar faces in the local blogging scene at the event.

Azrael Coladilla and TJ Panganiban. Special thanks to Az for the two photos I shared here.

The event concluded with a screening of Battleship which was by itself an already entertaining sci-fi action treat for the e-PLUS card launch attendees. I can almost see myself swiping and using the e-PLUS card like crazy as I am a big film fan. So do yourself a favor, if not for the rewards and discounts, well at least try the SM Cinema e-PLUS card to avoid the long lines created by blockbuster films on its first day or week of screening.

A 99.9% Guaranteed Public Safety and Security Around the Metropolitan Locations in the Philippines

2012-04-01T15:30:00.000+08:00

A 99.9% Guaranteed Public Safety and Security Around the Metropolitan Locations in the Philippines
A Special April 1 Citizen's View Post by Chris A.

Getting around the metro can be considered by some as the most challenging and fear or anxiety-inducing experience they can think of. I for one don't belong to this minority. How can you doubt an effective security protocol? Luckily, the Philippines is a country known for considering public safety and learning from past mistakes. I can definitely say that I feel 100% safe, wait that's too much for me to say. Let me rephrase that... I can definitely say that I feel 99.9% sure that I am safe and secured around the Metropolitan areas in the Philippines.

Thanks to my new career as a staff in this tech company in Ortigas City, I am now (more than ever) exposed to the beauty of public security and safety in the most metropolitan locations in the Philippines. I usually wake up two hours ahead of my schedule anticipating the usual lengthy and sometime heavy traffic from Dasmariñas City (my hometown) to Ortigas Center in Pasig. The routine goes like this: Taking the public transportation via air-conditioned bus (Cavite to Pasay), followed by the a train ride in MRT Taft to Ortigas Station, and finally, a good ten minute walk to the office. After spending eight hours in work, I just back tracked from office where I usually pass by the now operational SM Megamall and St. Francis Square Mall, then just a bus ride back home which also takes an hour or two (even three) depending on the flow of traffic. Now we go to the interesting part of this post, the guaranteed public safety and security.

Image Source: Article WN

First there is the excellent and superb security protocol upheld by the Metrostar Express Metro Rail Transit. To avoid the usual normal flow of traffic in EDSA, I usually take the Metrostar Express to reach my destination faster. I just can't help but notice as to how the security personnel in these public terminals uphold the global standards in maintaining public order and security. I believe it is worthy of recognition. Most of the time a public commuter brings an object to carry their personal belongings. If you are carrying a bag and want to access the public transportation system, you'll just have to go to a simple and standard security routine check. First, the security person will tell you to open your bag. Then, using this complex sorting stick, a security personnel will extensively go through the most of contents in your bag for a good two (or three max) seconds. I usually open all of the zippers in my bag for them to dip their advance browsing stick, but it seems like they trust me enough not to check the other pockets. Well, of course you are going to be bothered more if bring along a much more bigger container like a larger travel bag or sealed box. Finally, the security check ends with a final pat on the waist area to check for hidden weapons and other suspicious items. You will never know when a person might have a holstered gun or dangerous weapon on their waist area. I thank the security personnel for not being too forceful and invasive with their security patting. For that they deserve credit. I sometimes think if they should also pat my legs and areas above my waist to double check it, but I guess it is no longer necessary. Who would put a knife or a gun on their chest or legs anyway? Not to mention it would just waste the valuable time of the Metrostar Express patrons who are usually in a rush. This in-depth security protocol gives me so much assurance of a public safety.

Image Source: The Smart Travel Guide

The same can be said on the public malls like SM Megamall and St. Francis Square. Takenote that these are the malls I usually passed through everytime I go to work, so I can't really say about the others. As I made this special post (April 1, 2012), they are using the same effective system as that of the MetroStar Express. The only difference is that there are more security personnel with added device, a handy metal detector. This detector compliments the complex poking stick. Then a simple pat on the waist like that of the MRT and you're good to enter the mall premises. I saw a more complex metal detecting machines in The Podium, but I believe that large human scanner is too dangerous. I know I read some article that such advanced x-ray or scanning machines can induce cancer. So as much as possible I try not to even come near one. I trust the Metrostar Express and other malls that doesn't use dangerous methodologies and tools like large scanners/metal detectors and canine dogs. Honestly, I have an allergic reaction to dogs, so I am thankful for malls to be so considerate and sensitive to their patron's health and psychological conditions.

