I used to be a superhero

Cosme

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 03:37:00 +0000

Photography and Interview by Sherwin Sapong

There are over 90 million people in the Philippines, 1.2 million of people in the Philippines are fishermen. This is the story of one fisherman from Anda, Bohol captured in gorgeous photography. More after the jump.

Cosme is from Anda, Bohol but sometimes he reaches the shores of Baclayon for fish. He has four boats: one in Guindulman, one in Lila, one in Bacalayon and another in Camiguin. It depends on to which place he'll end up to, there he will spend the night.

Taga Anda ko dong, pero muabot ko ug Baclayon managat. 4 ako baroto, ang isa naa dri sa Guindulman, ang usa sa Lila, ang usa sa Baclayon ang usa tua sa Camuiguin. Kung asa rako maabtan ug panagat, adto rako matog.

His catch would range from big fishes like the Jack Fish and the Tuna. Sometimes he gets small ones and would cook it for his own. He also caught a small sea turtle but returned it in Lila. He's been awarded with 5,000 pesos every Christmas from the Fighter Wine office for three years now.

Ang makuha nako ani mga dagko isda, mga mamsa, mga barilis. Naay gagmay nga isda makuha, ako ra pud isud-an. Nakakuha ko sauna ug pawikan gamay pa, ako gi-uli didto sa Lila. Gi-awardan ko ug singko mil (P5,000) kada pasko adto sa opisina sa Fighter Wine. Balig 3 ka tuig ko nakadawat.

Cosme has three children, all have college degrees. Two of them are teachers. Fishing is his only source of income, yet he sent all of his children to college and graduated.

3 ako anak, puro na naka-graduate ug college. Ang duha maestra na. Mao rani ako pangita pero nakapahuman nako ug college.

He worked for the government before but he thinks he is earning more than what he used to. For an unlucky catch, he could earn up to 500 to 1,500 pesos. Sometimes up to 2,500 pesos minus the Tuba (coconut wine) he is a happy man. He thinks he is earning more than his buddies in uniform when he was still with the government.

Nagtrabaho ko sauna sa gobyerno pero ako kwenta masdaku pako makita ani. Kung malas nako nga byahe naay 500 ako mahalin, kasagaran muabot ug mil singko (P1,500). Usahay muabot dos mil singko (P2,500). Kuhaan sa tuba, lipay na kaayo ko. Mas dako pako kita sa mga nag-uniform kauban nako trabaho sa gobyerno sauna.

He usually spends only three hours in the deep then can already return to shore. The only thing that is taking him time is making the bait. He uses squid and small fishes as bait. Sometimes sharks would take the bait but he says he's okay with it.

Mga 3 ka oras rako naa sa lawd makabalik nako. Ang makadugay ra nako ang pag-andam sa paon. Ang ako gamiton paon kay nukos, mga isda gagmay. Usahay ako nadawi kaonon sa iho. Pero OK lang.

Unsa man, kuyog ta mamasol?

You can view the album source on Facebook here and more of Sherwin's works here.

looloo

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 13:36:00 +0000

Discover places you'll love!

Rating: ★★★★☆

looloo is a must-have app for anyone who wants to explore Metro Manila and visit all of its best places! It's the best app for foodies, spa junkies, nightlife lovers - anyone who loves going out! When this was announced some time last year by the same guys that brought you TrafficDito (I think), my interest died down when I read the line "who wants to explore Metro Manila". Why? Because I am not based in Makati anymore and I thought I could not use it. I told myself though maybe I should try it but never really came to the point of tapping the FREE button to install the app.

The app though is beautifully designed judging from the screenshots and I am on the verge switching to Microsoft, all the way. If this thing will work around Tagbilaran, I don't want to get hooked on this when I leave iOS and move on to Windows Phone.

@earlmigrino Hi Earl! Are you still using a WP? :)
— Peanut Dela Cruz (@Skushno) February 28, 2013

Last night though made me try the app once and for all. I tried it first on my sister's Lumia 710 running Windows Phone 7.5 and it looked amazing. I love responsive websites, and this one is no exception. It has a very pretty UI and you could actually search the looloo database by just using your browser.

SEE ALSO: Why is the looloo App Named looloo?

Aside from a very pretty UI via the browser, the app itself is very clean and crisp. I like the choice of color combination and its typography.

Inflooence

I was surprised there are already quite a number of establishments saved in the looloo database here in Tagbilaran City. I cannot wait to use the app and review restaurants (mostly). I think it's an alternative to Fourquare, better yet — a better alternative. There's no need to be paranoid about losing your mayorships here.

Tiny-bit-of-an-update:

You can still use looloo.com to read reviews and ratings and this is usually how it would look like.

Frontpage (Mobile)

Frontpage (Desktop)

Enter your location and looloo will automatically pull listings based on your location or you can also input the name of the place you're searching for if you're looking for a specific place.

Reviews & Ratings

I highly doubt that they would come to Windows Phone but I do hope so. Coming to Windows Phone or not, looloo is a pin worthy web app on your start screen.

6tagram

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 13:37:00 +0000

6tagram is a full Instagram client for Windows Phone developed by Windows Phone addict Rudy Huyn. Rudy also the same developer who brought 6sec, also a full client Vine app for Windows Phone. Windows Phone users have been clamoring for an official app from Instagram for quite some time now.

Earlier this week Instagram altered their API due to "security reasons". If you were using Instance, developed by Daniel Gary, you noticed Instagram automatically deleted every photo upload from Instance. Unlike Instance, 6tagram got a go signal from Instgram itself.

According to Windows Phone Central:

Today, a new wrinkle has happened that is effecting the timely release of #6tagram: Instagram itself, who have reportedly made direct contact with the developer.

Though the app itself will have no support regarding technical issues from Instgram, at least it is not controversial app on a legal stand point.

Semantic Zoom

Semantic Zoom is also a unique feature to 6tagram, which allow users to pan in and out on the live feed. You can either view content as tiles or in full detail.

Currently beta registration is placed on hold but you can check it out here if Rudy should be taking in more beta users.

about beta registration:there is currently 3000 beta users,I receive hundreds of emails by hour,I can't accept more beta users 4 the moment
— Rudy Huyn (@RudyHuyn) August 4, 2013

With brilliant developers like Rudy, Windows Phone has a great chance on catching up with quality and even better apps than their iOS and Android counterparts.

Lumia

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 02:06:00 +0000

In two weeks time I'm officially weened off from iOS for two months. It was a hard decision on jumping to the Windows Phone bandwagon but Nokia's beautiful and quality design and Microsoft's Windows Phone UI was so irresistible that I had to abandon my plans on going all-in with Apple.

Recap

For a brief history I have been a Nokia fan since year 2000 when I first got my 5110. Then it progressed on to the 3310 and yes I got the 5510 which was a head turner back in the day. Then the N Series came out and I got the N82 then the Nokia 6260. Somewhere along the way I also had the Nokia 6120c and Nokia Xpress Music phone (which are still alive and kicking until this day). And oh, lest I forget I also had the Nokia Ngage QD. So yeah, I'm a pretty die hard Nokia fan until 2010 when I switched to the iPhone 3Gs and it was the best thing ever back then. The Nokia N900 showed some kind of promise but somehow Nokia discontinued Meego.

Last year, I get to play with the Nokia Lumia 800 and absolutely fell in love with the device and Microsoft's Windows Phone interface.

