Mauskie's Den

Madaling-Araw

2013-03-03T20:58:00.001-08:00

Malamig at parang may kakaiba sa hangin, tulog na ang lahat ngunit parang balisa siyang naghihintay sa umaga. Isa lamang itong normal na madaling-araw ngunit bakit parang may kakaiba sa kanyang pakiramdam. Katatayo lamang ng bahay noon at hindi pa talaga tapos. May mga bukas pa na bintana na pinagmumulan ng paghampas ng hangin. Tumayo siya sa higaan at iniwanan ang nakaakap na anak, na noon ay himbing na himbing pa sa pagkakatulog. Sa kanyang paglabas ay dumiretso siya sa binatana at nagmasid lamang sa katahimikan ng labas. Wari mong ang hangin ay may ibinubulong at may gustong ipahiwatig sa kung ano ang magaganap sa mga susunod na araw.

“Mama, bakit ka nandiyan?”, sumunod pala si bunso.

“wala nakkong, bumalik ka na sa kama at matutulog na tayo” ‘ani ng kanyang ina.

Sa kanyang pagbalik sa kama ay nakaidlip rin siya kahit paano, kahit na ang pagkabalisa ay nandiyan pa rin sa kanyang sistema.

Ilang araw ang nakalipas at nagpatuloy ang kanyang buhay kasama ng kanyang mga anak. May isang lalakeng kumatok at tinawag ang kanyang pangalan.

“Kayo po ba si Ginang Mendez?, mayroon pong telegrama para sa inyo”, sabay ang abot ng sulat sa kanyang palad.

“Ako nga po iyon”, at kanyang binasa ang sulat.

Sa kanyang pagbabasa ay unti-unting dumidiin ang mensahe sa kanyang isip at puso. Parang isang punyal na unti-unting pumapatay sa saya na minsan ay kanyang nadama. Hindi niya namamalayan na ang luha ay nagingilid na sa kanyang mga mata. Matapos noon ay kanyang hinagkan ang kanyang mga anak, dalawang mga anak na pagkukunan ng tatag sa unos na kinasadlakan ng pamilya nila.

Nakasaad sa sulat na ang kanyang asawa ay namatay habang ginagawa ang kanyang tungkulin bilang isang “seaman”. Na kailangan niyang pumunta sa opisina at asikasuhin ang mga bagay na iniwan ng kanyang asawa. Higit sa lahat ay kailangan niyang asikasuhin ang pag-uwi ng labi ng kanyang kabiyak sa Pilipinas.

Noong madaling-araw na hindi siya makatulog, ay kasalukuyang nagaganap ang trahedyang kinamatay ng kanyang asawa. Na ang bawat hampas ng hangin ay may karampatang hampas ng alon sa katawan ng kanyang pinakamamahal sa ibang bansa. Na ang lamig ng hangin ay marahil dulot ng pagdalaw ng isang kaluluwa na ang hiling ay masilayang muli ang kanyang pamilya at mahagkan ang kanyang mga anak at asawa sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon bago siya tuluyang mawala..

…at ang madaling-araw na iyon ay simula ng isang buhay na kabaligtaran ng “madali” at magiging sobrang “mahirap”.

---hango sa tunay na buhay,---

Pinakamahirap Na Trabaho: TAMBAY

2013-03-03T19:07:00.002-08:00

“Patingin-tingin, di naman makabili
Patingin-tingin, di makapanood ng sine
Walang ibang pera, kundi pamasahe
Nakayanan ko lang, pambili ng dalawang yosi
Paamoy-amoy, di naman makakain
Busog na sa tubig
Gutom ay lilipas din
Patuloy ang laboy
Walang iisipin
Kailangang magsaya, kailangang magpahangin
Nakakainip ang ganitong buhay
Nakakainis ang ganitong buhay
Nakakainip ang ganitong buhay
Nakakainis ang ganitong buhay”

---ESEM by Yano---

Alam niyo ba na ang pinakamahirap na trabaho ay yung wala kang trabaho? Gagala ka tapos wala kang pambili ng kahit na candy. Nagugutom ka pero wala kang pambili ng kahit na anong makakain. Kapag umuwi ka sa bahay eh bubungangaan ka pa ng misis mong naka rollers habang nag-iiyakan ang mga anak mo. Kung wala ka namang asawa, eh “gudlak” sa sermon na aabutin mo mula sa iyong ina. Mahirap ang lahat ng propesyon, ngunit wala ng mas hihirap pa sa mga nasabi kong mga bagay. Yung eksenang parang wala ka ng patutunguhan. Walang pagkakataong dumarating, at walang direksyon na pupuntahan. Ang araw-araw para sa iyo ay isang malaking palaisipan at parang isang malaking tanong na hindi mo alam ang kasagutan.

Napakahirap kayang magpalaboy-laboy at umasa na bukas ay magkakaroon din ng pagkakataon para sa iyo. Mabuti nga kung umaasa pa, paano kung nakuntento na lang na ang buhay ay sadyang ganyan? “wala eh, ganyan talaga ang buhay! Pre tagay pa!!!”

Pero sino nga ba ang dapat sisihin? Yung mismong tao dahil batugan siya? O ang kakulangan ng trabaho na aangkop sa mga kapasidad ng mga bawat isa? Minsan may trabaho nga, pero pagkatapos ng anim na buwan ay mawawala din sapagkat tapos na ang kontrata. Diyan natin masasabi na ang estadong pananalapi ng isang bansa ay naaayon din sa estadong pananalapi ng bawat indibidwal. Hindi ito simpleng “isyu” ng katamaran, sapagkat kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon kahit “high school” graduate ka ay tiyak na makakahanap ka ng mapagkakakitaan. Ikaw? May trabaho ka ba? Kung meron, subukan mong pahalagahan (at kinakausap ko rin ang sarili ko dito) sapagkat marami sa panahon natin ngayon ang walang hanapbuhay at umaasang balang araw matutugunan.