I was able to claim that there is only a 99.9% of guarantedd public safety and assurance because we can't deny that there are devious scourges of society that pass through this extensive security check with great sly and ease. A recent robbery incident in Robinson's Galleria, the fire in Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall, and past terrorist bombing attacks that killed and wounded countless of public commuters in the Metro rail transit systems are some of these isolated cases in the past that I believe has been addressed with the implementation of extensive security system which I just mentioned here. There is still that 0.1% of danger, but when you know that God is up there watching over us, you'll forget all about it.

I feel so secured and relieved everytime I access these metropolitan locations in the Philippines. I am definitely in good and protecting hands. How about you guys?

A Citizen's View on 20 Reasons Why I Dislike the Philippines: An Entertaining Social Commentary

2012-03-14T17:24:00.001+08:00

20 Reasons Why I dislike the Philippines is a ChannelFlix Presentation and a Sorted Production video hosted by Jimmy Sieczka. This entertaining social commentary video about a foreigner's (to the Philippines that is) top 20 list on the things he disliked about the Philippines came to me today March 14, 2012 on Facebook. Intrigued by the title and some people crying fowl on the said video made me more curious to know what is the fuzz all about. So here is my diyes sentimos on this latest "INSULTING" video about the Filipinos.

"Top 20 Reasons Why I Dislike ______", right from the very start we should know that this video is negative in nature. If you are so blindly passionate about something, then as much as possible you better stay away with such titles like this. I can't blame people for still watching this though, it is human nature to be naturally curios about things especially when someone of a different race is talking about another person's Father or Motherland, in this case it is the Philippines.

Watch ChannelFlix 20 Reasons Why I dislike the Philippines here

About: If you think really hard, I'm sure you can come up with a couple reasons not to like something. In the land he loves so much, let Jimmy take you on a lighthearted tour of the negative aspects of living in a crowded country located at the earth's equator. On the flip side, check out 20 Reasons I Love _____.

I suggest you watch the video from beginning to end to completely understand the nature of the video. It is a social commentary and a darn entertaining one. If you haven't seen it or have seen it and had a bad impressions on it, I think it warrants a second look. Finished? Now tell me what have you noticed on the video?

First, it is a video that intentionally finds the most trivial matters about the Philippines to include it on its top 20. Traffic is a problem of every (if not all) major cities around the world, so it is really trivial and nitpicking of him to include it in the list. I can add a couple more faults about the Philippines than traffic especially about religion and politics, but they didn't do so, so right then and there you know that they are not really aiming for the serious kind (or journalistic approach) on their top 20. Isn't it true that major roads, especially on the major cities here in the Philippines suffer heavy traffic? We can also traced this to poor enforcement of traffic laws, undisciplined drivers and pedestrians. He also included shameless beeping of horns of most Filipino drivers which by itself is very annoying. He included the very annoying and abusive Filipino barkers. I just hate it when these barkers position themselves on loading/unloading stations and have the shame to ask for a tip. My father was once a public utility jeepney driver and I used to accompany him back in the days, and by then I already hated their existence. The very small money we earned from each passengers fare were being stolen from us by such abusive and unnecessary barkers. Then they have the guts to get angry at drivers who won't pay them any tip? That's just twisted as hell!

He also included beggars on the streets which I too have personal experience with. I saw this mother of three kids who are all beggars on the street taking a ride home. So basically she let her kids do the job for her rather than providing for them. He is also right not to give money to such beggars as it is stated by our law. We can pity them, and give them food if they were really hungry, but if they preferred money over the food you offered then the more reason to doubt these poor straved beggars, not to mention that most of them are taken under the care of the social services, but they eventually escape to just return to begging on the streets. Talk about these beggars really desperate for food and shelter? ...that was a sarcastic statement. LOL.

Then there are the laughable trivial things like the Filipino comfort room. You obviously know that the guy isn't completely honest that every comfort room in the Philippines is as unsanitary and as bad as what he featured on it. Heck, he even featured a decent hotel and shopping mall in Cebu but did he include the comfort rooms on those said establishments? He didn't which makes it funny. I've got to agree with him on some parts, most public toilets whether they are inside or outside shopping malls usually don't have tissues, luckily we are not that big users of tissues, unfortunately for him, he does. Then there is the excessive use of plastics and little tissues, which he also had some very valid points.