Ecosystem

It was not just jumping into Windows Phone but it was also abandoning my plan to go all-in with Apple. I think the Windows ecosystem is the right platform for me and I do want a consistent experience with my devices. Don't get me wrong, I still dabble with other platforms from time to time and play around with them but I think you go to have that one platform that you can work on. It's just a matter of preference really, others prefer using multi platforms, I prefer a unified experience.

Design

The Nokia Lumia's design is beautiful. It is modern, simple, clean and the screen really just pops out. A lot of co-workers were stunned by the device's screen and most of them have S4's.

The Lumia 920's design and Windows Phone UX really is a different approach compared to the traditional experience with iOS and Android.

It's not interesting to do something different for the sake of being different. You want to do something that's meaningfully better. — Marko Ahtisaari

Despite the lackluster reviews and support from so-called "tech analysts" and developers respectively, Windows Phone really is a great and a unique mobile operating system. From the live tiles to deep integration of social media the design just goes beyond just aesthetics. Nokia delivered the final punch by delivering what they do best, great quality design and hardware.

Loves

Despite a couple of new Lumia flagships namely the Lumia 925 and the Lumia 1020, the 920 never seems outdated or you don't feel your device is old. It is contrary to what you feel when a new iPhone or a Galaxy comes out. Trust me, I've been there. When the iPhone 4 came out just months after I got my 3Gs, there was little anxiety of getting left behind technology. Not with the 920 and I think you have to give props to Nokia for this strategy.

One of the greatest strengths of a Lumia is the camera but we'll dig in to that later. There are some minute details of Windows Phone that I love and one of that is the "tap-on-the-side-to-select". TOTSTS is a one tap less than away on selecting threads on your messages and email on your inbox. Other platforms have the "edit" or "select" button then a box comes up beside the items for you to select.

Another feature that I like is the Live Tiles. Android boasts of its widgets but often these widgets are clunky and they have different design, typography and animation. For me it is a convoluted mess on the homescreen. Live Tiles have the same language. It's animation are similar and they are really beautiful to look out when they flip and slide. Typography is clean and it gives you the information and the notification you need.

Last and of course not least, the camera. You know the specs, it has Pureview technology and the floating lens. I have tried the Nokia 808 Pureview courtesy of Nokia Connects and it the camera was just amazing. The Lumia 920 is not the Windows Phone counterpart of the 808, the 1020 is, the 920 still takes amazing low light photos. The above photo was taken around 6 PM and I was amazed how this phone can capture light even the faintest.

I charted some of the amazing photos from my Lumia 920 on Lumianography, check it out. It's also an open blog, if you have a Lumia you can submit your photo here and we'll publish it for you with your credentials.

Unperfect

Like every platform, it has issues and you have no other choice but to deal with them patiently and wait for an update. Here's a few: Metadata issue with Music + Videos app, Unread emails count drops back to zero once you open the app, IE on Windows Phone 8 is a bit slower compared with the experience I had with Safari on the iPhone 3Gs and of course, more apps please.

Regarding on apps, Windows Phone doesn't really need a huge collection of apps but what we need are quality apps and apps that really matter. For example, Windows Phone doesn't really have a great eBook reader app. Seriously, have you used Readmill? That app catapulted my reading spree during the summer and I am not that of much a reader.

I may sound like a broken record already but @windowsphone needs @Readmill. I don't care even it's a paid application. Yep, it's that good.
— Earl Migriño (許仁明) (@earlmigrino) August 2, 2013

I have finished 3 Haruki Murakami novels during the summer (well that last one, almost...). It may not be much of a feat to you but for me to go on a reading spree like that, it is. Windows Phone needs to pick up the pace on much needed apps and updates. You should follow me on Readmill here.

Red + Steel

I would also like to see Nike+. Windows Phone has some good running apps but I always prefer the Nike running app.

Red + Steel

Plus, I am also a Nike fanboy myself.

Gap

Making the switch from the iPhone meant change and patience and getting used to. Windows Phone has a big gap to fill but that gap has closed in a couple of months. Microsoft needs to amp up apps and updates and I hope they continually improve the design and UX of Windows Phone.

I think Andrew Kim explained it right on the spot and I am going to leave you with this.

Many people aren’t going to understand what I’m getting at. To be honest, I’m having a hard time grasping it myself. The 920 achieves something truly great at an emotional level. It is an honest, pure and passionate design that shows care. There’s something magical about its presence. It feels special. It gives me a similar feeling to the first time I held an iPod mini. And sadly, iPhone has forgotten how to do that. — Andrew Kim

You can read Andrew Kim's extensive review on the Lumia 920 here.

Advocate

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 12:54:00 +0000

The Advocate is written by Charitie Lees Smith (1841–1923) also known as Charitie Lees Bancroft. She was an Anglican Irish American hymnwriter who penned the glorious hymn "The Advocate" also popularly known as "Before the Throne of God Above". The hymn draws heavily on Scripture with almost every line has a corresponding reference verse. It is a hymn of both perfect comfort and security in which believers find in Christ, the only advocate who intercedes for them before the throne of God above.

The following track is unknown to me and if you do know the name of the choir please proceed to the comment section below. "Before the Throne of God Above" is one of my favorite hymns and I hope dear reader you would be blessed as I do.

If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

Before The Throne
by Charitie Bancroft

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
A great High Priest whose Name is Love (Hebrews 4:14)
Who ever lives and pleads for me. (Hebrews 7:25)

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. — Hebrews 7:25

My name is graven on His hands, (Isaiah 49:16)
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart. (Romans 8:34)

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. — Romans 8:34

When Satan tempts me to despair (Luke 22:31-32)
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there (Acts 7:55-56)
Who made an end of all my sin. (Colossians 2:13-14)

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; — Colossians 2:13-14

Because the sinless Savior died (2 Corinthians 5:21)
My sinful soul is counted free. (Galatians 5:1)
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me. (Romans 3:24-26)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. — Galatians 5:1

Behold Him there the risen Lamb, (Revelation 5:6)
My perfect spotless righteousness, (1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
The great unchangeable I AM, (Hebrews 13:8; John 8:58)
The King of glory and of grace, (Psalms 24:8)

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. — Psalms 24:8

One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood, (Acts 20:28)
My life is hid with Christ on high, (Colossians 3:3)
With Christ my Savior and my God! (Titus 2:13)

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. — Colossians 3:3

Sunscreen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:01:00 +0000

Wear Sunscreen or the Sunscreen Speech are the common names of an essay actually called "Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young" written by Mary Schmich and published in the Chicago Tribune as a column in 1997.

The most popular and well-known form of the essay is the successful music single released in 1999, credited to Baz Luhrmann.

Mary Schmich's "Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young" was published in the Chicago Tribune as a column on June 1, 1997. In her introduction to the column, she described it as the commencement address she would give if she were asked to give one.

For more information visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wear_Sunscreen

Wear Sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Respect your elders.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Idja-Idja

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:39:00 +0000

Source: Minda News

CHILD OF THE SUN: Idja-idja, aho-aho!
by Ting Tiongco/MindaNews
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
(Speech of acceptance as one of the Ten Outstanding Boholano Award (Tobaw) delivered at the Tapok Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan awarding ceremonies on 25 July).