"The Light"

2013-03-03T18:15:00.001-08:00

Today, i opt to be happy...tomorrow i opt to be happier and on the succeeding days i opt to Live.

All i need to do is to clear my mind and heart with doubts, fear, worries, anger or any unnecessary feelings that will add up to the baggage of stress.

Just like what the doc said, "the fact that you came here and accept what's happening to you? it only means that you are a strong-willed person".

No man has reached his greatness without encountering any failures and uncertainties at all.

Even Einstein got a hopeless remarks on his entrance exam in College but ended up as the one who developed the theory of relativity.

Let me use what he said, "We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

However, there is a great light that can back-up the failure and the moving-ons.

It's our relationship with God that needs to be regained and hold unto.

---MAUSKIE---

"Don't vote wisely, Vote differently"

2013-03-03T18:10:00.005-08:00

Intelligent people are always aiming for the unconventional solutions and which are not being accepted by the norms and usually are not being listened to. I am not getting any good impressions with candidates who are throwing sh** to other candidates, prioritizing unnecessary bills and principles. Not because it's not right but because of the context of those which I find so senseless. Where's your economic platforms? If I ask you about contractualization, free trade globalization and privatization, would you know how to stand your ground?

Is it another day of making a speech in front of the "common tao" telling them of your education, health, agriculture, unemployment, and whatsoever reforms that would make them say "ok". Afterwards they will be there clapping and waiting for anything that would get them through to live another forsaken day. Giving them something that would satisfy the idea of an unconscious society bullying sugar coated with hope. Having those people in power right now has been caused by ignorance planted in the mind of the nation. Making them believe that the dynasty and oligarchy is the backbone of the society.

Then the question now is "who should i vote for?" well i should say "don't vote wisely, vote differently". Those people who are targeting the root causes of issues such as drugs, health problems, lack of jobs, education gaps, over population etc..etc. Those are just bits and pieces of the main problems. Those are just the effects and not the reasons. Everything is a process and without solving the challenges of the first stage and the main reason, you won't resolve anything at all.

"Sa Iyong Digma"

2013-03-03T18:09:00.003-08:00

credits to google for
the image

Sa buhay na puno ng panganib at walang hanggang pakikibaka, sino nga ba ang tatayo at magsisilbing panangga sa mga banta? Sila ang mga sinasabing tagapagligtas at nangungunang sumasabak sa lahat ng ating mga kalaban. Sumumpang kailanman ay hindi tatalikod sa lahat ng pangako at hindi ipagpapalit ang pag-ibig sa ating bansa. Isang malaking sakripisyo ang malayo sa kanilang butihing mga maybahay at lumalaking mga anak. Ngunit, para sa kanila, ang lahat ng ito ay hindi sakripisyo kundi isang responsibilidad at tungkulin na tinanggap mula pa noong araw na naging bahagi sila ng puwersa ng kasundaluhan. Ano ang mas sasakit pa sa naghuhumiyaw na katotohan na ang yakap ngayon sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay ay maaaring huli na at ang gulo ay kakambal na ng iyong sistema.

Ngunit sa isa pang banda? Ano ang mas sasakit pa sa katotohanang kapwa mo Pilipino ang iyong kalaban. Sa mga bundok ng kung saan, ang tinutugis mo ay ang iyong kapwa.. “kayo kayo, nagtutugisan at hindi nagkakaunawaan”. Ang tanging alam ko lang, kung sino man ang tama, kung mali ba talaga sila, ang ating kapayapan ay tinatamasa dahil sa iyong digma.

Sana man lamang ay mabigyan sila ng karampatang suporta upang maipagpatuloy nila ang pagtatanggol sa ating bayan. Hindi yung may pagkakataong ang kanilang mga bala ay kulang na at ang kanilang mga bota at unipome ay gula-gulanit na. O ‘di kaya, matulungang mbawasan ang mga ganitong uri ng laban kung maayos lamang ang kalagayan ng bansa at sapat ang lahat ng pangangailangan upang wala ng kailangang tumaliwas sa utos ng batas. Imposible ang “Utopia” alam ko, pero sana ang importansya ng kanilang paghihirap ang manaig at ang kabuluhan ng kanilang serbisyo ang magwagi. Ito ay isang pagsaludo sa ating mga sundalong Pilipino… at nawa’y pagkamulat ng bawat isa sa tunay na digma ng ating bansa.

"Ang Libro at Jollibee"

2013-03-03T18:03:00.003-08:00

Isa ako sa mga batang hindi biniyayaan ng napakarangyang buhay. Hindi ako mapagmaktol sapagkat alam ko na kahit ako ay lumuha ng dugo ay walang pambili ng "Jollibee chickenjoy" o kahit na meron pang "Jollibee Leeg ng manok". Wala! Wala! kaya natuto akong manahimik at makuntentong mabusog sa mga bagay na meron ako. Doon ko natutunang mas masarap pala ang magbasa ng libro at matuto kesa ang mag-asam ng mga bagay na wala ako.

Natuto akong mamuhay ng payak at ang tanging naging bisyo lamang ay ang manood ng Dragon Ball at makipaglaro sa mga aso kong mas cute pa kesa sa akin. Dahil sa mga bagay na iyon, nagsimula akong mangarap. Nangarap ako na balang araw ay makakapagtapos din ako ng pag-aaral at makakatulong sa balo kong ina na ang tagal na rin yatang panahon na nagdurusa sa kaiiyak kung paano kami itataguyod na mag-isa. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, balang araw makakapasok din ako sa "Jollibee" at bibili din ako ng Chickenjoy!!!!, hindi lang one piece kundi 2 pieces at may extra pang gravy.