One very funny moment in the video was when he was attended to by lady-boy's in a bar/restaurant where he ask the question "Why is it that every hot girls in the Philippines is a lady-boy?", which is duh? That just cracked me up. We all know that there are very hot and lovely REAL women in the Philippines you just have to look at the right place.

This is really a creative and funny video in a guise of a social commentary. What makes it more funnier is that it is based on actual facts about us, our people, culture and tradition with some pretty trivial and irrelevant stuff added to the mix. Do not be mislead by the title alone or the negative feedback received by the video. Try watching it with an open-mind, think that what if the host was not a foreigner but a Filipino. Is there really a need to be defensive and be butthurt over this video?

I for one have been very open in saying my mind (opinions) on various local and international issues, films, and tv shows. I am not even a citizen of the said country, but I was able to express my thoughts on it, but have any of these political figures, celebrities, film and television productions cry fowl of my commentary or reaction to them? They don't because first I am not that popular to warrant their attention (HAHAHA) and second the internet is a free platform where one can freely express himself (to a very justified extent). The video itself is not even that comprehensive as a social commentary, so why even take it too seriously. If you check out the official ChannelFlix website, you will know that it is an entertainment channel. The same channel who previously made a 20 Reasons I Love the Philippines.

Watch ChannelFlix 20 Reasons Why I Love the Philippines here

We, Filipinos are happy people. We can still smile or laugh in the face of adversities and challenges, so why are most of us can't seem to take criticism about our people, culture, and tradition? Why is it that when some of us laugh at other nation's many faults, mishaps or shortcomings it is alright, but when the tables turn and they in turn does the same exact thing, it seems so wrong? It is so double standard. It is alright to be patriotic and nationalistic only if it is on the right context. An acquaintance on my social network used to say that it is a case of misplaced patriotism and I completely agree. Now if you are to take this supposed to be creative and entertaining video to the teeth, then let me ask you this question, did he not raise any valid points on what you now call a an offensive and racist commentary?

Everyone is free to express their opinion on this video. But sometimes it gets really tiring to see such videos or personalities featured on local news not because of their talent, but for their said to be "offensive" and "controversial" content. This is just my honest opinion about this particular matter. You might have a completely different interpretation of the said video, if you do or do not, then fell free to share your thoughts on 20 Reasons Why I Dislike the Philippines? on the comments section below:

A Citizen's View on Senator-Judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Private Prosecution Lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre II: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Speak no Evil

2012-03-01T16:20:00.000+08:00

February 29, 2012 - Day 26 of the Chief Justice Renato Corona Impeachment Proceedings something special happened, A private lawyer from the prosecution panel Vitaliano Aguirre II stood up against Senator-Judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Yes, this is another one of those instances when the iconic Iron Lady from Iloilo City getting enraged ala Hulk by the many blunders happening on the Supreme Court's Chief Justice Renato Corona Impeachment Trial.

Day 26 Corona Impeachment Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago holds Vitaliano Aguirre in Contempt

News Source: Inquirer News: ‘Wah’ happened! Miriam Santiago goes Ballistic

This is my first time to actually watch the CJ Corona impeachment trial for a good hour and so, and oh boy, was I greatly rewarded by this scene. As much as I adore Miriam as apolitical character, I know that she went overboard (again) by getting enraged by the many blunders of the impeachment trial proceedings, mainly made by the prosecution panel. She can't be blamed though, the prosecution panel has shown what they are "capable" of and it sure was not any good. But the surprising part was a lawyer in black sitting in the prosecution panel was caught covering his ears as the madam Senator-Judge made her signature speech. I wouldn't go into great details as it has already been covered by various Philippine news websites nor even share what laws any parties have violated (in the end i am no law expert), I'll just share my opinion as a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines about the Day 26 - Leap Year Impeachment Trial pandemonium between Miriam Santiago and Vitaliano Aguirre II.