TAGBILARAN, Bohol (MindaNews/28 July) — I accept this award both with great pride and humility. I dedicate this award to my late parents who came from Bohol; my father from Bilar, and my mother, a Manigque from Tagbilaran. My mother, who died a few months ago, lived 63 out of her 86 years in Mindanao. But she died a true Boholana, speaking Binol-anon to the end. I was not born in Bohol. Neither did I grow up here. My parents made it clear to their children who were growing up in Mindanao that we are Bol-anons. Ang Bolanon, murag Amerkano. Maskin asa ka ma tawo, basta Amerkano ang imong tatay o nanay, Amerkano ka lang guihapon. Ang Bol-anon, mao sad. Maskin asa ka matawo, basta Bol-anon ang imong kaguikan, Bol-anon ka lang guihapon. Mailhan man gud ang Bol-anon sa uban, kay tag-as man ug ilong.

I was often puzzled, growing up as Bol-anon in Davao where a welter of cultures flourish; the moment my companions knew I was Bol-anon, I was immediately set apart as different from the rest. I was puzzled by the saying ‘ idja-idja, aho-aho!’ often said in jest by classmates. And this was usually followed by the declaration that Bohol was ‘outside da Pilipins’. Predictably there ensued a typical schoolboy fistfight. Sinumbagay!

I often asked my mother what all this was about but she only told me to be proud of such things. There was a history and a culture behind this that she did not bother to explain because perhaps she knew that sometime in my life I would realize what it meant.

And indeed, I did. It happened the first time I came to Bohol to set up a health cooperative. I was warned that the Bol-anon attitude of ‘idja-idja aho-aho’ was against the basic principles of cooperativism. But setting up a hospital and health services cooperative in the land of my parents, ang akong yutang guinikanan, was a promise I made my father before he died.

So 15 years ago I landed in Tagbilaran, walked to a restaurant, and unthinkingly ordered more lunch than I could consume. I had the rest packed in a brown paper bag to give to a hungry street child.

Outside, I met a raggedy malnourished little boy and wordlessly handed him the brown paper bag. He looked suspiciously at me and asked what was in it. Learning it was food, he immediately ran away, shrieking ‘Di ko!’ (No!)

I was surprised, a bit disheartened. So I walked to the cathedral where I expected to find beggars. There I found an old woman sitting on the ground by the main door, in the heat of noon, clutching a rosary. This time I was more circumspect. I explained to her that I had ordered too much for lunch and I was loathe to see so much food wasted and I was wondering if she would accept the rest, assuring her that it was clean. She gladly took the brown paper bag, thanking me profusely. Then, as I was leaving, happy that no food was wasted, she called after me.

‘ Doy,’ ingon siya, ‘ pila man ni?’ (‘Doy,’ she asked, ‘how much is this?’)

I was floored. Only then did I realize what ‘idja-idja, aho-aho’ means.

It means the Bol-anon does not beg!

It means that I belong to a noble culture that believes Man must provide for himself and the community he belongs to. It means that we are free of the humiliating cultural muck of Mendicancy that the rest of our country is drowning in.

It means that we believe in ourselves. In our own capacity to provide for our own needs through our own resources.

Happily, this is what cooperativism is all about. Self-sufficiency and pride in one’s own.

It means the Bol-anon does not beg!

Then this could be very well our battle cry: ‘idja-idja, aho-aho!’. With this, from ‘outside da Pilipins’ we may be able to rebuild the Philippines, flattened by financial crises, sucked dry by unscrupulous politicians, debased in its own eyes by cultural pollution and disoriented by a demented media that foists the ‘Wowowee’ mentality on Filipinos in massive daily noontime doses.

Idja-idja, aho-aho!

Mabuhi ang Bol-anon!

Mabuhi and Filipinas!

[Dr. Jose “Ting” M. Tiongco, chief executive officer of the Medical Mission Group Hospitals and Health Services Cooperative-Philippines Federation, writes a column, Child of the Sun, for MindaNews. He is author of two books, “Child of the Sun Returning” (1996) and “Surgeons Do Not Cry” (2008). The second book is available at UP bookstore, National bookstore and MindaNews]

Dahilayan

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:17:00 +0000

Dahilayaners

Last month we as a family went to Mindanao for a road trip with our awesome Aunt Zeny and Uncle Fernie. Most of us grew up in Iligan City with occasional trips to Lala, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro, you could say that we also feel very much at home down south. We stayed over at the Dahilayan Forest Park in Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The park is located at the foot of Mount Kitanglad 4,700 ft. above sea level. Before going on further, let me trace you back to the genesis of this road trip. Warning, awesomeness right after the jump.

Dolphin Island

Siblinghood of the Traveling Shoes

We endured some 10-hour trip from Tagbilaran City to Plaridel, Misamis Occidental and went straight to Sincaban to visit the dolphins at Dolphin Island.

Sinacaban Aquamarine Park

The Sinacaban Aquamarine Park is your port to Dolphin Island. There's a 1 km bridge platform until you reach the restaurant which we took our brunch and the docking area where you load up for Dolphin Island.

All Aboard

It has been my experience that most of the best trips made are the ones not planned. We didn't plan to come to visit Dolphin Island but we did have a great time with the dolphins. Here in Bohol, dolphin watching is one of the main attraction in a island hopping package but never have I heard of swimming with the dolphins.

Dolphin Island

Dolphin Island Aquamarine Park is located in Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, Philippines.

Dolly and Phinny

When we got there we put on our life jackets and snorkelling gear and some briefing from the tour guide. They brought some small fish so we can feed the dolphins with a one rule not to raise the fish above water, always submerge it with your hand out.

Excited Much

Yes, we were pretty excited meeting the dolphins. The one thing I could never forget is the similarity of the feeling of playing with Maska. The way they come up in front of you and you hand them out a treat and they take it away and circles around you hoping for an another treat. Just like my Huskinois.

Something Fishy

Sea Creatures

View Gallery

Country Home

After a splash with the dolphins we drove to Ozamis City and crossed over to Mukas at Tubod, Lanao del Norte. Only a few kilometres more and finally arrived at Magpatao, Lala, Lanao del Norte. Aunt Zeny and Uncle Fernie's country home. I made up the country home part. I just love the look and feel of this place. We saw how this place was transformed from a very rugged small brick house, renovated to this beautiful haven. I don't know a big deal about architecture or interior design but they say, exposed beams are awesome and those beams are not for show, those are for real.

The Driveway

My brother and I stayed at the little guest house at the back and it was amazing. It's a two-storey guest house, with an area of approximately 72 square meters. It has a small living room and a kitchen with counter in between. A toilet and a shower and a very spacious bedroom on the second floor with a balcony.

Crib

Guest House Bedroom

The main house was of course beautiful with a large garden near the driveway, a swimming pool and a lower and upper deck.

Home Away From Home

View Gallery

Steel Town

A couple of days rest and we were off to our roadtrip to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. My brother Charles and I took turns on driving the Navara. I drove from Lanao del Norte until Iligan City. We stopped over at our old home in Sta. Elena also known as "Steel Town". It sure brings back a lot memories and the place seems so small now.

Home

Let me just get into memory lane here. There used to be a lot of kids in our block during summer. 7am we're already all over the place running and playing, getting our hands and feet dirty. We climb small hills, hunt for spiders, steal peanuts and slide on the hillside using some old palm wood. Now, it was just empty. No kids running around, no kids playing marbles or rubber bands. Things have changed.

