MOVING ON

Forgiving All Those Money Debts People Have Got From Me

2012-01-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

I was prompted to write down this forgiving-off all the debts people have incurred from me because one of them happened to be my neighbors. It's been an annoying experience, as if he just wants to get something over me just probably because he thinks I'm doing better than he is. He's Hispanic and he lives across in front of our house. He attempted to borrow some cash from my landlord but instead he got a loud hearing from him. And my landlord admonished him to pay what he owed me. I have since then decided to charge the experience to the winds of this whole wide universe we all live in and breathe in.

For all I know, I'll get more money in return for all these unpaid debts. And I started recalling all others who have borrowed money from me but they have yet to pay me as they promised. Some of them actually passed on, including my late Father who I recall, as I write this, borrowed money from me many, many times. I tend to forget details of those who borrowed money from me. I doubt if I even kept a ledger on these transactions, considering the businesses and jobs I did in my life. Honestly. And I thought I have to write down this entry just to give assurance to all those who borrowed money from me that they're all forgiven. And I forgive myself as well for having lent them any money at all.

Peace!

Moving On From The Troubles of Losing My iPod Touch in the S78 Bus in Staten Island

2012-01-28T13:38:00.002-05:00

I just want to rid myself of the ill feelings I've got over the loss of my iPod Touch with serial number CCQG7M0MDCP9, which I lost (or somebody must have stolen it from my jacket's side pocket) inside the S78 Bus in Staten Island. I've taken steps to check the status using Apple.com's me.com and another application. I've already filed online a form with the MTA. I'm just missing my music, my books, my pictures, and those notes I've written down as entries for books I've been thinking of writing. Well, I may just have to push the start button again. Or I may just have to buy an iPad soon. I can only pray and hope I'll get back that iPod or even just the notes, which I still have to work on continuously for my writing projects.

Peace!

Moving on From An Experience with an Amazon.com customer Who Said I Was 'Very Rude'

2012-01-28T13:21:00.001-05:00

I got a negative feedback as an online seller on Amazon.com ('2 out of 5') recently, and she said I was 'very rude.' I'm copy pasting the exchange of mails we had here, which you have to read from the bottom of the message, for those curious on what went on before the feedback was given. Please feel free to judge for yourself. I guess the damage on both our sides have been done so the next wise move to make is to move on from this horrendous experience. I pray I get more profits from this online business so I can provide support as well to those seeking help from me, one way or another.

In the meanwhile, I have yet to receive the LP with the album cover (after a week as of this writing), which she said was a wrong one from what she ordered. Prior to her sending me her last message shown below, I've already refunded her plus gave her $4 for shipping back costs. You & I may have similar ideas about her (& of course, on me as a seller ha ha ha ha). In the interest of being transparent here, I'm also posting her complete name & address here, so those of you who sell on Amazon.com and other sites will take note of her. I trust that you know best what to do:

Rachel Frezza27 Lanvale Ave.Asheville, NC 28806

The message exchange

"I don't appreciate you saying I am lying. You sent the wrong record. period. I don't know why. Maybe you need glasses??I'm a nice person, I just don't appreciate you suggesting I would lie to you about a $1.01 record.Rachel
On 1/21/2012 3:25 PM, dyerohmeb - Amazon Marketplace wrote:Order ID 002-9997938-6569843:
1 of Innervisions [ASIN: B000MCZF1A]
------------- Begin message -------------
Hello,
Actually, you can always claim that & you have the option to give me 'negative' rating here, which will affect my reputation as a seller here so I don't really got a choice but to agree to your requests. And that's why I was wondering earlier why would I send you a wrong LP just for you to get disappointed & at the same time bring myself some troubles, too....I mean, for such small amounts involving this transaction, I'm actually wondering aloud if it's worth the aggravation. Too much work for such small amounts LOL I guess, it's just all part of selling here. Thank you for the lessons! :-D You're supposed to be my first buyer for the LPs I've got here, but now that I got that experience, I'll be having second thoughts on offering the other LPs I still have here....whew, the travails of selling online. I'm sorry for aggravation on your part.
Jerome
my address: 92 Beach St
Staten Island, NY
10304
--- Original message ---
You sent me the wrong album, I hardly see how that makes you at my
mercy. Would in fact seem I'm at yours since I was really wanting
Innervisions.
What is your return address.
On 1/21/2012 3:11 PM, dyerohmeb - Amazon Marketplace wrote:
Order ID 002-9997938-6569843:
1 of Innervisions [ASIN: B000MCZF1A]
------------- Begin message -------------
Hi,
My goodness, what can I do but agree to your request for 'return shipping' as well......we sellers are at the mercy of you buyers....I'll await for the receipt of album& the LP ASAP& will give you your requests.
Jerome
--- Original message ---
Yes it's so. can you pay for return shipping as well?
On 1/21/2012 3:04 PM, dyerohmeb - Amazon Marketplace wrote:
Order ID 002-9997938-6569843:
1 of Innervisions [ASIN: B000MCZF1A]
------------- Begin message -------------
Hi,
Is that so? I wonder why---the last time I looked at it before packing& shipping it was that I saw the "Innervisions" LP. I got that album from a friend who just moved away& decided to sell it here on Amazon. If that's the case, can you return it to me ASAP& I'll give you a full refund. I don't have any other "Innervisions" LP with me.
Thank you.
Jerome
--- Original message ---
Order ID 002-9997938-6569843:
1 of Innervisions [ASIN: B000MCZF1A]
------------- Begin message -------------
Hi, I received this, but it is not the album I ordered. I ordered Innervisions, and it is the album Cover of Innervisions, but the record itself is Fulillingness first finale. Do you have a copy of innervisions you can mail me, or send me a refund?? RAchel"

An End of the Season-ish Walk Along the Historic Croton Aqueduct

2011-12-11T21:03:00.001-05:00

Using my camera, which died quickly because I didn't bring extra batteries, I managed to take pictures during this brief trip. I happened to join almost at the last minute after a friend mentioned about it after checking Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society's webpage. Sixteen guys joined today's trip, which was thankfully uneventful, surprisingly relaxing, and didn't even cause me to sweat (although I felt some minor pain from my butt) after over 2 hours of walking through the trail that our leader, Peter & his co-leader Chris, carried on most excellently for the group.

The trail included streets on Scarborough, where we were afforded views of the Hudson River, as well as the old houses and their yards. I could not help but be reminded of the old houses we have in Stapleton in Staten Island. They must have been built during the same period; they have similar designs on porches, windows plus materials used.

A few minutes before we would see a pack of near-flying wild turkeys passing by the backyard of the house shown on the left side of the picture.