I've got to give credit to Atty. Aguirre for being honest and having the guts to cross Miriam, but man he definitely got what was coming to him, contempt of the Impeachment Court. I think the private lawyer knew what will happen next, that was both smart and devious of him to so if that was the case. The man knew that the punishment for contempt wasn't that severe so the heck with it, fed up being called names, why not show the same disrespect as what he thought was disrespect towards him. In my opinion, both Aguirre and Santiago went overboard and shown great disrespect for the whole impeachment trial. Miriam by not having the patience of Buddha and failing to control her temper resulting to calling the "competent" impeachment prosecutors names, and Aguirre for showing his disrespect and admitting that it was all intentional. I think they are not setting a good example here, and people have this general impression that educated people are more tact, patient, and respectful towards each other. Besides television news channels, concerned citizens, secondary and tertiary level students are also monitoring and watching the events of the impeachment proceedings. Just what impression would they give to the minds of our future lawyers and leaders with such actual chaos for a historical, public, and national event?

If Mr. Vitaliano Aguirre or any of the impeachment prosecution lawyers don't want to hear no evil, (when I mean "evil" it is Miriam doing what she is know for, being tactless in giving her opinion but honest), then they should have at least shown their competency as prosecutors, sensitive on what is at stake and respect towards the impeachment trial proceedings. On the other hand, I agree with Aguirre's last statement to Santiago that in order to demand respect, you've got to show respect. If you don't want to hear or see no evil, you have to speak no evil. Madam Senator-Judge might don't care as to what the rest of the world think of her and that is both good and bad for her: good that she is still still the same honest and legally vulgar (if such word exist hahaha), and bad for the very same reason. So she should have at least expected this scenario to happen once or twice, luckily she has the power to prosecute the feisty lawyer. The same goes to the prosecution panel, if they don't want Miriam to speak no evil of them or they don't want to hear no evil from Miriam, then they should show that they are serious with their case. They should let the impeachment court see the evil of Corona with the right evidence to prove him guilty.

People will always have something to say, like I do. In cases like this, if they don't want to accept or acknowledge what other people has to say about issues like this, then they shouldn't read or share their thoughts on this at all. The same goes to the Senator judges and both panels, if they don't want us to view them to be viewed or branded in a particular manner, then they definitely should show what they wanted us to see, not hearsays, speculations, but hard and solid evidences. In order for us to see such alleged evils (by CJCorona), then they should let us see; or if they don't want the Filipino viewing public to see them get humiliated by the highly outspoken political character Miriam Defensor-Santiago, then they shouldn't let us see them. The three wise monkeys portray and symbolically represent restrain over one self, in order not to be influence or do evil, they should cover the parts that might be involved with such corruption. But what if we are not the one's covering our ears, mouths and eyes, but rather some diabolical overseeing authority working in the shadows who would want us to be kept in the darkness to continue on with their evil? The impeachment trial must go on... to serve as a template for future possible impeachment trials and for fixing loopholes and highly exploitable laws, but please our honorable judges and panels please try to act with dignity, sensitivity and with utmost respect of the state.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil And Speak no Evil

A Citizen's View on The Preposterous House Resolution 2140: Philippine Politicians Asked Not to Be Portrayed as Criminals in Films and Television Programs

2012-02-21T13:57:00.001+08:00

A news about the House Resolution 2140 filed by Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. made me both laughed my hearts out and scratched my head in dismay.

Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. filed the House Resolution 2140 which aims to appeal to the local television and movie industry to "minimize, prevent, or stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in movies and television telenovelas, in order not to create stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives."

News Source: InterAksyon News | Inquirer News

How the Filipino Public Perceive the House of Representatives of the Philippines

There is no doubt that media has both direct and indirect influence on how most Filipinos view our "honorable" and "reputable" politicians. It is also natural to feel bad when one is called something that he is not. It has been like that from the moment you are born and will still "be" on the last moments of your life. Given the two points, we can say that it is only natural for a politician to somehow and sometimes feel pain when being stereotyped as a corrupt official when they are really not. So how can they get away with this negative image? Well, the House Resolution 2140 seems to address that issue.

The problem with the bill is narrowing it down to the entertainment industry, mainly television and film. I don't think that the Filipino people are that "dumb" to be able to state that Philippine politicians are corrupt because they saw a portrayal of one in a telenovela, or a film? Think about it, if the Filipino people indeed thinks that almost every politicians are committing acts of graft and corruption, would you honestly think that they would let it pass? Would you think they would participate in the electoral process? In some strange way, the Filipino people are still hopeful that the politician they entrusted with their votes will be responsible with the duty assigned to them, to make and improve laws that would benefit the Philippine people. So it is absolutely wrong to underestimate the intelligence of the people that because they saw an action film starring the Fernando Poe, Jr. out to take his vengeance on a corrupt congressman and his goons means that congressmen and women are also corrupt.