Isa itong komedya para sa makakabasa, ngunit ano ba ang simbolismo nito? PAG-ASA, hindi ung tagasabi kung may "yellow warning na ng baha" kundi yung bagay na nadarama. Pag-asang ang edukasyon ay magiging tulay upang makamit ko ang aking mga pangarap.

Ngunit paano kung ang edukasyon at ang libro ay nagmahal na? Yung tipong kahit na mga pampublikong paaralan ay hindi na kayang sumuporta sa mga batang anak ng mga uring kumikita lamang ng sapat o mas mahirap pa. Paano na?

Masuwerte ako dahil sa sakripisyo ng aking kapatid at tulong ng aking mga butihing mga Tiyuhin, nairaos ang aking pag-aaral. Ngunit, kung iisipin ko ngayon....paano kaya kung nag-aaral pa rin ako ngayon? mapagbibigyan pa rin ba ang hiling na magkaroon ng libro at makatikim ng Chickenjoy?

Bamboo: An Invitation to a Mini-Concert

2012-11-11T00:27:00.001-08:00

Nope! This is not an article nor a story that just popped out of my mind :) But hey!!! i just met you! lols.. but hey! check this out peepz!!!

This is an invitation to all of you guys who might want to see Bamboo in an acoustic set-up (or know someone who might be interested) . Please see promo picture for the full details of the event.

You may also contact the numbers written on the pic should you have any queries.

One way of relaxing on the first Saturday of December, ayt!! :)

...a support to my colleagues.

Benefits of Health Insurance

2012-07-04T00:22:00.001-07:00

Just wanna share my thoughts about health insurance and the advantage and disadvantages of it.

Health insurance is an insurance against the risk of incurring medical expenses among individuals. By estimating the overall risk of health care expenses among a targeted group, an insurer can develop a routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, to ensure that money is available to pay for the health care benefits specified in the insurance agreement. The benefit is administered by a central organization such as a government agency, private business, or not-for-profit entity.

Health Insurance Positive aspects

The latest system involving employer primarily based health insurance rewards changed because of the business obtaining income tax write offs equal to the volume of advanced compensated. At the moment the total cost involving deductible premiums, compensated through many business employers in america, approximately breaks down to to $200 thousand. To put it differently, the us government is providing some sort of subsidy the same as $200 zillion in order to ensure that will staff members obtain advantages of medical care insurance insurance policy coverage. Health insurance options commonly work with the next approach: An individual is anticipated to pay an once a year quantity,or tax decuctible, before the medical health insurance plan starts in the tariff of healthcare expenditures. The insurer will pay a new chunk of your annual healthcare expenses though a compact portion of the expenses, called coinsurance, is actually paid for from the plan seller. The ratio involving the expenditures carried by the insurance firm as well as coinsurance is mostly Eighty:Something like 20 as well as 60 to 70:40. When the coinsurance quantity surpasses the utmost yearly out of pocket control for the covered with insurance, the insurance company is predicted to cover the whole yearly medical price. In addition to coinsurance, a number of insurance firms might expect the particular covered to pay for a set amount generally known as co-payment for each trip to the doctor. The leading kinds of health care insurance plans open to anyone tend to be: Health Maintenance Agencies (HMOs) Ideas, Favored Provider Agencies (PPOs) Programs in addition to Point-of-Service (Fea) Options.

Complications Regarding Private Health Insurance

Despite the fact that medical care insurance gains, that are supplied by private insurance agencies seem like the best place, there are many of problems regarding exclusive medical insurance. As an example, so many people are included below their own boss' collection medical health insurance plan thus drop their insurance policy with obtaining laid off. Your Consolidated Omnibus Price range Winning your ex back Work (COBRA) offers a man or woman the choice of ongoing for the earlier employer's health care insurance plan, for 1 . 5 years after getting let go, by paying 35 percent on the level of quality; the residual number of quality becoming taught in Federal administration. Short term health insurance programs present coverage for six months along with enable preventive and schedule medical checks. A person may try and acquire specific medical care insurance although this plan will be tangled up using issues. As opposed to party medical care insurance, where by anyone is not singled out and also rejected coverage out of pre-existing ailments, person health care insurance options can deny insurance caused by pre-existing circumstances. Given that specific health insurance guidelines possess a greater advanced, when compared with class medical health insurance plans, someone that may be out of a job are unable to perhaps have the funds for health care. Every medical health insurance program possesses his own set of limitations. For example, HMO options deal with the price of the therapy on condition that the patient attempts treatment method from your doctor who's going to be an element of the The hmo network. As a way to seek the advice of a specialist, one should possibly be introduced by an individual's medical practioner, exactly who once again is usually a section of the HMO network.

Heath care treatment Reform Plan

Heath care treatment Reform strategy, proposed by the Current, plans to reform medical proper care program by simply subsidizing the price of medical. A $1 trillion 10-year plan, to produce financed healthcare to Us residents will be loaned by means of completely new taxes as well as cost savings throughout Treatment. Obama has managed to influence medical centers to lower their spending by $155bn by reducing Medicare installments. Prescription organizations have opted for reduce drug expenses by means of $80bn. The master plan also offers demanding the expense of health improvements offered by the employer. The health proper care change program can also include a new authorities insurance plan selection for people who find themselves can not pay for private insurance plan. It is wished how the healthcare change expenses, that goals for you to rebuild the particular $2.5 various mil US medical industry by creating a government-run health insurance strategy, will probably be went by the Congress prior to the end of 2009.

for more info: visit: wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance

Benefits of Insurance & Insurance companies

2012-07-02T19:45:00.001-07:00

Insurance is a form of risk management used to secure against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. It can be defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for payment. An insurer is a company selling the insurance; the insured, or policyholder, is the person or entity buying the insurance policy. The amount to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage is called the premium. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.

The term insurance can be described as the assurance or security from the financial point of view to a particular individual or a family or may be associated with one or more objects to an individual having some personal interest in that object, this assurance becomes effective in case of any unfortunate event. The criteria of availing or becoming eligible for insurance is different in different corners of the world and depending upon the various factors the person getting the insrancee should also consider all the clause and terms entitling the insurancee policy. However, it is not such a major issue can easily be availed in most of the circumstances. Insurance is a vast and therefore it is further categorized into few other divisions, some of the most common ones include Life insurance, vehicle insurance, health insurance and property insurance.

Car insurance is large component of being a dependable car manager. Nevertheless, automobile insurance guidelines appear to be developed in one of the most puzzling conditions feasible. This article can assist you to better find out what all those phrases indicate. By knowing the terms of the automobile insurance globe, you will be a far more knowledgeable customer.

The life insurance companies in Abu Dhabi have a lot to offer, similar to any other insurance, but for the individual willing to get the insurance must keep in mind a few things that will ultimately enable the insured to assess the amount of cover that has to be purchased, it can easily be evaluated by the life style and individual income. These are the very basic thing that is to be known by the people as it forms the foundation of the policy of any sort of insurance but regrettably most of the times people are unaware of it. The life insurance policy enables a person to provide benefit to the one who is being nominated as the beneficiary, the benefit or compensation is given in the form of fiat money after the death of the person or any such mishap.

Similar to any other country, Abu Dhabi insurance also experiences the different kinds of insurances which also include the life insurance, health insurance and vehicle insurance. Among these three kinds of insurance the most important and essential one is the health insurance as it covers all the expenses related to the medical problems of an individual in which the most common one is the illness that can be cause at point of time. Further more the health insurance policies can be classified on the different kinds of assistance that they provide. UAE health insurance is considered as one of the best insurance policies on the globe as it has three kinds of health insurance coverage plans, these three coverage plans includes guaranteed protection plan, controlled care plans and government sponsored plan.

Moving on to the most common category of insurance which is the vehicle insurance, car insurance is one of the most uncomplicated and straightforward form of insurance and that is the reason why is comparatively much more easier and simpler to find car insurance companies and get the vehicle insured at the best of availability and convenience. However, it is not necessary that the vehicle insurance policies should be same in all the different region and therefore slight variations are there in all the polices of vehicle insurance but one thing is for sure and common around the globe that the owner of vehicle needs to get his vehicle insured at any cost, it is a kind of pre-requisite of owning a vehicle.

For more info: visit: wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance

The need for Online Protection

2012-07-01T20:59:00.001-07:00

With the alarming rate of internet fraud. It is important to employ protection measures to safeguard you from being deceived. Seeing that each of the data gleaned about you on the web has some significance to someone, you need to be vigilant at all times while surfing the World Wide Web.

Some websites generate their revenue by selling your own information while hackers take advantage of your personal data to perform fraudulent activities like identity theft. Online privacy protection, thus remains an accumulation of measures supposed to relieve that outcry of most of the innocent people who have fallen prey to internet scams. Online privacy protection measures can be looked at from different perspectives starting from technological measures privacy policies regulations and individual control over the non-public information revealed on the web. Using mix of every one of these privacy protection measures, Internet surfers are rest assured that their info is protected from malicious users to some greater extent.

When it comes to internet privacy protection, individual control over the classified information you post on the internet supplies the greatest amount of protection. Practising extreme care while surfing the web therefore goes along way in safeguarding important computer data from malevolent users. Ensure that you think hard before posting on the internet any personal information. If a website advise you to post your own personal details like your contact number, street address or even financial information, it is advisable to avoid posting the info especially if you do not know the credibility of the website. Also avoid hitting links shipped to you via unknown sources since most of those links contain spyware that clandestinely collect sensitive data and transmit the info to malicious users. You will find policies and regulation that govern the use of private data you submit to organization which need your own personal details to work. Employers for instance, use direct process to proceed through their staff member's emails and browsing history once they utilize the company resources to surf the net. But there are restrictions for the extent when the employer is permitted to access staff personal information. Websites that require personal information like online shopping sites, banking institutions among others must also use a clearly explained privacy policy that ensures confidentiality of the information collected. If the organization discloses your own personal information, regulations will see then answerable for any discrepancies caused. As far as technology concerned, there are several technological inventions made to optimized protection of privacy online. There are numerous online protection software that are well-equipped with security packages like firewalls, anti-spyware, data encryption functionality and anonymizing settings that thwart the efforts of malevolent users to pry on your own privacy and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Lingzhi Coffee - My way of starting my day right

2012-01-26T10:13:00.001-08:00

Coffee, this is a beverage that I thought I would not be able to love. I just don't feel the taste of it and for your information I have this condition called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - excessive acid secretion in my tummy) that's why "ideally" the only available drink for me is water. However, all of that changed when I was introduced to "Lingzhi" coffee which is healthier in the sense that it has lower content of caffeine but it is basically coffee!... that is made from mushroom.

Lingzhi is a medicinal fungus that originated from China as a tonic and healthy remedy and also known as reishi at Japan. The western scientific name of this is Ganoderma Lucidum. Well, what can start your day better than a great tasting coffee with the added health benefit of Lingzhi? It tastes like coffee and you would not feel guilty when you started to like it so much. Even the Chinese Emperors way back in history acknowledged this as the "miracle king King of Herbs" for its powerful health benefits.

Now, I just mentioned the health benefits..hmmmm what are the actual benefits of Lingzhi to us?

Here are some:

1. Will enhance our immune system

2. Eliminates toxins in our body

3. Treats ailments caused by respiratory sicknesses

4. Offers positive weight management results

5. Increase energy and concentration

6. Reduce Cholesterol & blood pressure levels

7. Clearer skin

8. Studies show lingzhi is effective against Anxiety, Asthma, Arthritis, Cancers, Constipation, Gastric/ Duodenal Ulcers, Heart Conditions that cause heart attacks, Hepatitis, Hemorrhoids/ Varix, High Cholesterol, Hypertension/ Hypotension, Lupus, Menopause symptoms, Menoxia, Stress, Psychosomatic diseases, Unidentified Clinical Syndrome (neuroses).

9. Good for people during illness recovery, dieting, stress or detoxification treatment

10. Increases sexual ability and endurance

The ruling attendant steams before the infinite disguise.

Wrap Up 2011

2011-12-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

2011, this is the year that we will leave behind and we will bid farewell to, a few hours from now. This might not sound unusual but you know? I feel a bit sad yet happy during the New Year ’s Eve. Of course, I know all of you feel the same way somehow. I am treating every year as unique from the other years that have passed; the things that are happening just vary from time to time.

Let me think of some notable events from 2011.. hmmm.. I guess one of them was the Tsunami and 9.0 magnitude earthquake at Japan last March 11. We have seen how the waves swallowed some parts of Japan that left approximately 15,000 people dead. We were all shocked by the devastation that it brought to that Nation and I should say that it is one of the greatest wake-up call that humanity have encountered in the modern times.

Further to that event there are also some other global news that have made mark in the year 2011. Arab spring, Euro zone crisis, death of Osama Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi and Steve Jobs, shooting in Norway, famine in Somalia, Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton were just some of the most remarkable occurrences this year. I might not have the time to watch the evening news daily due to my schedule at work but I was aware that these things happened.

In the local scene on the other hand (Philippines), we were also bombarded with catastrophes brought by some prominent typhoons named Pedring and Quiel that battered Northern and Central Luzon and of course the ever so destructive Typhoon Sendong at Visayas and Mindanao areas just this December. Meanwhile, there were also dramas that took place on our Political Scene this past year which has been well publicized on the news. For instance, who would forget the infamous line “I invoke my right against self-incrimination”? This was brought about by an alleged corruption that happened. Aside from that, there are so many other news makers that I cannot enumerate them all.

Indeed, 2011 became good to some but for the others, it left some marks that will never be easily erased. Let us don’t dwell with those and leave everything behind now guys! We have to embrace 2012 which is now fast approaching. By the way! I would just also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who are supporting me. I had a very wonderful time expressing and sharing my thoughts to all of you. This is my last post for 2011, see you in 2012 and that would be tomorrow. Hahaha!!!

Typhoon Sendong: A call for Help

2011-12-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

..and here I am sitting in front of my PC knowing that somewhere out there from the South, some of my fellow Filipinos are suffering from the aftermath of Sendong.

Typhoon Sendong, international name "Washi" literally washed away everything that went against its path. This typhoon lashed some parts of Mindanao over the last weekend and the magnitude of the effect is really heartbreaking. It was previously reported that the death toll has already risen to almost 927 and I don't know if it went up as I write as of the moment.

Due to the massive death toll, both Iligan and Cagayan de Oro are already considering mass burials because the bodies are already swamping the local funeral parlors. These two places are normally being visited by an average of 20 typhoons per year and they are not that used with floods hitting them. This might be the reason why so many residents were caught by surprise when the flash flood suddenly hit their homes leaving an unimaginable devastation.

In effect, more than 88,000 people have been displaced by the storm and over half of them are now staying in some of the evacuation areas that have been in placed. Authorities compared the impact of tropical storm Washi to Ketsana (Ondoy), one of the country's most destructive storms which dumped a large volume rain on Manila and other parts of the country in 2009, killing more than 460 people.

To all of you my friends all over the world, I am appealing for your assistance (be it monetary or spiritually) to all of my brothers and sisters at Mindanao who are affected. Let's exercise the spirit of Christmas by extending our blessings to all of them who are in need and in suffering as of the moment. I can't imagine how painful it is to have this kind of trial but we can make a difference. There are lots of venues where we will be able to send our financial help to them, I am reaching out unto all of you. If financial help is not possible, may I just request for your prayers for all the people who died out there and for the families that were left mourning for their loss.

Let me just add.. How I wish.. deforestation will stop to avoid these scenarios in the future (sigh).

Interesting

2011-12-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

Not all times you’ll say the word “interesting” right? Because you are also not bumping to something or someone interesting at all times as well. We all have our own criteria in judging whether something is interesting. It may not be interesting for me, but it is for you. I come up with this subject because I suddenly remembered a quote that an artist named Skylar Gray mentioned before which I find very unusual yet appealing.

I quote “People seem to be afraid of the unknowns, but I’m the complete opposite. I dive into the unknown because I feel like that’s where all your possibilities come from”

Those kinds of ideas are really catching my attention. I am a bit eccentric that’s why bizarre and odd things are being held in my mind for quite some times. Some people are being amazed by things, places, hobbies etc. but me? I’m being fascinated with the thoughts and principles of other people. I love to dissect everything that they want to imply because in that way I will be able to exercise my mind and at the same time learn something new from the people that I am conversing with.

It is the mind that really interests me, if only I could have a shift of career I might also want to try Psychology. It is fascinating that if we are all given a chance to define one word, e.g. “fear” it will differ based on our own perspective and it will really be diverse. It is captivating to know that all of us can think of something that if said will be able to catch the attention of others.

To sum it up, I just love how the mind works…it can affect the emotion but you can still manipulate it based on what you want to think and feel.

That is awesome!!!

Enough of what interests me; I just shared what’s on my mind. :D

Let me just ask… How about you? What interests you?

On Being a Leader

2011-12-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

If you are a leader, it doesn’t follow that you are already a good one. We have to analyze first your goals and approach in doing the responsibilities in order for us to determine if you are doing your job very well. I have been a leader for numerous times before during my academics years and I would say that being one requires a lot of skills. You have to learn every skill possible for the welfare of your followers/members in order to execute the project smoothly and successfully. When I became a Battalion Ex-O during my 4^th year in High School, I learned to become firm and open –minded with the hardships of my Cadets versus the command of my Superiors. When I became a President of Various Clubs and when people are depending on me when there’s a speech that needs to be delivered and piece that needs to be narrated, I learned to speak up and relay the information fearlessly. When I became part of our student publication during my College days, I learned to accept my editor’s harsh comments and write new paragraphs even in times that I am so frustrated.

I never thought that I could use those experiences of mine to know if that particular person has very good leadership skills or not. I am already outside the academe and I have already seen various approaches in leading. I am so proud to say that I have seen some who are definitely the best and some who holds the worst spot. Nonetheless, I am still thankful that I encountered both sides as I would really love to use what I learned from them in the future, be it positive or negative.

Being a leader is not just about you as individual, it’s about mentoring and bringing out the best with the people who are depending on your strategy and shield. Well that is my opinion, but we all have our own definition of the word Leadership. Per what we can see on some references, it has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". However, this definition will not be achieved if you don’t have the styles in applying such. Let me give you some styles that you may see on your own leaders:

Autocratic Leadership Style - This form of leadership is quite unpopular especially when it comes to building trust and if you would also want to make friends with your subordinates. Autocratic leadership, means that one person has control over all of the workers or followers. The leader is in complete control and no one is permitted to make any proposals or offer any opinions, no matter how it may benefit the group. This is not a good style if you are handling superb followers who could handle the work themselves. However, if the group is somehow flat or no person is standing up for the team then this style will really help.

Charismatic Style - The Charismatic Leader gathers followers through impression of behavior and appeal, rather than any form of external power or authority. Charismatic Leaders will often center strongly on making the group very clear and different, separating it from other groups. They will then build the image of the group, in particular in the minds of their followers, as being far finer than all the rest. The Charismatic Leader will typically attach themselves firmly to the identity of the group, such that to join the group is to become one with the leader. In doing so, they create an inalienable position for themselves.

Coaching Style of Leadership - A great coach is definitely a leader who also possesses an exceptional gifts ability to teach and train. The Coaching leader clearly defines roles and tasks, but seeks the input and suggestions from the followers. Decisions are still made by the leader, but communication style is more two-way. The coaching leadership style is most suitable when followers are more accountable, knowledgeable, and agreeable. The coaching leader directs and guides; including providing encouragement and inspiration to help motivate the followers.

The three styles that I have provided above are just part of so many styles in leadership that you can find. Let me just emphasize that all the styles should point out in achieving the goals not only on the outside but in the core. A good leader is someone who knows what he or she is doing, but if not he/she should know how to get the answer through the help not only of his/her superiors but also from the followers. I know it’s tough to be in that position, but it is tougher though if you are a leader and so many people are opposing on what you’re doing ayt??. Would you want to lead a bunch of unpredictable rebel followers? haha, just kidding.. :D

General Luna: Femme Power

2011-11-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

I have always been a big fan of Filipino Bands and It's normal for them to have male members. I have seen some with female front but all girls? hmmm... the last that I've known of was "Prettier than Pink". However, that perception changed when a band called "General Luna" appeared on the limelight. As I am listening to their music, it was a bit like the sound of Razorback but the female version of it. They are not the typical type of girls that you would see on a band as they are so very gorgeous and pretty yet they really rock so hard (no offense to other female bands out there though ^_^). Trust me, they have the looks and they definitely have the talent in music. General Luna is the newest all women, all Filipino rock band, a group of gifted individuals who have both the looks and skills that will leave you amazed.

Per the members, their name has nothing to do with our Hero who is General Luna. That is just a combination of General which is very masculine and Luna which is feminine and those are just a balance of the two concepts. Let me tell you the reason why I really love their works, it is because of the melody that has been well executed together with a loud guitar riffs along with their serious lyrics that pertains to the reality of life. They really encompasses beauty with their talent, thus making them very deserving to have a place in the local music scene and likewise in the international scene if only be given a chance.

Just a brief background of their self-titled album, they have also been supported by some of the topnotch personalities and songwriters from the music industry such as Steve Badiola (front man of Typecast), Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise's vocalist and guitarist), Ebe Dancel (previously from Sugarfree), Japs Sergio (Rivermaya's bassist), NU and The Dawn's Francis Brew Reyes and lastly, the multi awarded Recording Engineer Angee Rozul.

They are certainly one of the bands that is providing some spice on our music industry now. They will make you say vava voom!! yet will also say, "that's what I call TALENT" Rock on General Luna!

Below are the members of the band:

Alex Montemayor - Bass Guitar

Audry Dionisio - Rhythm Guitar

Bea Lao - Drums

Caren Mangaran - Lead Guitar

Nicole Asensio - Vocalist

We can never take it back!