A backyard of the one of the houses along the trail that allows private views of the Hudson River. My landlord, who does inspection of houses as his business, would point out that houses built close to bodies of water would usually have huge glass windows set up a la 'widow's peak' that are close to the roof of these houses. And I recall having seen several houses with such windows that would allow residents to have picturesque views of flowing bodies of water, the traffic of water vehicles, and other movements at any point in time as their schedules would allow them. I can just imagine having my coffee and breakfast before such styles of windows in my dining room LOL

We soon discovered a lot of trail markers along the way. We even had to back-off once or twice so that we could pursue the right trail that our leader wanted us to pursue, which would lead us to our end destination.

Just like the rest of my companions, I gawked at this bird perched on a mature tree branch from a distance. We also took lots of pictures of the scenery afforded us from the trail. There were at least 2 or 3 other birds of similar size that we saw along the trail. These birds looked so nonchalant, and just went about with their natural ways during those moments. I was just imagining scenes in my playful mind if these big birds would actually mind people watching them (and without bothering them at all, which I know some of us can't promise not to do so).

A weir somewhere in Sleepy Hollow---read Wikipedia's article on the Croton Aqueduct. On the opposite side's a cemetery, which is one of the many cemeteries I noticed were dotting the trail of this trip. People surely have been working and living in these parts along the Hudson River with scenic views (that almost look like they're not ever changing) for many generations now.

A view of other side of the Hudson River at least half an hour's walk to the end of the trip in Tarrytown.

Some of the participants at the point when we were resting for less than 15 minutes. The section on the left side of the picture is marked 'private property.' That sign meant we could not walk beyond it and had to divert to another direction, which our leader was really familiar about. In less than 20 minutes, we were in the Main Street of Tarrytown, where we had our lunch.

Moving Forward with Seth Godin's 'We Are All Weird'

2011-11-09T14:26:00.003-05:00

Unless you've been aware of businesses known for their leadership and creativity, you may not find this book much of help. Read it because you're ready to admit you're weird yourself. And you're not afraid of it being known, and would even want to highlight your weird traits, and get to attract others who share similarities with you. With this book, you may probably get ideas on how to gain some help in marketing what's unusual with you, your products or services. You build your business with those who have weird traits, too, and there's no need to seek out for customers who are on the lookout for the ordinary, the regular, and the usual. Leave these people to their own commonalities. Perhaps, before you know it, you'll find yourself in a profitable business situation for all regular business folks to learn from :-D

We Are All Weird by Seth Godin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm weird myself, & that's why I enjoyed reading this book! And people who consider themselves weird need to find time to read this book that has been specially written for them. Nothing much is new about weirdness is found in its pages, except that it celebrates 'weirdness' in all its totality and far from what marketing specialists of old days had been crafting with their strategies and in implementing their tactics to sell/promote good and services to a worldwide market that continues to shift every moment.

You'll be helped a lot, as usual, if you've got a business background when you read this book because certain ideas found in it are strange and won't be of help if you're just reading it for the sake of reading it and because it's book by the venerable Seth Godin. Whew! That's a complex one, I must admit. Why bother to read a book when it's something you'd rather ran away from? But nowadays, if you want to continuously move on with your life, you gotta be weird. And this book will give you ideas on doing that, and in trying to make a business from your own weirdness. But you got to learn the basics as well in the process (which you'll be doing in your own style).

Godin proposes that the onus of marketing focus these days has changed from what was considered 'mass marketing' to a set more focused on the weird characteristics of people we meet in the streets and those we know personally (including our very selves) --- those people we usually offer our products and services. If you want to grow and build long term businesses, you may have to retrofit your usual marketing approaches to highlight elements of the weird but wonderful in your products and yourself. These approaches have been followed and pursued relentlessly by those who are in the market these days. You may still choose to do mass marketing strategies but you'll have to fold up quick because you'll be competing head on with so many like you (who use the similar approaches). Hence, it makes sense to discover, specialize on, pursue with, and celebrate the weird among us, so as to make it longer, more profitable being in the market. And start your efforts by reading this book first.

View all my reviews

It Will Also Be Difficult to Forget You, Ricky

2011-10-20T21:06:00.002-04:00

Here's another friend who passed away recently, which to me was kinda-expected. Well, each one of us will have our turn; we just don't know when. Ricky was introduced to me by another friend, Tess, one time I said aloud that I was looking for a part-time job. He was friendly to me right away after having been introduced via text message exchanges. We handled for a while a very difficult home care patient who was dying of cancer, among other diseases. You can just imagine the exchanges of information we had regarding this difficult patient. I'd always remember Ricky because one early shift turnover, he showed up with his face bloated so badly. "We're you engaged in some kind of a fight?" I remember asking him. Then he said it's his kidney problem, again. I stopped myself from asking for more details. What more could you ask to convince yourself that something like that won't happen to you, even in your dreams? His situation's more difficult as he's a professional nurse, and bent on pursuing his career here in the US. But after a few months, he decided he'd have to go back to the Philippines to explore something more definite to manage his health better. I last saw him during one of those farewell parties hosted by other Filipinos when someone goes back for good to the Philippines. I guess, the opportunity for Ricky to have a kidney transplant didn't show up as planned or expected (I'm guessing on this---someone please correct me if you know the real score).

He'd say 'hello' to me online once in a while. Tess would text me a few days before I learned about Ricky's passing away. Apparently, it was a premonition of what was to come. I learned about his death on Facebook. And I murmured to myself a prayer for his kindhearted soul. RIP Ricky.

In Remembrance of HR Philippines' Jing Ureta

2011-10-20T20:42:00.002-04:00

Before I continue with the many steps involved in the moving on process about the passing away of Jing Ureta, I'm taking this brief online chance to give credit to her memory that still lingers in my mind up to now, even if the last time I saw her was easily 7 years ago (from to-day). Jing's an ever ready, patient listener, which trait I'll surely miss because I seldom meet someone nowadays who actually gets into me and makes me feel like I'm being really listened to. We first saw each other in one of the early meet-ups of HR Philippines' many years ago back in the Philippines; she was authentically interested in me and I was amazed she'd remember my name right away even if there were many others who showed up in that meeting.

I told Jing (actually, I narrated her via several email exchanges) what happened to me at my former long term employer, which prompted my decision to switch careers from being a full time HR Practitioner to a full-time Entrepreneur. She wisely listened and never went out of her way to give me advice of any sort---as far as I could recall. That period in my professional life's among the most difficult challenges I faced then. I was leading a 'very stable and financially rewarding' lifestyle back then in the Philippines --- there seems to be no point to be going abroad and push the restart button in terms of my life and career. Jing went out of her way to help me clear a lot of issues in my mind. She's surely gifted in reading people's troubled minds and would keep away from giving judgmental statements that you normally observe from people who think they know more than you do about your situation. And she could laugh with you, even during tough situations. Yes, she gives you the respect due you. Well, I've to stop this here, or I may just be saddened again by the thought that I won't be seeing her again until the time comes when I have to pass on myself.