So why does the Filipino people still thinks of them as corrupt?

It is part of human nature to associate everything, stereotype things, and even discriminate. Given two or more factors, then a person would usually make his conclusion on to something. When all we are exposed to are isolated but numerous news reports about politicians being involved in criminal activities, then that is more than enough to make the impression that they are corrupt. Not to mention reports that they are not properly doing their jobs right but still are getting paid for. Just think of it, they are there to work but then you see empty seats in congress, then here they are receiving their regular salaries? Given that their salaries might get reduced if not put on hold because of unsatisfactory attendance in the house, most of them are still receiving their "pork barrels" which are the main source as to why people doubt their credibility and accountability. As long as there are questionable projects then this image of corrupt officials would never go away.

Questionable Intentions and Priorities

There are more important laws than the mere preservation of the image of our dear "reputable" congressmen and congresswomen. I am not a law expert, but know a thing or two about the Philippine constitution, and I believe that politicians can draft new and relevant laws and improved on existing laws filled with highly exploitable loopholes rather than making up with such absurd house resolutions or bills. How about passing the pushing and enacting the Freedom of Information Bill? Seeing that politicians prefer making laws to protect the welfare and image of a selected few (themselves) rather than the people itself, it makes you question their reliability, intelligence, and capability as a government elected official.

Rather than House Resolution 2140 how about giving more attention and priority to House Bill 3732 Freedom of Information Bill?

The funny thing is that that the representatives who filed and supported the said resolution knew that it will have a conflict with the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression, and that they can only "appeal" to the entertainment industry. Once this news hit the social networks, where I personally found this, the said resolution has already received negative review from the outspoken Filipino netizens (as seen on the comments section of the news source I stated above), by the Philippine entertainment industry (headed by the MTRCB), and people just against any forms of censorship.

Another interesting fact is why come up with such trivial resolutions now? I haven't seen any film or television programs portraying politicians as criminals, not that I am aware of. Is it because the Philippine film industry plans to resurrect the action film genre which is famous for its portrayals of corrupt politicians as its main antagonists? If that is the case, then bravo to those congressmen who filed this resolution, you now became the part... the villain to the revival of action film genre.

Men and women in power are perfect villains to most films and telenovelas. This is probably why antagonists are often portrayed as corrupt politicians, generals, rich businessmen, or just stupendously rich people, and the protagonists are the victims of these greedy, evil corrupt villains.

Let's say that there currently ARE television dramas that use politicians as its main antagonists, so what? Let us say that in some twist of fate this resolution gets enacted as an actual law, will it stop people from perceiving them any other way. I strongly believe that it won't. If not, it would probably fuel the people to speculate even more; be more suspicious about our dear politicians censoring the creative freedom of the entertainment industry. People has affiliate people censoring or hiding the truth as people who has something devious to hide. People will then be more curious, more feisty and hungry for information, keeping an even closer eye to the once secret lives of our dear politicians. The Filipino mass then will depend on the news which is far more harsher than the actual truth. They can never censor news so their efforts on putting a lid on the entertainment industry will be the reason for people to doubt them more. Well, at least in telenovelas and films people will have a face to refer to. When the main protagonists triumphs over the said corrupt official, then it only proves that good always triumphs over evil; giving people the impression that corrupt politicians will someday pay for their crimes. But I don't think that it would be enough reason for a Philippine television and film audience will think of their local Representative in the same manner, unless there are reports or rumors inciting that the person might be so.

What-If Scenario

Let's just imagine that this gets enacted to an actual bill. What would happen next? There are honestly so many professions which can used by the Philippine entertainment industry as a villain to their films or telenovelas. Heck, there have even be actual films and television dramas that used doctors, teachers, office workers, supervisors, managers, etc. as their main villain. If the House of Representatives can ban the entertainment industry from portraying politicians as criminals, then the more reason that the common profession to demand to do the same. I can now imagine the Cojuanco empire asking for Hacienda owners not to be portrayed as oppressive villains in a film about Filipino farmers and their struggles. Are you ready for an action film starring a congressman who was framed and is out on a vengeance? Well, heck yeah that sounded like an interesting premise for an action film, but whoelse would the film's main villain? Another politician, that's impossible because of the LAW. Oh, how about an evil general? Well, no can do, he is still considered as a government official and if the position isn't listed on the law, then the Philippine Military and Constabulary would just ask for a similar law to be enacted... You know, to protect their image!