2011-11-21T04:58:00.000-08:00

Any fights have their downside and we all have our own piece of words that will be uttered that we can never take back. This is the reason why some people kept on saying to us that we should not open our mouth and say even a single word when we are mad and in rage. We might end up hitting that very soft spot that will hurt the person that we are having an argument with.

This in effect will make the situation worse and will not definitely help to enlighten the situation. You thought that you've won because you've said what you wanted to say, but in reality NO ONE won. If you really cannot contain your anger, you must at least learn the skills of being silent and listening to what the other person is saying. You might not agree with what has been said but you will have your share of moment when he/she is done. I know it is tough, I too! cannot do it with myself but I am trying my very best to do such when I'm in the middle of an argument.

Remember, words are like knives.. it is harsh and shows no mercy when we use it as a weapon. Think twice before you say something, and make sure that you will be firm with it.

48 Laws of Power: A Must Read

2011-11-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

I never heard of Robert Greene before nor his writings until I have spoken with an office mate of mine who said that reading his works is really worthwhile. He mentioned the book "48 Laws of Power" to me and the quote "Never Outshine your Master". He never gave any descriptions of what the book is for, but only a guarantee that I will really learn a lot from it. Hmmmmm, It sounds very interesting to me that's why I decided to give it a try. I searched for it online and then I came to a brief enumeration of its content and found out that it is about the most important points of power and how a person can attain it.

I am not yet done in reading all the 48 points but I could say as early as now that it can really open one's mind. Now, I know why some people in power act the way that they do. I really can't understand them before, but now? I am certain that they are doing such things in order for them to be in control. 48 Laws of Power provides revealing ideals that not all of us can understand. It's up to the readers on how they will be able to accept those and practice the points that they want to pursue.

Ms. World 2011 First Runner Up - Gwendoline Ruais

2011-11-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Ms. World Beauty Pageant coronation night was held at Earls Court, London - Sunday. This is a venue where beautiful girls from around the globe gather together to represent their respective countries for a cause. The organization is continuously searching for a lady who will be able to justify what it believes in which is "Beauty with a Purpose".

All the ladies who competed on this year's pageant have their own styles in impressing the people and the judges. I will have to say that they all have the potential but as every competition goes, only 3 have managed to emerged on the top spots and only 1 have been crowned as the new Ms. World.

Ms.Venezuela - Ivian Sarcos won the title over our very own Gwendoline Ruais (Philippines) and Amanda Victoria Vilanova Perez (Puerto Rico). During the question and answer portion where the candidates were asked on why they should be hailed as the next Ms. World? Sarcos uttered:

"I believe that the next Miss World should be a woman of responsibility and reason. I believe the woman should be committed to the organization and help people in need. Beauty with a heart".

On the other hand, I was not surprised that Gwendoline Ruais got the First runner up title. Aside from having a beautiful face, she also answered the question intelligently with a deep enthusiasm to help others while enjoying what she loves to do.

"To be Miss World is my dream job, and I say job because it is a lot of responsibilities. There's nothing I love more than communicating with other people. As Miss World, you get to use your potential and your voice to help people from all around the world. And what is more wonderful than doing what you love by helping others?"

Truly, Gwendoline have made all of us (Filipinos) proud once again. Filipinas are just simply strength and intelligence behind beauty, and beauty behind the heart. I apologize for being a bit bias, I adore all the lovely ladies out there from around the world but let me love my own this time..... ^_^

Just an additional information, the final 7 are Miss England, Miss Korea, Miss Philippines, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Scotland, Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela. It was also revealed that Ordos in Inner Mongolia, China, will host the 2012 competition.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - (Swedish Film) Review

2011-11-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

To tell you honestly, I haven't had the chance of reading the novel that was written by a Swedish author and journalist named Stieg Larsson. I also thought that it was just another fantasy story because of the title, you know the myths about dragons ayt? (well silly me!). 

What I really like about this Swedish film is the ambiance that it is introducing to its audience. If you have no idea about the novel, you will not easily realize where the story would lead. This movie is full of mystery and reality about violence that has been explicitly yet artistically portrayed. However, the mystery was unveiled by two brilliant minds that didn't know each other initially but were brought together by circumstances. These two individuals were Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist and Lisbeth Salander, an antisocial and a bit weird but an exceptional hacker and researcher. I won't go into so much details but I find Lisbeth as the main protagonist in this film. You will be disturbed on the things that she has been through during the course of the film, but will find her very strong and firm as she still managed to move on with her life. In fact, her researches and inputs became a a great help to Mikael who primarily held the case alone.

I may somehow don't subscribe with the fact that the antagonist has been easily attacked at the end and how Lisbeth easily knew his whereabouts, but that is just another glitch that we can just justify on our end (no big deal for me). Putting all those observations aside, I will have to say that this is definitely a must see movie for all of the criminal investigative / mystery films enthusiasts out there. Just be ready on the graphic depiction of the scenes.

Never Surrender?

2011-10-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Who said that quitting is an act of accepting defeat? I would say that we can't really determine that it is indeed a defeat unless we know the reason behind that decision. I've been through a lot of situations wherein I walked out of the way because I just really can't bear what's happening or I am just simply not happy anymore, that's it! Some said that I have wasted the opportunity because of the retreat in the battle, but that's not what's on my mind. The most important thing in life for me is not only the opportunity but the fulfillment and the happiness that has been given to me by what I am doing.

Let's take one instance as an example, I've been considered to become a scholar of one prestigious company. Sounds like it is one of the greatest achievement that a student could have. However, the opposite happened when I already entered the University. I was forced to enroll on a course that happened to be not my forte and where I am really not good at. I was bombarded with so much pressure that I really didn't endure because I have to maintain a grade that would sustain my scholarship. To make the story shorter, before I end up failing all my grades due to the lack of interest, I quit.

You see? If I pursued that, would I end up with the same situation or job that I am in right now? which I consider as a good one already. I bet not because I have chosen a path that I don't have any passion at all. Sometimes it is not a sign of defeat but a sign of change for the better or for the worst, no one can tell because it lies in our future. Nonetheless, I am not saying that whenever we encounter a problem then we have to quit. I just wanted to imply that we need to take or consider every option that is available to us. Speak up and be ready with the circumstances that we will be facing because of that option that we have chosen. God is good and life is beautiful! Liberate ourselves using our minds and don't be dragged with all those pressures just because you continue to pursue a life that is simply not meant for you. Don't just surrender but review all the possibilities that life may bring to you. We only live once, speak up and decide based on your heart and not with what the norms is bringing unto you.

Groove into the TECHNO

2011-10-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah, let's groove into the sound of Techno music!!!!

You know what made the films Hanna and Tron Legacy a hit are the soundtracks that were produced by the pioneering groups in electronic music. These music, accompanied with the story and the great incorporation of the sounds to the films really made the execution of the movies very memorable. Two examples of these groups are The Chemical Brothers for Hanna and Daft Punk for Tron. They were born under the Big Beat genre that pertains to electronic dance music that is divided into two; techno and acid house.

The thing that I love the most with this genre is the bass and the beat that this produces. The lyrics is not that emphasized but the sound will really make you move your body out. The videos may seem so odd but this just reflects the nature of Techno which is a bit eccentric but not that bad to listen to. If you love to dance or do some movements, I suggest you to listen to the music of the artists who are doing some techno music; with the likes of The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk and The Crystal Method.

On a High Note

2011-10-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Till now I always got by on my own...I never really cared until I met you. And now it chills me to the booooone
How do I get you alone??...aloooooonneee"...(ehem! the mic seems not working!!!!)

This is definitely a disaster! a total mess! ahahahahaha...Do you also have that frustration of wanting to reach those high notes but you can't because it is simply not simple at all?. If you'll ask me, my answer would be YES! Of course I really do, especially if I really want to sing that certain song that has that impossible range of note (did I say I wanted to sing Paramore's song Decode? LOL)

Writing songs.. check!

Singing Simple Songs..check!

Playing the Guitar..Check!

Reaching High Notes..uh.uh..cross out? T_T

This is the only thing that I badly wanted to enhance in my singing ability. I wanted to hit those high notes with lesser efforts in order for me to be able to sing my songs flawlessly but I know that it would definitely take time. I don't have time and budget to take voice lessons, thus I am just doing it on my own..researching the effective ways on how to enhance my voice. There are so many things that I have to consider and learn before I can achieve that goal. These includes warming up my voice everyday (sort of a practice but goodluck to my family.. hehehe) and breathing correctly.

Well it's really goodluck also to me!!

Mumayski - Behind the Blog's Name

2011-10-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Who is mumayski? she is Mumay...one of my dearest dogs.. along with Misty. I have always been fond of dogs because I can see a friend in them. You know? when I was still a kid, I am not that used in going out the house and playing with some other kids.. a loner? not really, it's just that I was kind of lazy in playing outdoor games. However, I see to it that I was also playing with them from time to time though (don't get me wrong, I also enjoyed playing with my fellow humans..LOL)

That's the reason why I resorted to dogs because they re just there, quietly sitting beside me during those times that I wanted to read, watch cartoons and eat. I also enjoyed watching movies with the theme about dogs and even cry if there's something terrible that happened to the dogs and their owners. If you were a kid here in the Philippines during the 90's, who would forget Nelo and Patrasche? They were the reason why the tears poured heavily from my eyes during the finale.

They are not just animals in my eyes, they are my friends because of the traits that they possess. Loyal, Jolly, Innocent and loving especially if their owners are doing the same. We have to love them, not only dogs but all of God's creatures as we were created to look for their welfare. Sadly, some of us doesn't understand our true purpose in this world. Many people hate dogs and other creatures because of their smell or probably they just don't want to.

"Well who cares? they are just animals? they don't have feelings so why bother to care for those pests?"

Nevertheless, have you imagined Earth without men? probably it's way different because no one will abuse the animals. However, things were not like that! We were here to protect and care for them with the level of intellect that God has given us. Mumay and Misty are just examples of how great our pets and animals could become if we would just love them with all our hearts. I support PETA, PAWS and all other organizations who are caring for our dear friends. :)

attentive Mumay

Mumay and Misty.. the Askals

Misty with the guitar

Typhoon's Aftermath

2011-10-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Flood.. Flood.. Flood... here we go again! Last week, we have been bombarded with two typhoons: Pedring (international name "Nesat") and Queil (international name "Nelgae"). These two primarily hit Luzon and Bulacan (my home province) is part of it. I don't know! I just feel so vulnerable when rainy season comes, it's because I know that after the rain, flood will soon occur. This basically became my mind-set whenever there's an approaching typhoon. Between the two typhoons, I believe Pedring caused us more damage. Nonetheless, I just thank God that we're all safe and everything is still in good condition on our place even if we were flooded.

I just hope that the flood at our nearby Municipalities will also subside. I am wholeheartedly praying for their welfare right now. God bless Calumpit (place where my parents got married), Hagonoy, Pulilan, Malolos and all other places that are still suffering from the aftermath of these two typhoons.

(during the storm at our house)