Block 5, West Side

Block 5, East Side

I still have that memory like it was just yesterday. I could still remember us cousins playing on our lawn. The fence was still in the works and I rolled over the grass not knowing I was heading towards the edge. I fell, blacked out and the next thing I remember I was dizzy as my uncle pours another bucket of water on my face. To this day, I have this malformation on my right ear. The wound brought about the accident was mostly on my right side, from the head part to my thighs. The ear wound was swelling massively and doctors have to drain it from time to time until it became a hard lump.

Moving on.

Dahilayan Forest Park

Forest Park View

My brother drove from Iligan City to Cagayan de Oro only stopping at the famous Limketkai Center for lunch. After a few stops and shops, we head to our final destination (promise, no people dying) at Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We went up some 4,000 km above sea level and it was cold. We drove through the vast pineapple farms. It was raining when we got there and it was freezing cold. We stayed at a Family Suite and the view was awesome.

In the morning we could hear people zip-lining their way through the trees. The air was cold and fresh, we toured some parts of the park by ourselves by following a path.

Vintage Cars

The park has a lot of fun activities including a Bungee Trampoline, Net Trampoline, Tree-top adventure, Luge, Astrozbit and the like. We were particularly interested in the ATV ride.

Riders

Lace and Scarlet ended up with the Buggy, since closed shoes are required when using the ATVs. They exchanged drivers when came to the track's halfway.

View from the ATV & Buggy Track

The track was slippery fun because of the night's rain. Our ATVs would slide from slide every sharp turn, drift galore!

Yeah, I tried filming the whole ride but without a GoPro Camera, it was difficult. I just let my cam dangle on my neck. It was much a pretty fun ride and friends on Facebook were like asking where the place was. I don't know how good the ATV and Buggy rides here in Bohol but we definitely had a blast on Dahilayan Forest Park.

Totem

We came down from Bukidnon feeling refreshed. That is one thing I love about traveling, you get to take a look at a bigger picture and give your perspective a refresh. Yes, the journey was tiresome, the drive was long but it was all worth it.

View Gallery

Lazlo Kovacs

So where are you heading for this summer?

1Q84

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:09:00 +0000

1Q84, Haruki Murakami

Rating: ★★★★☆

1Q84 is my first Murakami book. I saw it first in the stands of National Bookstore and it generated quite a buzz on Twitter. Some people even asked me if I have read the book, I said no. It was three weeks ago when I started to review for the IELTS that I muster myself to get back into reading. I already have a digital copy of 1Q84 since last year but I never moved a chapter, always staring into chapter one and procrastinated ever since. Then Readmill came and I finished the book in three weeks. Again it's my first Murakami book and also my very first reading in a very long time.

With great knowledge comes great responsibility.
Highlighted by Earl Migriño in 1Q84

Truth be told I really enjoyed this book though I think there are several places that were described too well. I love the combination of reality and the supernatural. The history embedded within the characters' conversation is amazing with a wide coverage from music, movies and other literature. The character development of the main characters Tengo and Aomame was brilliant.

Ushikawa by Kara Timmons

The additional of a third major character at the concluding chapters was a surprise and it further intensifies the story as it reaches its peak.

Our bodies are not mass-produced in a factory according to fixed standards. But in this man’s case, the differences between right and left went far beyond the bounds of common sense.
Highlighted by Earl Migriño in 1Q84

I also that Murakami seems to incorporate the story with these following themes: classical music, jazz music, cats, ears, dreams and food preparation. Some of these are described to the very last detail that sometimes you just want to get on with it and not to be dragged with these extra descriptions. However, as the plot thickens and as the world of 1Q84 widens you get lost in translation in Murakami's world with two moons.

Knowledge and ability were tools, not things to show off.
Highlighted by Earl Migriño in 1Q84

I don't if this is going to the best book for this summer since I am already on my second Murakami Book, Kafka on the Shore but for starters it is a very good read and would definitely recommend this book a worthy read.

I'm not sure if an 1Q84 would be in production very soon, fat chance but I was thinking that an animated adaptation would be more suitable just like 5 Centimeters Per Second. You should follow me on Readmill here.

Readmill

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:41:00 +0000

Readmill

Rating: ★★★★☆

Do we really need another book reader with all the various apps like iBooks, Stanza, Kindle and Nook available in the iOS platform? Apparently yes. Readmill is probably the best designed ebook reader app to date. The app uses proper typography with no clutter whatsoever. It's so clean you just want to gobble up those text one page at a time.

Books (iPhone)

I am no wide reader nor a bookworm of some sorts but this app made me read 1Q84 two weeks straight. I tried viewing the ebook on iBooks before and as soon as I got into the third page, I was bored already. This is an example of using great design and functionality.

Highlights

One of my favourite functionality of Readmill is its highlighting system. You can share the mover Twitter and Tumblr directly, make comments, share to Facebook or embed highlights on your blog.

Knowledge and ability were tools, not things to show off.
Highlighted by Earl Migriño in 1Q84

Also, if you're offline and you make a highlight and choose to share over Twitter or Tumblr, the app automatically tweets or posts your highlight once internet connection is available.

Readmill Profile on iPad

Readmill Profile on Browser

Signing up is relatively easy, you have the option to sign up via Facebook. This will also display all your Readmill activity on your Facebook timeline. Your Readmill profile is then created with your information on currently reading, highlights and followers. I think this is somewhat like Goodreads but much cleaner and beautifully designed.

Highlights (iPhone)

Another great feature I love is that you can pick up where you left on your current reading when using different devices. If you've been reading using your iPad last night and when you go to work the next day you decided to continue reading with your iPhone, all your highlights made are synced automatically and the app brings you to where you left off on your iPad. This is provided of course if you're online and have synced your library. Still, a very neat feature.

Homepage

I think one of the most requested feature for this app is the option to categorize the user's books. I'm not one to complain since I don't have tons of books but yes I think it is a good option to categorize your ebooks. Readmill is still a work in progress and I hope to see them on the Windows Phone platform soon because I am going to miss this app sorely when I switch to a Lumia.

@earlmigrino Thanks for the feedback ;) We're dedicated to bringing Readmill everywhere!
— Readmill (@Readmill) March 28, 2013

I don't have much any comparison with other apps, like I said I'm a casual reader and before Readmill I prefer a real book over ebooks. If you can compare Readmill with an another ebook reader app, please do drop by at the comment section below.

You should follow me on Readmill here.

Resurrection

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:24:00 +0000

Death, Burial and Resurrection Chart

Download Resurrection Chart
A blessed Resurrection Day to all! This downloadable chart give you a preview of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Jesus Christ, 3 days and 3 nights full as stated on Matthew 12:40. The chart is 1600px X 2644px or 10.667in x 17.627in in size.

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

This is contrary of today's teaching that Jesus died on Friday. This chart is based on the original work of Greg Miller of King James Bible Believers. Embedded also after jump is the full PDF of the original article.

This is a great study material for Bible Studies and Sunday School services. The detailed activities before and after crucifixion is also included in the PDF.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Download the redesigned chart here. View the original chart here. Download the PDF here.

SEE ALSO: The Essence of Christianity

For further study, I suggest purchasing James Knox's book entitled "Fascinating Truths" and study the article on "Jesus' Activities From Death to Rising".

Fascinating Truths on Amazon

Also, here's a Facebook cover I made just in time for Resurrection Sunday. Just click the image and save. Image credit from Lightstock.