This is my opinion on this said news. I personally don't know or has any connection to Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., he might have even drafted and co-authored a few House Bill and Resolutions, but this is just plain absurd. It is on the same level of absurdity as the Anti-Planking Bill. This news just compelled me to blog for I believe that through new media via blogs, we can freely exercise our constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression. Our opinions expressed and our voices heard. If in some weird way, my message reach these politicians, hopefully they keep an open mind about such criticism for them to become better public officials, and that is what this country needs the most.

What about you guys? What's your reaction to this news? Share your thoughts about the House Resolution 2140 on the comments section below:

The Humor That is Not: Boy Pick-Up of Bubble Gang's Pick-Up Lines Battle Skit Brand of Anti-Humor

2012-02-20T11:24:00.003+08:00

Pick-Up Lines Battle is one of the more popular and awaited segments (by fans) in the long running Friday nights Philippine gag show Bubble Gang. Besides the strange charm and stupendously cheesy delivery of similarly cheesy pick-up lines by the "pickapista" contenders to become the ultimate pick-up king, the Bubble Gag's skit greatest strength and punch line is the sport's undisputed and undefeated winner, Boy Pick Up. Let's take a look at how this Bubble Gang skit and character became the a phenomenal success.

Delivering pick-up lines has long been an optional part of the dating scene or the flirting game. By definition, pick-up lines are supposedly catchy lines used to catch ("pick-up") the attention of a stranger of interest. A pick-up line is a success once the girl took notice and starts engaging in this small talks. Not everyone can be good at it though. The success of a pick-up line depends on the person delivering it, person receiving it, how it is delivered, and what message it delivers. Failure of falling under all four factors will end up with an instant rejection. As times past by though, comedians have found humor on pick-up lines. From the absurd cheesy pick-up lines to even the most perverted ones, delivering it seems to be more effective if it was meant as a joke. There have been a few cases that various comedic shows used the pick-up lines method of delivering humor, but Bubble Gang is probably the first to make a complete segment entitled and dedicated to delivering cheesy pick-up lines.

Bubble Gang's Pick-up Line Battle was inspired by the underground Filipino rap battle which was also known as fliptop battle which became comemrcially popular back at 2010. As a fan of Bubble Gang, I saw how the Flptop Battle segment evolved into the Pick-Up Lines Battle. Bubble Gang first invited actual fliptop contenders in Bubble Gang's more television-friendly version of the fliptop battle. Fliptop battles are said to be the mix of new form balagtasan, poetry, rap and trash talking. If you watched original Fliptopb battles over at Youtube, you will definitely find out that Flip Battles is a battle of quick wits and derogatory remarks, a game for not the easily-pissed individuals. Check out Bubble Gang's Freestyle Rap Battle, the predecessor to Pick-Up Lines Battle:

Being too censored out and toned down, Bubble Gang's Freestyle Battle may have interest its viewers with the underground Pinoy rap culture, but was effective as a long running gag. This is why Bubble Gang invited actual Freetyle "Fliptop" rappers to pit them against the ridiculously absurd and stupid version of Bubble Gang's freestyle rap... which doesn't made much sense, but it eventually became "funny". This is probably enough cue for the creative writers of the GMA Network gag show to come up with something "new" and thus Pick Up Lines Battle was created.

When Pick Up Lines Battle first made its appearance in Bubble Gang, it featured the same freestyle battle but with pick up lines battle which was always entertaining especially when the ones delivering it were actually good. The winner of the two rounds will face off with the undefeated king of pick-up lines which is played by Ogie Alcasid. The punchline here is his actual existence. The winners and the earlier competitors mostly have good pick-up lines and usually superb delivery of which, but here is this Boy Pick-Up who doesn't have a sense to any of his Tagalog pick-up lines. That fact itself and when you here his pick-up lines will make you scratch your head but later cracks you up when the audience exalt his pure brilliance with his pick-up lines. Boy pick-up's pick-up lines are not meant to be funny but they eventually become one. With this, Boy pick-up's brand of humor falls under the anti-humor category.