On the 'Moving On' aspect of Patricia Nell Warren's 'The Front Runner'

2011-10-06T23:20:00.001-04:00

I happened to discover again a copy of this book recently, which got me into thinking about my experience when I read it when I was still in high school. Those periods were certainly made up of heady days for me. And I recall now how one of the protagonists of this novel has gone on coming into terms with the unexpected death of his student-lover (if I recall it right, he was shot by someone who's against gay people who bravely out themselves in public---correct me if I'm wrong with this). But I still remember that this book definitely made a strong impression on me during those years. I recall that someone who I know these days to be a known medical practitioner in the Philippines read this when we were in high school. He was my senior and surprised me by seeing this book in his hands as he read them during those years. That certainly got me thinking a lot of things about him. But it doesn't matter anymore; a lot of events have passed by, which would mean 'we've all changed since then.'

The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Offhand, I like this better than "The Fancy Dancer" of the same author. And if ever there was a book that got me into reading more about gay literature, this is the book that got me into my search for the definitive gay novel - if ever there was such a work that could come to mind to readers like myself of the genre. I recall reading this book when I was still in high school after I discovered it from the shelves of the Philippines' leading bookstore (National Bookstore). There were certainly other books of the same genre, but this book caught my fancy due to the illustration on its front cover.

I recall having totally enjoyed reading details about the love affair of a closeted sports coach and his student (who fell over heels upon meeting his coach but didn't display it at once -- the coach must have sensed it, based on my recollection now, but he couldn't cope well with the very strong physical attraction between them, hence he made things very difficult between them). I don't remember much about the details of how the story went about but I remember how sad I was about the death of the student ('The Front Runner'). But all these sad details were soon overtaken by the ending where the Coach was shown having started moving on from the memory of his dead student/lover.

And it's important to my mind that the one who wrote this happened to be a woman, which somehow gave the book a different perspective and with a mellower treatment. I don't mind being called 'sexist' just because I pointed this out, but there's a huge difference if it's a man who's writing about gay love affairs - I'm claiming this from having read other books of the same/similar genre. I think there's more emphasis on giving descriptions on what's graphically sexual plus more focus on the genitals when a gay novel (with mostly gay male characters) is written by a man. Women writers seem not to be focus on these areas based on what I've read todate.

Looking back, I don't think I'll actually be reading novels like this these days (unless there are strong reasons, e.g., if I personally knew the author). But it's important we have books like for all curious readers like myself. Books such as these serve as sort of great bridges to use in one journey when crossing over to life's other wider and colorful avenues; they're also great previews on what's in store for individuals with different sexual preferences.

View all my reviews

Moving On Musings on Richard Price's 'Lush Life'

2011-10-03T14:35:00.000-04:00

Notes: This is also a moving on book mainly because it talks about a transitioning period that happens when one's grown up child gets murdered in the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan. You deal with it the best way you can, given the grim circumstances. And others are always involved, as nobody's death is considered a vacuum when it happens - each one of us is connected with others. We don't die in a void. Stylish characterizations, well-crafted descriptions, lots of good research ---these are all can be found in this book, which got me into thinking about a lot of happenings taking place in the LES when I used to live there. I think I met again a lot of the characters I met when as lived on East Broadway when I read this book.

Lush Life by Richard Price
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I took some time thinking what to say about this book, which intrigued me because of the feedback I read from others. On the surface it's not exactly among the many books I'd be reading, except that I thought I could learn a thing or two from the author's really cool style of writing. He could get away with a lot of what can be considered 'wrong English' if an editor's checking the work of someone whose English is not his / her first language -- but as expected with how publishers and editors treat writers coming from this side of the English-speaking shores, the author was given the leeway. And of course, I was intrigued far more because I knew the area which was being used in the narrative of the book. I used to live myself on East Broadway, very close the stop of the F train. The book's set in the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan, very contiguous to the East Village, Chinatown, City Hall, Soho or other nearby areas being described in other publications; they share the same imagined borders.

I've to say I had the pleasure of taking my time reading the book, as I went through the experience of understanding the near-crude language, which was in English (I supposed!) that was a major element to help characterize the many personalities you'll encounter when you read this book. In real life, unless you go about researching and meeting first hand people who speak in the same crude way of communicating, you'll have difficulties in facing your encounters with such types. It's almost like watching a TV show on the police, crime, syndicates, sophisticated forms of corruption, social upheavals that are just brimming on the top of the social lid at this very moment as you read the book. At times, the narrative's dragging (probably, it's the state of my mind, as I had to be doing other stuff, too, in between reading this book!).

I didn't find most of the text disturbing at all, personally. I've seen worst conditions, situations in my own life (although I have not been involved in a homicide myself; thank God!). This is a definitive must-read book for those who'd like to pursue a career as a cop, which is an honorable profession that's reserved for those who are courageous and strong. It just amazes me why people would even pursue professional careers in the police force when they are exposed to too much danger as well the mean side of the human condition. I think it's the excitement that's intrinsic while engaged in the process of doing one's job as a cop that makes one to decide on this career.

Read the book if you're thinking of moving to NYC (or in any other big city), as it's a more honest text about what happens really in many neighborhoods of the city, without the need to be exposed to romantic notions about being here in NYC. It takes a lot of exposure to the elements, so to speak, just to be able to figure out how to be a good person while being around here in NYC. And this book provides great introduction to what you may have been thinking about when you hear about crimes (happening even among the best neighborhoods, actually) taking place in these corners of Gotham City.

View all my reviews

Surprised That I Only Read Now Josh Kilmer-Purcell's 'I'm Not Myself These Days'

2011-09-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

I Am Not Myself These Days: A Memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful 'moving on' book for readers who are forever in major transitions in their respective lives. Well, that's a pretty loaded line there but reading this book gives you ideas on how to go about moving on from one major situation in your life to another without totally damaging but actually creating your best self given resources on hand.

Having gotten my copy from one of the brownstone stoops in Park Slope, Brooklyn, I thought the cover was funny looking with a goldfish pictured somewhere on the tattered page. Surely, the former owner must have wanted another reader to enjoy perusing this book. Finishing it in less than 3 days, I read how fabulously it was written as a memoir by someone who does advertisements these days and who was doing drag shows many years ago. I'm pretty familiar (which is an understatement) with such characters, having been involved myself with one for many years, but she was doing her gigs in Tokyo, Japan (where this book's author also did a drag show gig when he was still involved with his hooker boyfriend). It's a must read book for people who are thinking of moving to New York City, where the author currently lives with his partner. I read somewhere that he's completely changed directions with his life (he and his partner are even weekend farmers these days), and his book will give you lessons you may find handy if you decide to change life directions yourself. It may be a good one to read especially if you're in your early 20s because the perspective's from someone who has done such things when he was still in his 20s.

It's poignant, funny, and horrifying in its many pages - don't be shocked if you can by the small stories shared in the memoir. For example: ever read about someone pooping glitters? I've seen and known some of the types myself in my life here in NYC, although I was already in my early 40s when I came here. Gratefully, I wasn't really into young people. And most people I've seen would usually find themselves in desperate situations, too. The book's a memoir worth reading if you're thinking you're always finding yourself in desperate situations in the big city - from it you may learn to dance, do your paying gigs, have fun with the life that comes available only here in NYC.

And I got to understood a lot from reading this book why some of those I met and have gotten to know here in NYC behaved that way when dealing with me. It's a competition thing, apparently, which I wasn't engaged in since I came here. I've done with corporate life when I showed up here, which was the opposite of what the author wrote about here. Just the same, the author completely enjoyed his life, which is what mattered it seemed to me from my reading of this book. And as such, I'll certainly find ways to read his other books.

View all my reviews

Musing on H.S. Kushner's 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People'

2011-09-12T14:14:00.000-04:00

When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished this book while on the background I could hear the reading of the names of those who perished in the 9/11 horrific events on TV during its 10th anniversary. I was also wondering why this book has remained to be among my bestsellers in my online bookstore via Amazon.com (I must have sold 3 copies of this book, which got me curious and made me start reading and finishing the book). Actually, the book's a wonderful 'moving on' material, which didn't occur to me until after I finished reading it.

Those of you who are religious or have different faiths other than Judaism may not exactly like the idea of hearing from the experiences of a Rabbi who wrote this book. He wrote the book because he wanted to understand reasons behind having a son who was born to his family but died so soon because of 'progeria,' which is an affliction causing one to die so quickly because those afflicted get so old fast than most of us normal people undergo. I hope that description made some sense, just like what this book says about randomness and other difficult-to-explain events that happen to people. But more about the book, the Rabbi Harold S. Kushner has expounded on areas in life (that we would rather not discuss about normally, i.e., issues that really matter to our hearts and inner minds), which thoughts would be helpful to those among us who will be undergoing difficult, really rough situations in life (there's no running away from them, it seems).

I won't share here (nor summarize) his 'tips' as they're not exactly tips, nor are they not exactly 'how-to's.' Life's too precious to be just listed down into these brief words you may be reading here. It's not exactly a book about how-to-lead a more convenient lifestyle, despite all the hassles and challenges thrown our way. Suffice it to say that the book's very much worth reading and learning from, if you will find the time to get distracted from your varied activities. It's a good tool to help you listen very well the next time something grave happens with someone you know and [s]he would like to share you something about it.

This last copy I got actually came from the estate of someone who died from AIDs complications --- I knew the story from second hand sources. But I could understand why he would be reading this book (he died in the early 90s here in NYC). He must have wanted to somehow understand his situation; I like to imagine that now as I ponder on the book's merits. I may have to keep this one for myself but then again I think I can provide some help to others out there if I offer it again on my bookstore. Get one for your reading leisure - it may come handy one of these days. Or you may start by reading the story of Job in the Bible to gain a perspective on the story that's being mentioned and discussed in this book.

View all my reviews

Moving On By Having A New Roommate

2011-09-01T12:09:00.000-04:00

Moving On From Dominating into Still Leading the Future of the Search Business by Google from Richard L. Brandt's Book

2011-08-11T14:16:00.000-04:00

Notes: This came originally from my Goodreads.com page where I usually share my assessement on the books I've read. Maybe it's the size of the book that has got me into reading and finishing it relatively quick but I actually enjoyed perusing this small book. Far from being 'gossipy' at all, the book's interesting in many fronts in order to know about some other people who have been involved in developing and growing the search enterprise businesses of the duo who started and built Google from scratch. After reading this, I'd certainly become more aware of their names whenever I read them in the papers or even hear about them from reporters (although I've been using their products, practically for free all along these years). I think there's really a need for more book materials about them even though I think they won't give out interviews as often so as to be used by other book-writers. Consider this as an interesting 'moving on' book because it narrates how the duo has transitioned from being very-research oriented young scientists into leading and very influential businesspersons in our generation. And they're expected to do more of their share in changing and directing our online experience in the days to come, which for sure will bother to no end their competitors.

Inside Larry and Sergey's Brain by Richard L. Brandt

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've seen other books about the duo, Larry and Sergey, and have, in fact, sold them through my online bookstore (courtesy of Amazon.com) but this is the first time I took time out to read about them from a book. I've not read much about the duo except from news articles mostly from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. And from this book, I learned about more interesting information from them. Of course, I could have just done a google to learn updates on them but I think this book got me piqued to such an extent that I had to read a serious book that made researches and interviews with the duo. I got fascinated by additional information that Richard L. Brandt shared in his book; I like how he started his book with a backgrounder on the ancient libraries by the Ptolemies of Egypt. It gave the book good historical perspective so that its narrative became less common, which you get when you read newspaper articles and magazine write-ups on the founders of Google (at the back of your mind, those articles have just been spun from secondary sources).

I'm amused but not actually surprised to learn that the duo tend (or perhaps, just described as being such) as snotty toward people who are not 'technically computer adept' or those whose backgrounds are not similar to them. I see the same behavior from others, just like my 2 siblings who have no patience explaining what their works are all about when they're before computers. I'm guilty of that myself; I rather be writing, researching, studying, growing my business than explaining and narrating what I've been doing by talking (which is always cheap and common). I'm having fun doing so, which I think is what the Google duo have been experiencing all these years. And I just wonder how it is really to be working with the duo who has been in the forefront in innovating our collective search experience online.

I'd recommend this book to people (I know some of them!) who are scared of being online, or about leaving their online imprints. They'll get better ideas on how the whole search business came about, which includes the active and still ongoing participation of individuals representing big businesses who are out to seize opportunities amid upheavals in technological changes we're all experiencing since the internet became readily available to users and readers.

From the way I look at it, the whole business enterprise of Google is predicated on trust and innovation (unlike some of the biggest companies that spend huge amounts in marketing); I'm glad they're doing it by following the usual process of testing out their products/services via the active participation of actual users, which can be ongoing for a very long time (hence, perhaps, why you see all these 'beta products' from them). Microsoft, its closest competitor, does it differently, generally, i.e., through the use of so-called 'bodies of experts' who are supposed to know more than the ordinary fellow you meet on the street.

Research is made use extensively in growing the businesses of Google, which somewhat leaves a bad taste to the mouths, so to speak, of those who are disgusted by the mere mention of 'business' in most human relationships. But that's normal, I sense that as well with what I've learned from my experiences when I tell the curious on what I do: "I'm growing my business." This confuses those biased against people who are engaged in business (of whatever kind) other than, say, 'being in school, doing researches, doing art works, into dancing, etc.' The book provides a narrative on how the duo who has brought us 'Google' would evolve into being highly cunning enterprise owners themselves after being done with their university studies. They're thought to be 'dangerous' especially by those who have certain disdain on the use of 'knowledge' for profits.

View all my reviews

'A Soft Place to Land' - a moving-on book on 2 young sisters' separation after their parents' sudden deaths

2011-07-28T21:17:00.004-04:00

A Soft Place to Land by Susan Rebecca White
(This is a review I originally wrote for my Goodreads.com account, which I'm posting here because I believe the book's about 'moving on' - the main theme, too, of this blogsite. The 3/5 rating just means 'I enjoyed reading the book', OK?..and not for anything else :-D)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one of those books I happened to start reading because I didn't have any other book in my bag - I happened to have picked up my copy from the curb in one of the streets in Brooklyn. I've not heard of the book nor the author before; I think generally that the book's well crafted with so many specific details that actually got me impressed and got me finishing my reading of it. Its story about two half-sisters who were separated after their parents died of plane crash got me gripped with fear and excitement at the same time - I actually didn't like the idea that they had to be separated. But as with life, things happen and we all make the best of what life throws our way.

I like the older sister (who was beautiful and sexy, addictive, foolish and stupid, a straight women who discovered her being a lesbian toward the end parts of the book) far better than the younger (she's can really be a difficult sister to have, from what I read of her) one because I can strongly relate with her being a writer, which is my work as well. A number of characters helped a lot in capturing my imagination on what would be taking place in the book's many pages.

Soon I was figuring out how the book would progress and end. I postponed reading the book for sometime in between my activities but the story would get me back to continue doing my reading (I was also reading Jonathan Franzen's 'The Corrections,' which also got me into writing down a review here). The character of the boyfriend-who-became-the-husband of the younger sister was absorbing and believable in the sense that I've met someone very similar to his character in my own life. From what I've seen so far, these types of guys end up with women who are generally clueless as to how lucky they are for having been able to attract and to keep the love and attention of such beautifully-made creatures who could be their defender, lover, pet, driver, cook, housecleaner, husband and/or provider all at the same time (but these guys don't necessarily have to be black, white or of any color - it's just that they're really gentle spirits you may have the chance to meet one of these days). But then again, this younger sister's ~~has~~ some defective traits, as well (which you may have to discover if you read this book).

I doubt if the writer meant to give unsolicited advise to her readers to endeavor to be more grateful with the many unappreciated gifts they have received (so far) in their lives. And the book's not meant to share out tips to its targeted readers on how to live meaningful lives despite unwanted life tragedies (that can happen to anyone's family)- it's just that the characters felt so filled-with-life when you read through its pages. It's also been a good introduction to perceptions taking place among members of social classes in communities in Atlanta (Georgia), San Francisco (California), and other places in the MidWest.

View all my reviews

Moving On as the Theme of the Indie Film 'Muli' (Again and Again)

2011-07-22T15:18:00.002-04:00

Why do I look at Adolfo Alix's 'Muli' ('Again and Again,' or also known as 'The Affair') along the prevalent theme of this blogsite about 'moving on?' Or am I just being witless here as there are other sub-topics to focus on with this very lyrically film that remotely reminds me of 'Brokeback Mountain' but in this instance, this film has got a happy ending. It's probably and mainly because I watched mesmerized by the moving images of its main characters who attempt to move on with life's many passages.

From start to finish, viewers see the characters work out their own means in moving on with the stages they have to face so that the main story gets narrated on screen. It's mainly about 2 gay lovers working out against the odds so their relationship will survive, overcome the almost ridiculous vagaries faced by partners in love (although not necessarily being committed at all times as what's shown in the gay relationships in this film).

I enjoyed watching how its overall atmosphere provided by the political events and upheavals taking place in the Philippines cause the individuals lives become intertwined needlessly but beautifully onscreen. There were a number of highly erotic scenes I saw and have kept me thinking if the characters are actually based on real lives of some people I'm familiar with as I come from the same background, although the characters are at least 15 years older, probably, than me. I can also come up with statements on how the gay lifestyle has evolved in the very politically noisy, distracting local scenes in the Philippines that's probably but erroneously perceived not to have many individuals leading very liberal lifestyles. Actually, it's the very stupid, annoying presence of political influences in the daily lives of individuals that turn these very people to rebel, take up violence, become revolutionaries against the status quo that's made up of mostly elites and their followers who live very comfortable lives in a tropical country like the Philippines where feudal relationships still prevail.

And I'm tickled pink that the filmmaker has offered strong, solid points in narrating on screen the very independent-minded characters who can actually think for themselves, amidst limiting circumstances, and that they can actually lead happy lives despite perceived forces that tell them 'they could not do otherwise.' This, perhaps and as the film suggests, is the right attitude when you have to take action now to move on from whatever ails you so that you'll end up leading a happy life. The film, with certain lapses, offers the position that each one of us can be happy even with all the trash that gets heaped upon us, intentionally or not, by others who share and come into our individual lives.

Take the chance to watch this film. Its integrity as a film is above all due to its surprising mini-celebration of a loving couple' success and the learning to gain necessary abilities (from many terrible mistakes made along the way) in overcoming challenges when they stand opposite to their numerous but undesired transitions in life.

Moving On from the Setbacks of Gay Indie Filmmaking in 'Laruang Lalake' (Boytoy aka Censored Dreams')

2011-07-22T13:52:00.000-04:00

I could very well distinguish from my movie theatre seat that 'Laruang Lalake (or roughly translated to 'Boytoy' and also known as 'Censored Dreams,' which probably refers to the movie-inside-the-very-movie-itself) is a subversive filmic statement against the travails filmmakers would have to face if they really want to produce films that they really want to be doing and if they let all their cares be-gone to the wind despite the histrionic, panicky reactions from others who think of themselves as stakeholders, too, of the filmmaking process along the way. These stakeholders, both breathing and non-breathing entities, could very well be the censors, the bystanders, the technical people, the technology, the logistics, the general public who just like to be entertained and not be bothered by very real social issues that are being shoved into their consciousness all day long in a fast emerging highly industrialized country like the Philippines. Whew! That's certainly a long list of perceived-to-be-enemies to face and confront along the way of filmmaking, i.e., doing Filipino gay indie films.

And for those stylistically-done metaphors shown on this film mainly through the use of farcical techniques, 'Laruang Lalake' is considered definitely a must-see movie, too.

I see it really as a personal statement by the filmmakers who collaborated to MOVE ON from their perceived external and internal limitations. The film's humorous (with lots of really outrageous scenes that would remind you of scenes you'd probably see in gay bars or even straight bars). Even the characters are by themselves working to move on from the recognition of their current state in life into a better state as they pin their hopes in filmmaking, i.e., acting, baring skin (including genitals at times), enjoying, living their lives to the hilt, being abusive or getting abused before the intrusive, this peeping-tom, voyeur presence of the camera (this time, the digital camera that accounts for its neat, clean onscreen presence). The film's another well-crafted project by the filmmaker Lex Bonife, and meant to highlight what's very frustrating with the process of filmmmaking, i.e. indie filmmaking that have given predicaments being faced all the time. Can the situation become better in time? Perhaps, and one has to keep cool, remain nonchalant on the surface, be disciplined, and be more focused despite all the given external distractions.

I can see that the main enemy of the film artist is himself / herself. Unless, the artist takes rein of his / her own destructive behaviors, disappointments will continue to affect his / her work. But then again, [s]he can always choose to move on, which in this film was shown when the filmmaker decides just to thrash copies of his film for now. We're hoping something better happens, next time.

Moving On from the Momentary Verbal Abuse by An Ugly Homeless Guy at the St. George Ferry Terminal

2011-07-01T14:09:00.000-04:00

I would usually take breathers every now and then from my writing assignments, one of which I availed recently one evening. I decided I'd like to take a walk (again) to help clear up my mind and think about how to write my thoughts and more ideas down. Upon coming close to the entrance of St. George Ferry Terminal here in Staten Island, I noticed from the distance what was being shown on the huge screen at the field where the Staten Island Yankees are playing that night. Then I heard a loud deep voice that sounded like it was making continuous, non-stop announcements. I could not really understand what the person was forcefully muttering because I didn't realize at once that the voice was coming from a man sitting on a bench. He's black (no offense meant here, whatsoever!), dirty, bald, angry and apparently didn't like my appearance as well.

"Faggot! Faggot! Long Haired Mexican Immigrant! Go back to your country" he kept on shouting at me. I decided that I wasn't actually the one he was shouting at, but he just kept on shouting a lot of words that sounded like:

"Go back to your country! Time to go back to your country, you stinking Mexican immigrant!" plus other words I rather forget mainly because I'm not good at noticing specific words being told me (as I have my own way of saying ideas and thoughts myself, being the writer that I am).

He kept on harping on those words, specifically "Mexican, Immigrant" as if they're shameful and disgusting, but which didn't bother me at all. I'm proudly born from the Philippines, by the way. And we're practically all immigrants here in the US; some have just showed up in earlier generations and had even decimated the American Indians whom these Johnny-come-lately-fellows were surprise to find had been living and loving way ahead of them for many generations by the time of their arrival.

I remember also one time while being in the bus someone who shouted similar words to me, without provocation that he felt I must have dealt on him when I came before his disgusting presence (you have no options in the bus but to meet ugly, dirty passengers as part of the NYC experience, which can be scary to some would-be visitors). I think it's my mere presence that annoys and irritates him to no end, the real reasons for which I rather not ponder on. He could have been the same guy.

Actually, I prayed he'd die soon and be gone forever. Working on to become a good Christian where we're constantly admonished to love our enemies plus the un-lovable, it's strange and a great relief writing down these thoughts. But this dude must have been suffering so much with his own life that he would even want to inflict others of them, too. I rather not indulge into those things, too, or I'll feel miserable as well. I like to remember that there are many more kindhearted and loving souls I've met here in New York City that have made me want to stay longer here.

And yes, I've always believed that 'forgiveness' is a very useful tool in order to move on. And I'm relieved to say that it's a small price we pay when we decide to stay and live here in the US, where 'freedom of speech' is deemed hallowed and guaranteed. Let that pitiful fellow shout to his heart's content until he dies. There's apparently more to leading a miserable life and being spiteful and angry. I'm simply moving on as such and with the memory of him erased and gone from hereon.

Fleeting Moving-On Musings on Films 'Halaw (Ways of the Sea)' & 'Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria' from the New York Film Festival

2011-06-23T12:28:00.004-04:00

I saw again the online schedules of the New York Film Festival and quickly took time out from my writing assignments to watch some movies. I ended up watching 3 films that include 2, which I thought have been well crafted and dealt more about 'moving on' issues this blogsite has been hammering on these past years. Both 'Halaw (Ways of the Sea)' and 'Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria' show similar narratives on the process of moving on, which each experience is different according to individual circumstances.

I actually cried as I watched 'Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria,' which showed ordinary looking folks whose desperate lives have been pushing them to the limits, such that they don't fore-see hope except to consider going abroad or asking someone they love to go abroad and commit the sacrifices connected with alienation in foreign shores -- all these in order for families back home will have food daily (and hopefully improve their socio-economic standing later on). This is a beautifully photographed film by Remton Siega Zuasola who decided he would shoot it in one very long take from start to finish. The camera becomes a participating-observant in the whole long lovely scene as we the viewers watch and get amused by something very familiar in a well-written storyline on screen, which we're sure we've heard about but have been denying and repeatedly pushing below the laundry bag of our soiled linens before we decide to wash them one of these days for everyone to see.

The main storyline hurts and hurts deeply; going abroad for the sake of the family's well-being is stupid and a helpless move for more and more people who don't know any better. It's a no-brainer of an idea to have people being sent abroad and to be married off to gain socio-economic standing has worst repercussions to the society in the long run. Those in power and in control of distributing the wealth of the economy will soon find themselves being pushed out of their comfortable lodgings when those who have done with work abroad will go back to bring about unwanted changes - just watch how the 2 women who have been abroad in this movie dealt with each other as they obviously despise each other. And so, it's always best that leaders and the governing elites at home countries where these people-sent-abroad originate push strongly to equitably distribute resources to all. This calls for more strength, wisdom, discipline and courage because doing so means these leaders and elites have to make sure they provide quality education from elementary to college, free healthcare, construction of formidable infrastructure, and the encouragement of community-wide entrepreneurship.

Well, what do you expect Eleuteria will do when she's back to Olango in Cebu? I like to believe she'll take avenge in her own ways, the effects of which we like to imagine more closely...Watch this movie and be startled by its narrative, which feels like watching an opera set in an emerald-looking island somewhere in the tropics.

Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria trailer from Panumduman on Vimeo.

Sheron R. Dayoc's 'Halaw (Ways of the Sea)' is another film that narrates a different perspective on 'moving on' (more of the socio-political variety that involves whole-scale demolition works for common folks who just want to improve their collection situation in life) in the sense that its characters are out to mainly take advantage of opportunities they see after lowering their expectations about their respective lives' chances of improving by sticking it out in their mother country. It could very well be anywhere in the world; it just happened to be set in the borders of the Philippines and Malaysia. Narratives of peoples' lives down there have continued to be shared and quietly the characters involved move on in order to weather and make-do with what have been thrown their way by their irresponsible leaders, their local culture, their religion and their individual dreams. They want to take charge in moving on from what has been the collective failures of their communities. There are even some people shown who were backing out from carrying out their chances to move on as shown in the characters of the 2 ladies who decided they will change tracks by not crossing over to Sabah. They apparently were luckier as they never got raped, which happened to another ordinary looking lady-character who was in the boat trip to Sabah and was violently overpowered during a brief stop-over in Mamanok Island somewhere in the wide and engulfing Sulu Sea, while she was taking a much needed shower to clean off the filth she got while in transit. And she apparently got more filth as the narrative of this movie continued.

Mr Dayoc, the director, was around last night when I saw this movie; he's from Zamboanga and he seems to be very familiar with stories that have the same threads as those mini-stories shown in his movie. The usual Question&Answer Session after the screening yielded out those topics of interests from non-Filipinos from the audience. They sounded intrigued by the fact that Sabah is actually a property that belonged to the Sultan of Sulu, whose sultanate has been around even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine archipelago in the 16th century. They were intrigued further by the idea that there are generations of stateless persons in Sabah and who were originally from the Philippines but are outcasts from both the Philippines and Malaysia. What do we do with these issues? Well, we can still be petty and oblivious with what's happening around us just like when the audience was amused to learn that Maria Isabel Lopez, one of the stars of the movie, was a beauty queen and who represented the Philippines to the Ms. Universe Pageant many years ago.

Yes, it really seems that the mini-stories on moving on in this movie take place all the time --- it's high time now that we put an end, even in our own bit by bit manner in our respective communities, to the injustices being perpetually committed whenever people go abroad to partake and do roles in the many modernized forms of white slavery, which continues to be perpetrated by many players and being done under the context of 'moving on,' i.e., the misleading notions on going abroad to improve ordinary people's lives.

Books about Moving On

2011-06-06T12:30:00.000-04:00

Moving on

Watching "Marty" and Musing About Moving On

2011-06-01T14:12:00.000-04:00

My friend and I saw the black and white 1950s film "Marty" at her apartment one late warm afternoon, and we were raving over it soon. I remember her making remarks about people in our lives who when they discover and realize you've found happiness, they will always say something to disagree with your happiness. It reflects on their own unhappiness over someone they know who has found a key to his or her happiness. Even the most closest friend or family member will do such a thing to you, although you may not look at it that way. Most would look like they sincerely mean something good to you. I can only agree with my friend's observation full-heartedly. I know she's talking from experience. I soon realized and told myself, "Yes, I can only move on completely by claiming and taking action on what makes me happy." Watch "Marty" if you have chance - it's hilarious and very endearing film on one's search for happiness and this time, you'll see a 34-year old bachelor do the works for you as you watch his on-screen story.

Moving On Songs (English, Mixed, Others)

2011-06-01T12:16:00.002-04:00

Note: will be updated as new materials will come in

Moving On With Life As I Continue Living in Stapleton, Staten Island (Among Daily News' Best Places To Live In NY)

2011-05-16T14:29:00.000-04:00

I've been living in Stapleton for almost 2 spring seasons now; I've experienced 2 winter seasons here where we had blizzards (one of which caused so much troubles to everyone in NYC such that Mayor Bloomburg had to change his initial assessment on what happened---as everyone in the city government was caught cold footed after a failure to assess correctly the direction of the weather changes then). I've been pleasantly surprised to read about the feature on Daily News of Stapleton in Staten Island on its "Best Places to Live in NY by Jason Sheftell". Of course, it's really an advertisement, or more like a promo material for some businesses investing their money here in Stapleton. Really, I actually appreciate this piece of news, which I delightfully shared with my roommates (one of whom is actually my landlord). And I remember how some people I know would just automatically knock out Staten Island just because they don't know much about this place (and a lot of bad news have been written and talked about this place, anyway, in the first place and thus making any piece of news good news).

The first time I came here got me really confused as people wouldn't understand my accent. People in the bus had a particular accent which I could not fathom easily while asking for assurances that I was not getting lost on my way to my destination. Thankfully, I saw the landmarks and reached my destination. Along the way, I saw the beautiful single or dual family houses on both sides of the streets. The site's very pretty! And the neighborhood's just different in its own terms from other places I've been to in New York City, where I've lived in 3 of its 5 boroughs (Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island). Of course, I'd later learned about the ugly traits found beneath the surface in the neighborhood (e.g. the presence of the largest housing project in Staten Island where members of the well known hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan have lived, the tendency of some people I met here who ignore and neglect what's beautiful around them, varieties of white trash, snatches of ghetto life in some nooks around the corner, the absence of amenities comparable in other NYC neighborhoods, the travel time to & fro my destinations in Manhattan and Queens which could not have been a problem if there were more train & ferry schedules to choose from all day long). There are 2 5-storey buildings now going up close to the train station. More are to come. I can look forward in my imagination of other dudes in the future who maybe writing about Stapleton, and perhaps get to check this posting for comparison. That'll be cool!

I've seen also an 80s video of Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach' that showed the Stapleton Train Station. And I've read 'Images of America' book on Stapleton. Plus, I'm surprised that the very affluent Vanderbilts lived and built their empire in this neighborhood - in fact, their former house was located right in front of the Paramount Theatre along Bay Street. I've since then been listing down and reviewing what can be found here in Stapleton for those who may be wanting to move on with their lives here (see my Yelp list here). I've been waiting for the local library to open again its doors to knowledge seekers like myself.

Quotes Related to "Moving On" Subject Matter

2011-05-16T11:25:00.004-04:00

Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future.

Marilyn Ferguson

A Thought for Today: "Dwell not on the past. Use it to illustrate a point, then leave it behind. Nothing really matters except what you do NOW in this instant of time. From this moment onwards you can be an entirely different person, filled with love and understanding, ready with an outstretched hand, uplifted and positive in every thought and deed."~ Eileen Caddy

From the posting on Myrna Reyes' FB wall

I don't regret my past, I just regret the time I've wasted with the wrong people. But it's ok... I live and learn.... good evening everyone!!!,...:))

Joel Torrecampo

pano m xa makakalimutan kung lagi ka nman nakikibalita tungkol sa kanya....kung everytime kng nag FACEBOOK titingnan ang profile nya....[How do you learn to forget when you always want to know news about him/her?...And when you're on Facebook, you always check his/her profile?]

Jhyrthz Erivera Rivera

Take responsibility and stop blaming. The longer you blame someone.....the longer it takes you to move on.

Rod Horton

Getting Reminded of My Desire To Move On From My Desire to Watch Porn While Watching 'The Accidental Pervert' at the West Village

2011-04-25T13:14:00.001-04:00

Andrew Goffman's 'The Accidental Pervert' reminded me once again on my wish to keep away from watching porn, which audio-visual materials are always around here in NYC. Of course, some of these materials are very subtle and designed to promote and market certain ideas. The trouble really is that some of us get stuck in these materials and take our own sweet time to get a grip of ourselves and start deriving same enthusiastic pleasure from enjoying audio-visuals that go beyond what is ordinarily considered porn (or nearly pornographic) as shown us on the many packages we receive daily.

Goffman's one-man show was so humorous, almost absurd, poignant, spontaneous, endearing, and (would you believe) family oriented. I have to admit I got attracted to watch it because I figured I could connect with the material, having been a porn consumer myself (more on & off lately than when I was younger). Well, to admit that I'm a porn consumer myself has taken me a lot of guts to do so - I've written about it in one of my articles (there are currently 16 views here: 'Men: Why They Watch Porn', which includes mine). And with Goffman, he went a different route and made a play about his views (of course, I'm not sure if this play is based on his personal experiences).

Goffman played in a one-man show that depicts his views (he was the writer!) on the undeniable presence, ever-ready availability of porn in our midst, even among characters whose lives you would not suspect to be attracted to porn. He performed for the next hour and a half (more or less) what happened when he discovered a box full of porn videos and magazines that his father collected through the years. He didn't stop there as he continued to present vital links of the porn experience he accumulated while growing up to stages that most men would undergo as they start dating, do paid work, get engaged, get married (or get remarried in some cases) and start bringing up their respective families with their spouses. Porn seems to serve a purpose of deadening one's tired body and senses from the almost-painful demands of daily living. In this play, it's the link that connects the main character with the memory of his Father - I felt for him, too, as I recalled my own late father myself. I also actually asked similar questions about my father as he and his wife (my Mom!) had 7 children (one of whom died after being alive for 7 days).

If you hear about this show in your place, take the chance to watch it. The title's just a come-on. It's worth watching something that presents what is eerily similar to what most men would authentically experience when they face life's challenges head-on.

A sincere resignation letter narrating a 'Moving On' experience along the way

2011-04-23T15:32:00.000-04:00

The note I copy/pasted below came from someone I've personally known years ago. After having received his permission to re-post the note here in my blogs, I remember how Dennis and I first met, which was during an executive search interview I was conducting for a certain client when I was still doing an HR Consulting job years ago. A remarkably intelligent person with impressive work credentials on systems analysis, considering that he was an ex-seminarian who studied Philosophy, Dennis was actually a referral to me by another fellow whose name I don't remember now (but I'm sure Dennis and I had common friends, such that one of them should have referred him to me for one my assignments when I was still doing full time corporate work back in the Philippines).

The note contains the resignation letter Dennis submitted to his former employer - it's significantly candid than the typical resignation letters we would usually or prefer to read in the corporate world (or at least different from the format some consultants would rather not advise their clients to follow as they would certainly create some fuss). It's not at all dramatic (as in, in an in-your-face-style), but rather heartfelt in its impression when I first read it. But the point that it was shared online, says a lot about the circumstances in the background and worthy of another posting (perhaps!).

Dennis was being honest with what he felt - it can be very challenging explaining one's reasons why [s]he would rather face the changes that entail transitioning than sticking it out to keep the status quo. In due time, people have to really face, big or small, changes, no matter how comfortable their situations can be. We try to manage how to move on from one phase, one set-up, one's upbringing, a particular situation, one person, one life, one relationship, one job, etc to another. It seems like Dennis needs some critical changes to happen as not much challenges are happening lately in his situation - I maybe mis-reading his note on this matter. Or there could be other bigger reasons. Happy or un-happily, we learn from our valuable experiences of having to face the time when we need to resign from a job that seemed to be 'stable but turning out to be predictable' or it could be something else. We learn from them and use the experiences to become better persons in due time. We transition as we continue moving on, which can happen in a second or in a completely different process seizing us in different ways unexpected.

This year marks another milestone in my life. As I ponder on the Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, so do I begin my transition to a new phase of my professional life. After almost seven years, I am leaving my current company and shall brave a whole new corporate world. Beginning Monday, 25 April 2011, I am no longer connected with Intelligent Touch Corporation and Inteltech Resources, Inc., and will begin a new career at SAS Institute Philippines.

A new office, a new culture, fresh faces, unknown challenges - vast opportunities. Transitions are opportunities for discoveries, a chance to learn new skills and a fresh call for excellence. Life indeed is in a constant transition. But before I take on another forked road in my life, let me share with you the farewell email I sent to my colleagues in ITC and IRI as a tribute to them, for being wonderful companions in my professional journey.

Dear All,

It was a roller-coaster 7 years with ITC and IRI, and the ride was fantastic.

For those who do not know, I started working for IRI on July of 2004. I resigned from Unisys Philippines in December 2003, and went to the US for an intended long sabbatical. Midway through the break, I got a call from an old high school friend asking if I would be interested to join a fledgling company dealing with financial systems. Coming from many years of systems development and integration work in the public sector and retail industry, I took a leap of faith when I decided to join IRI and plunged into the dark and confused world of Electra. My first day at work was spent attending a Project Meeting for the Electra implementation in Philippine Veterans Bank where alien words such as “issuer”, “acquirer”, “onus”, “reversals”, “CASA” and “NDC” filled the conference room – and the only word I understood was “DELAYED”. I had no choice then but to hit the ground running.

The rest, as they say, was history.

It was not easy working for a small company where everything is magnified. I always remind our staff that with only 10 people on board, when 2 employees do not report for work on the same day, that is already a 20% reduction in the work force. I came on board at a time when there were simultaneous implementations of Electra for IRI and Aptra for ITC. Both software were new on the market, and issues and challenges in implementation demand 200% attention. There were times we only have 1 to 2 hours of sleep for days on end, and tempers were like volcanoes just waiting to explode. There were shouting matches, walk-outs, and cold shoulders, but all these come to an end at the dinner table. Food was the great equalizer and harbinger of peace, and many disagreements were settled while munching on Buddy’s Pancit Lucban and Inihaw na Pork Chop. The projects demand total commitment and leave no room for mediocrity, but in the end we all learn that only in giving so much can we learn so much in return. In such a small arena, people cannot afford to be fence-sitters.

I had attempted to leave several times in the past, but each time I found myself staying. There may be a thousand and one reasons to leave, but there are also a million and one reasons to stay. It was not easy to see people come and go. In the volatile IT industry where high attrition is the norm rather than the exception, you build friendships and camaraderie, then just when things are doing great – people leave. It was an endless cycle of new friendships and abrupt goodbyes. For those of you who are fans of Twilight, we can all sympathise with the immortal vampires who see friends come and go through the years. Sad, but life must go on. At one point or another, we must all move on. And that time for me has come today.

Thank you for all the support and encouragement, for your trust and confidence.

Thank you for believing that we can be a David in the veritable field of Goliaths in the industry.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and share whatever I have and whatever I know.

I make no excuses for failures and wrong decisions, but I hope that you learned from them as much as I did.

This may be the end of our professional bonds, but let this be the start of a great friendship. You can get in touch with me through densxxxx@yahoo.com and through my mobile phone 0918-xxx-xxxx. With this, I take my leave and will end this rather long goodbye with a heartfelt wish for the continued success of both ITC and IRI. And to all of you, all the best for many years to come!

This is Dennis, signing off.