Open Tomb

Finally, The Death of Y.O.L.O.

A roman cross, yes, Jesus died on that
See, I don’t care what you believe, read history; it’s a historical fact
So the question is what will you do with this man of misery?
Six hours on a piece of wood, see how it completely changed history.
But see we’ve pimped Jesus out, we’ve made his sacrifice foolery,
We just come to church on Easter, and make the cross nice jewellery.
The cross though wasn’t a symbol of faith; it was a symbol of death,
I mean imagine if someone had an electric chair around their neck?
So the question we have to ask what was different about that man on that day,
That could take something that kills and turn it into something that saves?
See He was unique, because He was innocent,
God actually became a man?! Now that is different.
And on the cross he says I’m not dying because of me, I’m dying because of you,
Not just for your sins you have done but for the ones you will do.
And on the cross he got treated Jesus just like he was us.
Poured out his wrath on the son, so He might show He’s just.
So and he took our filth; he took all your sin,
The beauty is when you trust in Jesus, you were included in him.

Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:32:00 +0000

The Tarsier

Sometimes my siblings and I play "Mayor". It's not really a game but more like a discussion of "if I'm Mayor, I would..." and we'd enumerate out of this world, almost impossible implementations (almost, because there is still a slight chance of possibility) to our beloved province here in Bohol. More on those discussions later after the jump.

I came across this video by Time Travel on YouTube hosted by Susan Calo-Medina, it was uploaded in 2011 but a line in the About section of the video that struck me as similar to what my siblings and I have been discussing.

If Bohol will be properly managed by its leaders and successors, it has the potential to develop like Singapore, considering that Bohol has a strategic geographical location and has very rich natural resources.

The keywords are: if, leaders and successors, potential and Singapore.

If Only

If is introducing a condition. It is logic. It follows that law of the harvest or commonly known as the "what you sow, you reap" line. The result or future of Bohol will depend on the actions, ideas and dedication among its people. Yes, Bohol has greatly improved compared 10-15 years ago. Before, the spike of tourists is only seasonal, now it is a constant trend all year round. However, why should stop on pushing to improve Bohol to be a role model province of the Philippines?

There is always a possibility for Bohol to progress like any other province in the Philippines but again this is conditional which bring us to our second factor.

Leaders & Successors

Not only political leaders but also its people. To bring in a glorious Bohol will require a unified thrust with the people of Bohol here and abroad.

As mentioned in the video there two areas Bohol has considered as engine for development and those are: tourism and agriculture. But engines needed to be maintained and often upgraded if we want further development. So here are some of the wild thoughts we have during our "Mayor" discussions:

LRT/MRT transit system that connects all of the municipalities in the province
Have been to Changi airport in Singapore? Imagine a similar airport here in Bohol
Reinvent the tricycle and the whole public transport system
Independent water and power supply
Research on solar and geothermal energy
Introduce more universities scattered around the province and promote research and development
A province wide wifi system for anyone can access for basic surfing needs
A better tourism system
Improve roads and traffic

Those are just some and they are mostly pretty wild an out of this world. Are they not possible? Bohol has the potential.

SEE ALSO: Perspective

Potential

The reasons why we say a lot of near impossible "what-ifs" is because Bohol has the potential. It has the two major areas to work upon to further other developments. It is hard because I believe it would require a reboot and a reformat of our culture as Boholanos and Filipino at the same time. Things, ideals, traditions may have to change or bring back old ideals.

Then this could be very well our battle cry: ‘idja-idja, aho-aho!’. With this, from ‘outside da Pilipins’ we may be able to rebuild the Philippines, flattened by financial crises, sucked dry by unscrupulous politicians, debased in its own eyes by cultural pollution and disoriented by a demented media that foists the ‘Wowowee’ mentality on Filipinos in massive daily noontime doses.

The bad news is, I think this potential is growing slimmer by the day. I have always said on my statuses that I hope Bohol would not become the abomination that is Boracay. Have you seen the place? No, not just the beach and the resorts. Have you seen the local people? God forbid Bohol should become such a place.

Singapore

You could say it is our second home where dad works for quite some time now. We love how efficient their governance are and how courteous they are during traffic. I love travelling using the public transportation system without the paranoia of being squished and pushed upon. I love how diverse the food and different interests people have. Imagine, that kind of implementation on Bohol. A eco-cultural destination with the sense of efficiency of Singapore standards and the same time preserving the Filipino - Boholano culture.

SEE ALSO: Paradise

Impossible you say? I don't think so.

Tuberculosis

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:59:00 +0000

Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions on Tuberculosis

Today is our last day here in the TB DOTS center and for the past couple of weeks there has been a lot of doubts that have been clarified and new information on how to manage Tuberculosis. The above image snippet is a recreation of a chart we have in our desk. You can print it, download it and share it with friends, family and co-workers. You may download the file here. You may also read the whole information right after the jump.

What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

How does one get TB?
A person gets infected with TB if he inhales the TB bacteria released from air droplets when a person with TB coughs, sneezes or spits.

What are the signs and symptoms of TB?
A person is suspected to have TB when he/she has cough of two weeks or more, with or without the following: weight loss, back or chest pains, afternoon fever and night sweats, hemoptysis or blood-tined sputum, weakness and loss of appetite.

Can a person die of TB?
Yes, if the disease is not diagnosed early enough and if a patient does not comply that treatment regimen of daily intake of TB medicines for 6-8 months.

Is TB hereditary?
No, TB is not hereditary. Bacteria causing TB come from air droplets from a person with TB when he/she coughs, sneezes or spits.

Can one contract TB from doing heavy work?
NO, but if heavy work leads to a lowering of body resistance, the probability of catching the disease becomes higher when a person inhales the TB bacteria.

Can one contract TB from too much drinking and smoking?
No, but excessive drinking or smoking may weaken a person's body resistance and, therefore, the probability of catching the disease becomes higher when a person inhales the TB bacteria.

Is there a need to separate the personal belongings, especially utensils of the TB patient?
No, because TB is transmitted mainly through inhalation of air droplets.

Does TB afflict only the thin, the elderly and the poor people?
No. Everybody is at risk of getting TB especially those with low body resistance due to poor nutrition, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer. Those in close contact with TB patients also have a high risk of getting TB.

Why is there a need to undergo sputum examination and not chest x-ray right away?
A sputum examination is more reliable in diagnosing TB than a chest x-ray because a chest x-ray may indicate lung conditions other than TB.

Why is there a need to give three sputum specimens?
This is important to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Can TB be cured?
Yes, TB can be cured with compliance to correct and continuous treatment regimen of daily intake of TB medicines for 6-8 months plus nutritious food and adequate rest.

Is a TB patient still infectious after taking anti-TB drugs?
Most TB patients are no longer infectious after taking anti-TB drugs for at least two weeks. However, they still need to complete the 6-8 months of recommended treatment.

Can a TB patient engage in sex?
Yes, in most cases, a patient is no longer infectious after two weeks of proper medication.

Can a cured TB patient contract TB again?
Yes, if he/she inhales TB bacteria when the body resistance is low.

Are anti-TB drugs available for free?
Yes, anti-TB drugs are available for free at the health center for the entire duration of treatment of 6-8 months.

Are the anti-TB drugs prescribed by private physicians more effective than the ones from the health center?
No. Effectiveness does not depend on who prescribes the anti-TB drugs. The truth is, some of the anti-TB drugs prescribed by private physicians are the very same ones given at the DOTS centers.

Should an x-ray positive person already take anti-TB drugs?
No. Even if a person x-ray positive, he/shee still has to undergo sputum examinations. If sputum examinations yield positive results, he/she will be given anti-TB drugs. If sputum results are negative, this and the x-ray plate will be sent to the TB Diagnostic Committee (TBDC) for evaluation.

Why can't the patient be given at the start all the anti-TB drugs he/she will need for the entire duration of the treatment?
In the DOTS strategy, it is very important that a patient's daily intake of medicine is supervised by a treatment partner.

Can a patient who is moving to another place be given complete anti-TB drugs?
A patient who is moving to another place will be given an NTB Referral Form that should be presented at the DOTS center of his new place of residence.

Is it alright for a patient who is taking the pill or oral contraceptive to take anti-TB drugs?
Yes, following consultation with a clinician, a woman taking anti-TB drugs while taking oral contraceptive pills has two options: 1) take an oral contraceptive pill containing a higher dose of estrogen, or 2) use another form of modern family planning method. Rifampicin may reduce the oral contraceptive's protective effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

Can pregnant women take anti-TB drugs?
Yes, many anti-TB drugs are safe for pregnant women, but some may have harmful effects on the fetus. Pregnant women should consult a clinician before taking anti-TB drugs.

Can a patient breastfeed while on treatment?
Yes, a TB patient can breastfeed while undergoing treatment even if breast milk changes color - often yellow or red orange. All anti-TB drugs are compatible with breastfeeding.

What is the benefit of giving BCG vaccination?
BCG should be given at all infants because studies have shown that BCG can prevent sever forms of TB.

2012

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:58:00 +0000

Sayonara 2012

If you look that the Archives carefully, you'll notice that this is the very first post title that would probably make sense to you. Yes, last year I decided I am ending my one-word post titles. Twenty Twelve was a year of milestones. It was a year of change but it was also a year of recollection, reconnection and re-evaluation.

Cake Garden

Perhaps the biggest change was my relocation from Kalibo back to Bohol. Don't get me wrong, Kalibo is such a wonderful town and Boracay is just a few hours away. However, the journey back to Bohol is imminent. Cake Garden last year was gaining a lot of attention through its website and Facebook page.

Fine Quality Cakes & Pastries

Cake Garden is a family effort with Mum's leadership and passion. She loves her product top-notch while still maintaining a friendly price for consumers. On my end, I chose the layout of the gallery site, I shot all the photos and processed them, made the flyers and designed the logo. Yes, all of us has a part in this endeavour. Twenty Twelve gave us an insight on how we can improve in the years to come. This year, we hope to give our customers a little lot better than last year.

Before beginning to bake, read the recipe through and note plan ahead. — Rose Levy Beranbaum

BVN Twelve

Another significant milestone is joining the Basic Volunteer Nurse program at Ramiro Community Hospital. We are one of the fewest batch numbering only Twelve, which was suffice to say that we call ourselves BVN Twelve.

Free Taste

I say, as a group we do compliment each other, we laugh hard when we need to and we work hard on the floors.

Bahalag stipen ra. .ang smile ug thank you sa patient nga ato gservan is worthless. . .hehehe we learn nka.tabang pajud ta. .hehehehe — Sugar

He meant it's worth it.

Family

Caving In

We always try our best as a family to be together during December and last year was something special. We conquered a cave in Danao and it was quite and experience.

We're a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. — Erma Bombeck

It was a reminder that family is everything. No matter how down you are, there is always the family at your back. It was also a blessing that at least at the end of Twenty Twelve we can read several chapters from the Bible together and not just via Skype.

Some Realizations

I am turning Thirty this year.
I no longer have the pleasure of listening to any kind of music whatsoever when I hit the sack.
If you're unsure of the content you are about to post on Facebook or Twitter, don't post it.
Silence is deafening.
If you can do it now, do it now.
Don't be stupid, don't do anything stupid or think anything stupid.
We don't need time machines to travel back in time. Sometimes all we need is a scent, a song or an app.
The internet can wait. — SENORICA
If you find something interesting, jot it down or any way you can save it for future use.
Not all those who wander are lost.
Thing that are different are not the same.
Know how to use and what to post on Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours. — SUNSCREEN

This post may be tad late for a year in review, but may you have a Happy and Blessed new year! Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.

Bopha

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:17:00 +0000

Bopha (Pablo)

Important Note: Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) is almost three times the strength of Tropical Storm Washi (Sendong) which crossed North-Central Mindanao on December 16, 2011. Please take all precautionary measures on this dangerous cyclone. Refer to your national disaster agencies for more details.

Update: Bopha (Pablo) slipped quietly in our region here in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. We had some evacuees last night around 8:00pm. So far, there is an unofficial count of 43 casualties.

Follow Twitter updates on #Pablo and on #PabloPh right after the jump.

Tweets about "#pablo"

Tweets about "#pabloph"

Tweets by @ReliefPHcom

Update No. 29: Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) now making landfall over Southern Negros or in the vicinity of Dumaguete City. Stormy conditions will continue to persist across much of the Visayas and Northwestern Mindanao. Residents and visitors along Mindanao and Visayas should closely monitor the development of Bopha (Pasblo).

Update No. 29

UPDATE NO. 28: The weakening core of Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) is now moving across Misamis Oriental, very near Cagayan de Oro. Typhoon condition will continue this afternoon.

Update No. 28

UPDATE 27: Supertyphoon Bopha (Pablo) has weakened after it made landfall over Cateel, Davao Oriental

Bopha Path as of Update 27

UPDATE NO. 23
As of Dec. 3, 2012, 6:00AM

Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) regained strength as it moves closer to Davao Oriental and Surigao Del Sur as it continues to endanger Caraga Region. The possible landfall area is between Bislig and Hinatuan Area by tomorrow morning.

Residents and visitors along Mindanao and Visayas should closely monitor the development of Bopha (Pablo).

Bopha (Pedro) Path

Philippine Storm Signals:

Signal No. 3 - Caraga Region, Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela, Samal Island, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin.

Signal No. 2 - Southern Leyte, Boho, Southern Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Lanao Provinces, Misamis Occidental, North Cotabato, Zamboanga Del Norte.

Signal No. 1 - Rest of Visayas, Northern Palawan, Calamian Group, Cuyo Island, Zamboanga Del Sur, Davao Del Sur, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, South Cotabato.

via iTyphoon Project

iTyphoon Project

For more information, you can follow Bopha (Pablo) with the iTyphoon Project app on your smartphone. For the list of evacuation centers, click here. For more areas under storm signal, click here.

Here are some precautionary measures posted by my Dad on his Facebook wall:

Spare LPG;
Mineral water;
Water containers and fill them Tuesday noontime latest - when the electricity turns out the water runs out too;
Charge the flashlights and cellphones by Tuesday noontime and conserve on the battery;
Tie all things that are sure to fly with rope;
Expect carsheds to topple down, park your cars on a safe place where it wont be hit by debris and tie down these carsheds;
Prepare emergency lighting (battery or lanterns);
Check the fire extinguishers;
Place all flower pots in a place where they won't be blown away;
Get some food for 3-4 days;
Get a bolo as some wood debris may be in your property;
Keep an eye on strangers as there would be those who may take advantage of the situation;
Stay away from water pathways, flashfloods may happen;
Stay away from slopes, landslides may happen;
Expect trees to fall assess the nearest tree and do some remedial actions now;
Not the least - the Bible - read it together every night, so there is none more powerful than God. He can silence the strongest storm.

I'll update this post when more posts from the web will come pouring in. Have a safe week y'all!

Christianity

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:22:00 +0000

The Essence of Christianity

via The BIBLE Baptist Web Store

If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

Let me contrast for you Biblical Christianity with every religion or non-religion on the face of the earth. You can put them all together because they are all the same. Biblical Christianity says that no one is good enough to earn heaven on their merits. Every other faith or non-faith believes that eternal life is earned by good works. Everyone who is not a true Christian (as defined by the Bible, not by men) believes the same thing – “If I am good enough long enough, I will earn the favor of God and be granted eternal life.”

Biblical Christianity states that you must possess the absolute righteousness of God Himself, or you do not pass. You must have the absolute holiness of God Himself, or you cannot get in. You must have the unblemished purity of God Himself, or there is no eternal life for you.

James W. Knox

You can pre-order the Holiday Cover edition of the Essence of Christianity booklet here or read the entire booklet right after the jump.

More tracts from The Preaching of the Cross here.

Surface

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Surface

Last time, Windows Phone. Now, Surface. I really think Microsoft is right on track here though there were no specifics were given away during the launch that got tech press yapping away their disappointments. For some specs though here's a rundown.

Measuring just 9.3mm thick, the Surface for Windows RT is built around an angled, all-magnesium VaporMg case that weighs just under 1.3 pounds, with an NVIDIA-made ARM chip powering the whole affair. Microsoft's hardware partner has also gone all-out on extra touches, such as a built-in stand, twin 2x2 MIMO antennas for WiFi, and a 10.6-inch optically-bonded, Gorilla Glass 2-covered HD display.

via Engadget

Microsoft also announced there will be a Windows 8 Pro version of the Surface. For more reviews of the event click here for Engadget, here for Mashable, here for The Next Web and here for The Verge.

Though it is dubbed as an "iPad Killer" I think it is also a direct competition to the Macbook Air. Hitting two ~~birds~~ apples in one stone I guess. I think the ability to switch from a tablet to a laptop is surreal.

I have been hitting that replay button for the nth time now and it seems to be no letting up. I hope Microsoft won't screw this one up, I also do hope Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) will be legendary and take advantage of the disappointments of iOS 6.

Looks like I'm finally getting back to Microsoft Tribe. So where can I get those new Windows logo stickers? Again, please Microsoft don't screw this one up.

Side View

Kick Stand

Black Surface

Touch & Type Covers

What are your thoughts on Surface? Sound off on the comments below.

Image Credit: Microsoft

Update:

Surface has been officially unveiled!

Follow Surface on: Facebook, Twitter and on YouTube

Outlook

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Outlook

Microsoft just unveiled the new face of Hotmail — Outlook. It sports the new Metro design you find in Windows 8. It's clean, it's beautiful but still has the Hotmail innards which I hope to be improved very soon. I think one of the general theme of Metro is the ability to unify your third party accounts like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn in one roof. It's the same with Windows Phone and it's also the same with Windows 8 and I think that is a really major feature that sets apart from other operating systems. Read The Verge's article on a more detailed review here. More screenshots after the break.

via The Verge

Inbox

By default you'll be taken to your "Folders" and "Quick Views" section and the reading pane is set to the right.

Messaging

Clicking on the messaging icon on the upper right corner drops the messaging section. You can chat to your Facebook friends directly from there. Looking forward to Twitter and Skype integration.

Mail, People, Calendar, SkyDrive

Clicking on the arrow beside Outlook logo at the upper left of the screen brings down tabbed sections of Mail, People, Calendar and SkyDrive. Another indication that Microsoft is tying all of it's services. SkyDrive will also get Metro soon.

Metro SkyDrive

via WinSource

Compose

I especially love it when comping an email. It's got a huge white space, clean and clutter-free!

Colors

Basic theme colors are available on the gear icon with up to 12 color to choose from. Outlook also gives you the option to register a new @outlook.com email address. If you have an existing Hotmail account, you have the option to bring that to Outlook.

Personally, I haven't switched yet to Outlook but I'm slowly migrating contacts and threads from my Gmail account. Furthermore, I think I like the idea of going Microsoft all the way. Internet Explorer 10, please be awesome!

Batman

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 10:26:00 +0000

Dark Knight Rises

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Of all the superhero movies of late, I say the Dark Knight Trilogy stands far above the rest. Yes, even the recently big hit "The Avengers". I think the Batman concept will always be unique compared to other superheroes with their super powers and their superhuman ability. Batman has only his skills, his gadgets and his wealth. But come to think of it, it is near impossible to maintain such balance or even to achieve this kind mastery in these areas. Martial arts mastery alone will require a significant amount of years to master. Let alone building and developing his own technology while maintaining Wayne Enterprise. Not to mention also his playboy billionaire status. Such feat is impossible to attain and that's the illusion of the Batman concept. And oh, don't forget the utility belt.

It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

The Dark Knight Rises nails coffin of one of the most epic superhero trilogy. Though I still doubt it rises above its predecessors, Nolan did give us one solid conclusion of the Dark Knight series. I really like the plot surrounding Wayne and his unstable emotions. Bane is probably the best villain ever and Selina Kyle not going through the "Cat Woman" (with gangster cats following her) monicker was right on the money. There is also a very good twist right at the end when you almost made your conclusion as how the movie would have ended.

There are of course however certain lines that would have been better. Like, when Batman re-confronts Bane.

Bane: "So you came back to die with your city."
Batman: "No, I came to stop you."

I was like, what? He could have just said, "No, I forgot to brush my teeth!" The ending too was somewhat conventional. There were also cheesy plot lines here and there. I was indeed expecting something dark in the end but anyway, all in all the movie was spectacular!

What are your thought of #TDKR? Sound off in the comments below.

Credits: Image by WarnerBros, Videos by WarnerBros Pictures

My condolences to the Aurora, Colorado shooting victims and their families. Speedy recovery for those who are injured.

Office

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:50:00 +0000

Office 2013

The new office is here and it looks gorgeous! Yes, it has Metro written all over it and it is heavily supported by the cloud — SkyDrive!

Experience the most powerful Office yet with new versions of your trusted applications and cloud services that connect you to your tools and documents where and when you need them. Check out a brief introduction to this exciting new version of Office.

The video and some screenshots after the break. If you want to go ahead and download the Consumer Preview, go here. For a more detailed article visit Engadget's post here. You are going to need a Windows Live account to activate the preview.

Currently of this posting, I'm still downloading Office Consumer Preview in the background, will update this post once more screenshots are available.

Streming Application Features

Choose Your Product

Welcome to Office

Wrapping Things Up

Word 2013 Preview

Word 2013: Info

Word 2013: Type

Shooter

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:10:00 +0000

GIGN

If you're wondering why my Twitter feed is in a low-tide mode, chances are I'm at PSN gaming network playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Free-for-all or Team Deathmatch. I can't put into remembrance when was the last time I played (and got addicted) shooting games.

Long gone are the days of Counter Strike, Rainbow Six, Delta Force and whatnot. So for this post I'm just going to geek out about my exploits of late in MW3. The above video is probably one of my highest kill streak since entering Prestige mode.

I know I probably made at least to 11 before hand but still I'm no pro gamer so achievements like this is a highlight for me.

Anyway my perks are the following:

Sleight of Hand / Sleight of Hand Pro

Reload your weapons 50% faster than normal. Sleight of Hand is extremely useful with Light Machine Guns since they have long reload times.
Pro Ability: Pick up and swap weapons 50% faster than normal.

I have noticed that when I'm gaming I always pick out or use characters that have both speed and stealth. Traxex, anyone? Reloading, swapping and picking of weapons is 50% faster than normal and I think it is very crucial to my gaming style.

Watch 9 Kill Streak on Underground

Quickdraw / Quickdraw Pro

Allows you to aim down the sight 50% faster than normal. Quickdraw is ideal for quick-scoping with Sniper Rifles.
Pro Ability: Allows you to recover from equipment and grenade usage faster.

Another speed ability that I really love to use because I always aim down the sights. Always!

Stalker / Stalker Pro

Faster movement while aiming down the sight.
Pro Ability: Delays enemy detection-triggered explosives, like Claymores and Bouncing Betties.

Since I always aim down the sights, this ability is a perfect combo with Quickdraw. Also gives me the edge of by passing explosives. Yes, I'm a flanker.

My weapons of choice will be an assault rifle, the G36C with 2 attachments: Silencer for stealth and ACOG scope or just a red dot. So basically I have two similar Custom Classes. The only difference would be one of the attachments and a secondary weapon which would be a Launcher or a Machine Pistol.

PS3 Limited Edition + Call of Duty MW3

Noob

Yes, I am partially that but there are times when I have those moments. Moments that everything is everything is in it's place. Your timing to cross to another section of the map, the right time to reload, the right time to throw your semtex or drop a care package. If you're relatively new to the game it is imperative to master all the maps played in multiplayer mode so you'll know when and where to hide or camp. Every map I have several spots as my camping place and usually they give me a maximum of 3-4 kills in one life. Not really that bad especially you're on a killing streak.

Since I am relatively new, I just run, shoot and camp! I find it rewarding to camp during the first 15-20 seconds of the game. If you've got any tips, sound off on the comments below. And oh, I'm spindust on PSN.

Rotate

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 09:38:00 +0000

Rotating Twitter Widget

Finally after months of searching and testing the much coveted rotating Twitter widget, I finally got the right code. Also, this code includes retweets, even the new retweet function.

Before anything else, every Blogger blogger should know that when you try to make changes to your template it is always imperative to backup your template.

Step 1

Go to template > edit HTML > find </head>

Paste the following code before </head>

  <!-- jQuery library -->

<script src='https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.6.2/jquery.min.js' type='text/javascript'/>



<!-- Tweet Rotator -->

<script src='http://dl.dropbox.com/u/34682988/TwitterFeed/scripts/rotate.js' type='text/javascript'/>

Save template.

Step 2

Add HTML widget and add the following code.

 <div id="twitter_div">

<ul id="twitter_update_list" class="rotate"></ul>



<!-- Twitter Feed -->



<script src="http://twitter.com/javascripts/blogger.js" type="text/javascript"></script>



<script src="http://api.twitter.com/1/statuses/user_timeline/yourusername.json?include_rts=true&callback=twitterCallback2&count=5" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

Change highlighted text in red to your own username. Change highlighted text in yellow to the number of tweets you want to allow to rotate.

Step 3

Enjoy!

#AwayWeHappened

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:02:00 +0000

Away We Happened

This web series is been a while now but for you who haven't checked it out yet you can still catch up with the episodes. The finale will be on the 28th of June, that's tomorrow. It's produced by AT&T and Wong Fu Productions.

"Away We Happened" is a new and unique web series where you help decide what happens! Wong Fu Productions (Wes, Ted, and Phil) has teamed up with AT&T and their friends Victor Kim and Jen FrmHeadToToe for this one of a kind project!

There's a lot of amazing guests like independent music artists Paul Dateh and David Choi. Jeremy Lin also makes his appearance in one of the episodes.

Also, you can participate by watching, submitting your own sequel or vote on your favorite and help decide where the story will go. The episodes after the jump.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Wander

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:05:00 +0000

"Not all those who wander are lost."

What is Wander? I have no idea but the beautifully designed startup website draws users to register to find out more. So I did, yet there's still a large big chunk of the puzzle missing. If you haven't registered yet, you'll see this on the site's front page.

What is Wander?

After the registration, you can log in and take a sneak peek. Again, there's nothing much piece of the puzzle to give you an idea what Wander is all about. You are then taken to a series of sections:

The Places You'll Go...

The places you've been and the places you've dream of — all the places you're connected to and the story that tells. That's Wanderlog. Share the places that inspire you.

Okay, so maybe it is more like Pinterest for locations?

Everyone Has a Wanderlog.

The places you love. Your adventures abroad. The best architecture in the world. A guide to your town.

A Twitter for locations then?

Every Place is Connected.

Every post about a place is connected to every other post about that place.

So maybe a Timeline-like-Facebook for the places you have been?

"Discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes."

Whatever Wander is travel bloggers and wander junkies are in for a treat. The site and its blog is beautiful! Truly amazing! Their typographic posters were the ones who led me to their site on the first place. Here are some of my favorites.

Adventure Is Out There!

Daring Adventure

Leave a T rail

Follow Wander on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr.

Image Credits: Wander

Sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Earl) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 23:18:00 +0000

The following post is my entry to the #NokiaSustainabilityChallenge in ~~my desperate move~~ the hopes to win a Nokia 808 PureView.

Day 1: Walk

I make daily deliveries of cakes and pastries to a local hospital here on Tuesdays through Saturday. To save on fuel and as a means of exercise, I leave the car in our favorite parking area and walk back home. The above video is a record of some of my walk/run sessions.

Day 2: Disconnect

We have a new rule at home running for the past two weeks already. During weekdays, our internet connection, router, PCs and PS3 are not to be used in the morning. We get to only to use the devices at 1PM to 11PM. It was quite an adjustment. Online we siblings hack and shoot zombies or play Team Deathmatch on Modern Warfare 3 but this time, music jam!

Day 3: Rain

Rain Tower

We've been using the rain water reserve for a while now. We've been using it on our garden and in car washing. This is one great way to save on the water bill.

Day 4: Batteries

Intercom and Emergency Light

We've been using a battery powered intercom system and in our emergency light system at home. These batteries are apparently are in for disposal but are still in very good shape so we thought of reusing them to power our intercom and emergency lights.

Day 5: Monitors

Security Camera

Another reused gadget we installed is a security camera system. We have a couple of these cams at home. Again, these are not brand new but they are off to be "disposed" but then again, still in very good condition. It is a very cheap and very useful home security system.

Day 6: Oil

Oil Candle

Here in the Philippines we often have power outages and sometimes these power interruptions last the whole night. Though we have emergency lights, we still try to conserve their power as much as possible. We found this idea in a local restaurant here, using used cooking oil as lamps. These reused energy serves also as a mosquito and fly repellent.

Day 7: Green

Home Garden

Lastly, go green. We added a few pots of green in our balcony this week. Maska, our beloved Huskinois seems to enjoy it.

So, there's my seven-day chronicle for the Nokia Sustainability Challenge! I do hope people participating in the contest will be able to sustain these activities and not just for the Nokia 808's sake. Wild reactions, sound off in the comments below.