A little info about anti-humor:

Anti-humor is a type of indirect humor that involves the joke-teller delivering something which is deliberately not funny, or lacking in intrinsic meaning. The audience is expecting something humorous, and when this does not happen, the irony itself is of comedic value. Anti-humor is also the basis of various types of pranks and hoaxes. It is considered to be very postmodern. The humor of such jokes based on the surprise factor of absence of an expected joke or of a punch line in a narration which is set up as a joke.

Source: Wikipedia

But there is a limit to the anti-humor charm just like any other kind of joke. This is what I've been recently noticing with Bubble Gang's Pick Up Lines Battle. I think that some of us started to expect or wanted more sense in Boy Pick-Up's non-nonsensical pick-up lines, if that made any sense to you? Hahahaha. There is a limit to how many times we can tolerate "Kasi ang kuwan ni kuwan ay ganito". I prefer it when his nonsensical pickup lines has some pop culture reference or relevance, like a one particular episode when Boy Pick-Up answered Neneng B. with "Eh, kasi bata.", with "Weh?!", or with immediately following Neneng B.'s "Bakit" response with "..ngayun ka lang?" ("Bakit Nagyon Ka Lang" by Ogie Alcasid).

Hopefully, the creative team of writers of Bubble Gang can come up with more sensible nonsensicals for Boy Pick-Up. Something that isn't connected but still would be funny. I even saw some comments on various social networks claiming that ever since Boy Pick-Up became popular, he slowly became cornier and cornier. You know what, in some extent, I agree. Bubble Gang's Boy Pick-Up has become so popular that the character is used outside its regular zone in Bubble Gang, thus people being exposed to anti-humor making them more resilient to the effects of the comedic genre. Pick Up Lines Battle along with Boy Pick Up will eventually be phased out just like any other comedy skits, but hopefully it goes out with a bang. The big question is, will it successfully conclude with a film starring Boy Pick-Up like Yaya and Angelina? Guess, we'll have to find out about that soon enough.

My Diyes Sentimos on as Survivor Philippines Season 4 Winner: Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown Live Finale Review

2012-02-10T22:34:00.000+08:00

After 36 days, Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown finally names its Ultimate Sole Survivor - Albert "Betong" Sumaya. Survivor Philippines final three were Albert "Betong" Sumaya, Steff Prescott, and Mara Yokohama. Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown Live Finale gathers Season Four's contestants in this reunion special slash announcement of the sole survivor finale. Like what I did with Amaya, here are my thoughts on Betong winning as Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown.

The two episodes before this finale was filled with hate and negativity; a big bleep-fest of an episode as I would like to call it. While those two episodes focus more on Survivor season 4's jury bringing out their frustrations, hate, and bad blood against the season's final three, the live finale turns that around. We now hear them giving message of good tidings to the final three. From being infuriated and impulsive, the jury is now back at their regular celebrity goody good poker face attitude, well with the exception of KC who still believed that he should be on the Final Three rather than Betong. I admire that guy for keeping it real, and playing it as how it would be played. Unfortunately, he was outwitted by the two women he trusted in the end. Lagi ko tuloy nasasabing "matalino man ang matsing, napaglalalangan din". To whether the final three truly deserved that Survivor Philippines Final Three slot is no longer the issue here. Everyone has their own bet, but unfortunately there could only be one Survivor Philippines sole survivor who'll go home with 3 Million Pesos.

Like the usual, the Jury's votes were arranged and announced in a sequence where all three final three members get one vote each, then HOPYA! cut to a commercial... nice, right? Then cuts back to the reality shows final and most awaited part, the announcement of Survivor Philippines Celebrity doubles Showdown sole survivor. Betong got 4 votes from the Jury, while Mara has 2 votes, and Steff with only got 1 vote. It was later revealed who voted who. KC, Chuckie, Maey, and Arthur all voted for Betong, while the Philippine Volcanoes' Johnny and Arnold voted for Mara, while Gino voted for Steff. I was not surprised that Betong won. He took the good guy route in Survivor Philippines, because we all know that the people cheers for the good down to Earth guy, right?

So congratulations to Betong for bagging home 3 Million and winning Survivor Philippines Season 4 Celebrity Doubles Showdown. Although you weren't my bet, it was easy for me to accept you as the sole survivor for your good guy gameplay. How about you guys? Who was your bet in this season? Who did you cheered for (loved) or hated? What are your thoughts about Survivor Philippines Season Four's Sole Survivor? Share your thoughts in the comments section below: