The Weblog (Blog)

Disappointed

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:14:00 +0000

To be called something that you highly despise is the greatest insult of all. You have no idea how hard I worked just to avoid being called such.

Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:19:00 +0000

You guys are crazy. You really are. Without you, I don't think this year will be as memorable as it already is. You see, I am supposed to get all tired because it's senior year but, on the contrary, I am enjoying every minute of it--and it's all your fault.

Thank you for allowing my mind to set aside life's dramas.

Childish Professional Spikey Aura

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Can anybody tell me what the title of this post is supposed to mean? I do not know it myself, frankly speaking. One of my thesis groupmates just quoted it from the supposed (he might be kidding me) peer evaluation that he had created for me, as required by our adviser.

The entire excerpt read:

...but underneath his childish professional spikey aura lies an active yet lonely soul.

I could've been touched, knowing the surprising honesty and sincerity of this friend (oh he likes to crack up jokes as well), but seriously, I couldn't get myself to do it because I have no vague idea how a "spikey soul" should look like. Is one supposed to get hurt when hit by the spikes of the soul? Do I even have a soul myself in the first place? It surprises me to no end that I have somehow made this emo image impressed unto my friends.

Kidding aside, nearly a month has already passed since that fateful day. If only I had the chance to go back in time and redo whatever was done, I would have done that immediately. That is not possible, though. Sadly. All that I can do is hope for the best. And wait.

It takes time and space to heal everything. Goodness knows how much I hope that, when the dust settles and everything is healed, I can be truly happy again.

OK. Now THAT was melodramatic.

Mulling Over the Home Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:19:00 +0000

A few years ago, when I was a bit younger, I believe everybody wanted to have one of those large flat-screen plasma TVs. Of course by "everybody", I mean to say everyone who was part of the middle class. Back then, it never occurred to people to have their own home theaters because they were only reserved for the richest of the rich. Personally, we didn't even have enough room in our place to qualify for proper home theater systems! We would, instead, watch the next big movies on the silver screen.

These days, however, are much different. Home theaters have become more common, owing to their realtively cheaper prices and improved technology when it comes to the size of the television sets--though I still find them expensive. When can I buy my own, I wonder?

A Comment

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:57:00 +0000

We're making things more complicated than it already is. And it's making it doubly difficult for me, you know.

Why Not Satellite?

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Looking at the shows available on local television, I can't help but wonder why satellite TV companies like DirecTV still hasn't extended their services to thecountry. As I can see it, the DirecTV packages are worth a look. They're relatively cheap and reliable.

Add to that the fact that I rarely have to check local television and you'll see why I'm looking at these DirecTV deals. If you're bored like me when it comes to local television, then check out these DirecTV offers now!

The Gold Market

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Wow, if I had so much money, I think I would like to put a portion of my wealth in gold and gold coins. As you can see, the price of gold is largely immune from the effects of economic slowdowns. In fact, its price increases during these recessions because a lot of investors use the mineral to preserve their wealth. Gold, though it may fall in prices at times, is relatively stable and not subject to fluctuations like inflation of the money supply and the like.

However, in order to purchase gold in the market, you will really have to have that much wealth. We're talking in millions of dollars here. Small boys are not allowed to participate in the gold market.

Ditching the Keys

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Imagine owning a house with at least a dozen keys for the dozen or so doors. Now imagine having to open one specific door with the dozen identical keys in your hands. If you get it on your first try, then well and good, but that is like one in a few dozen. Point here is that it does take a while to simply open a door with just a key.

Why not use a keyless lock instead? A keyless lock, though a bit more expensive, can be quite a comfort especially in upscale homes with a lot of doors. A keyless lock allows a person to open a door, a chest, a safe, or something that needs to be locked using only bioinformatic information. A fingerprint lock is already the simplest example of such a lock.

We've had one in the employee entrance of the company where I had my summer internship. Why don't you try installing one, too? After all, you can always lose a key but most likely not your fingers.

Hanggang Kailan Nga Kaya?

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Four years ago (or was it five?), I was hooked to this song, primarily because of its retro feel. I never thought that I would listen to it over and over again because, now, the lyrics also sting. Quite. :(

To wait, and more terribly, to wait for the unknown--to wait without knowing why you are there waiting--is something that I do not want to do ever again. I've waited for days, weeks, months, and even years before. I told myself that I would wait no more. Yet, here I am, waiting, and waiting, and waiting for things to get back to normal. Everyday does not seem to be any better, though.

Oh well papel.

An Uncomfortable Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Just yesterday, while waiting for the rain to subside, a friend and I had this particularly uncomfortable conversation about children and how we will turn out to be once we have our own. I'm a very open-minded person when it comes to other topics like religion and sex, but talking about babies is one of those things that I would really rather not do.

It's because at the moment, I have no plans of having a baby. I don't even know how to take care of myself on my own, precisely because I'm an immature git. So how am I supposed to care for another human being? No, folks, no babies for now. You have to understand, for I'm still 19. I don't even know about these baby brand names like Jellycat, Appaman, Barefoot Dreams, and a whole lot others, which just shows how ignorant I am when it comes to this discussion.

So next topic please.

A Short Note on Board Games

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:50:00 +0000

When someone gets used to playing games on the computer like The Sims and such, sometimes one cannot help but miss the board games that were once the game of choice among kids. When was the last time you played Monopoly board game? When was the last time you played the chess board game and not the one on your computer?

I definitely cannot remember myself. I was probably in high school then. I swear I will play a board game some time in the future, when my schedule permits.

Country Music and Comedy

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:46:00 +0000

It is undeniable that the recent scene between Kanye West and Taylor Swift has certainly become more favorable to the latter as it gave her more fame. Personally, I haven't heard of this woman prior to the incident. Now I suddenly became interested in her and the music that she plays. Notice that there is also a significant increase in interest in Taylor Swift tickets and country music event items including Country Music Awards tickets.

Well, as for Kanye West, he's better off interrupting people in comedy shows like those of Jeff Dunham (get your Jeff Dunham tickets, by the way!)

Mental Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:02:00 +0000

Some thoughts before I lay my head to rest...

Some things are exactly the same way they appear to be. Don't overthink things. Trust that it is what it appears to be. It doesn't hurt to trust people at times, does it?
I wish I can become more of a help to those people who need and deserve it, but I have my own issues right now as well. Can we just call it quits?
Other people, including those whom you prize the most, are only there for guidance and advice. They can make some pseudo-restrictions once in while but, ultimately, they cannot do anything if you willingly choose to be what you are right now.
Jokes are half-meant. They always are. Trust me.
You know, I'm feeling really sleepy right now. Maybe I should continue this some other time.

eBay product takes too long to deliver

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:10:00 +0000

It's been nearly 20 days since I purchased those Blackberry cases from eBay, and until now, I haven't received any notice of the product reaching any of the post office's mailboxes.

My friend, Debbie, had asked me to purchase the set of Blackberry cases because she plans to sell them, saying that you wouldn't typically see those cases here. I know that the eBay ad said that it will take 5 to 25 days for delivery, but I didn't think that the mailman will get the product delivered to my mailbox after the entire estimate has passed--not when the product was delivered from nearby China.

Oh well. I guess I have no choices but to wait for the product to reach the mailboxes by the 28th. Otherwise, I will already have to complain to the sender.

Taking A Backseat

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:47:00 +0000

The sun sets. The world cools down.

We'll find a way. In time.

I will wait this time around.

Nineteen

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:59:00 +0000

What a year, what a year. If there was ever a year in the course of my existence when there have been SO MANY changes, it must've probably been this year!

It was during my 19th year that I further realized my growing obligations in the household. Gone were the days when I can always say that I am still a student--because I'm nearly done with that. There are no more excuses for me now, as I have passed the year of majority for a little more than a year already. I must admit that I was terrified by the thoughts of familial responsibility early on in my life, but what can I do? This is all part of the transition to manhood, I suppose.

It was also that year when I further strengthened my relationship with my peers, especially those who go with me in the same department. Back in my freshman and sophomore years, I had used to scold myself for not having good-enough friends in the Department. That presented to be a difficulty because of the lack of good opinion from other people regarding matters related to schoolwork and geek stuff. It was this year that I broke my usual social barriers and reached out to a lot of people who eventually mattered a lot.

Finally, and most importantly, it was also during my 19th year that I found out who/what I really want in this life.

I can go on and on with the wonderful and surprising things that happened this year, but for the sake of briefness, I will end it here. As the cliche goes, words will never be enough to describe the emotions that ran that year.

Year 19 has been one heck of a roller coaster ride--physically, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually. Despite all the troubles I had needed to go through, I can still conclude that it was a year worth remembering. Heck, it was even worth repeating.

Security Systems Are Not for All Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Among large-sized homes, having a fully functional home security system can be very useful in monitoring and recording events that inside the home, just in case of burglaries and such.

Quite obviously, having this kind of security system inside the home is unpractical, espeicially if one desires to purchase the security system from a top producer like ADT. It just doesn't add up.

Yearbook Write-up

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:02:00 +0000

I actually had to edit this out. Kat thought it was supposed to be 1200 words when, in fact, it should only be 1200 characters. Thanks, Kat! :D

~~

Gian as "The Nerd"
Gian is a gifted individual who maximizes his potential both in academic and non-academic activities. He shows exceptional performance as a Computer Science student. He is a writer for the UP Parser. He is committed to ACM. Not only is he an intellectual person, but also someone who extends his horizon as a leader and as a writer.

Gian as "The Late"
More often than not, Gian is late for class. That's the very reason why he opt to start his days with an 8:30 or 10 o'clock class.
It is a fact, and he's fully aware of it.

Gian as "Mr. Responsible"
Responsibility is one thing Gian can definitely handle, without other things being sacrificed. He's like Superman. He can manage both outstanding performances in terms of academics and work, just like being a "family man" in the future. (haha you can omit this gi) -> GAH. How ironic. Late then Mr. Responsible. XD

Gian as "The Singer"
Once Gian holds the microphone, no one can tell whether it's him or Josh Groban singing. He has been a fan and with his bass voice, he can sing any of Groban's songs. That is no exaggeration. A perfect 100 in the videoke can testify!

Gian and "The Thermos"
Gian cannot be identified without his ever loyal Thermos. It's like his twin brother, and he never went to school without it. He says it's not a Thermos, but a Vacuum Flask. Alright, we stand corrected.

Gian and "His Fake Laugh"
Gian, also, has his playful side. When he cracks jokes, corny or not, he laughs at it. Well, he's living up to the "love your own" motto. However, it's unidentifiable if it was a sarcastic or real laugh. Gian laughs as if it's fake and people tend to misinterpret it. So everytime he laughs, just don't mind him.

Gian as "The Super Friend"
Everyone who's friends with Gian will agree with me, that he is really something. He is a friend worth keeping forever. Aside from the fact that he is a great student and a talented singer, he is no doubt a wonderful and trust-worthy friend. Underneath his cool expressions lie a sensitive person. He is not showy, but he knows how to care and how to keep someone he truly gives inportance to.

He is cool, yet warm beneath. He is fun, but aware of responsibility. He is a brother and a great friend. He is super!

Decorating My Sims Home

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Lately, I found myself playing Sims 3 again. It has been a while, given that I had so many things to accomplish, forcing me to drop the game. Nowadays, however, it has become *considerably* lighter for me that I had the chance to play here and there.

Right now, I just bought a new home for my 4-member family, deciding what to decorate my new place with. It's a cozy, 2-storey home, complete with a fireplace and a carport. I naturally filled my home with lots of plants and green ornaments, though I found the premade indoor planters, window box planters, and decorative planter lacking. Good thing there's an option to create your own designs.

The Absence of Lockers

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:33:00 +0000

One aspect in American schools that you will rarely find in Philippine educational institutions are lockers. I've never gone to a school which assigns a school locker to each of its students, and I am pretty sure that I will never do so.

In Philippine high schools, it is rare to change classrooms for each class. Each section is usually assigned to a specific room, so there's no point keeping things in some other stationary point. It is, thus, no wonder why you won't be able to see much "lockers for sale" advertisements in the country.

Computer Security

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:07:00 +0000

Right now, I am in the one-year process of creating my undergraduate research paper under the guidance of the Computer Security Group, where it is the primary concern to, well, improve or innovate new ways by which data integrity, safety, and privacy are ensured. Since we are now in the age of widely connected networks, Internet security is also a must.

Our research paper, as of the moment, still does not have any specific problem to address, except that we are looking into creating a secured auction system using existing security protocols integrated with threshold cryptography.

Anyway, security research has been here for a number of decades already. So are we still living in an era pagued with viruses, spyware, and hackers? In recent years, most security research has been focused on cryptographic protocols and the safety of data during its transfer. On the contrary, most experts say that security problems arose out of bugs in software system. These bugs are then exploited by crackers, thereby creating a security loophole. Software engineers will tell you that it is impossible to have a bug-free software, but effective risk management will definitely diminish the demand for anti-viruses, anti-spyware, anti-malware, and the like.

Smelling Good?

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:56:00 +0000

I'm not the kind of person who uses fragrances before going out of home. I do not know why, I just don't seem to like the feeling of having to wear a smell that is not naturally me. Not even cologne.

My brother, on the other hand, likes to put generous amounts of perfume all over his body everytime he goes out, may it be a date or just an ordinary schoolday. He sure can be metrosexual.

Hedging with Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Quite a while ago, I've been discussing my friend some of the merits of buying gold as a form of investment. If only I had enough capital and enough know-how to survive this industry, I would buy gold or gold buillion.

We are in uncertain times. Time and again, gold has proven itself as an effective medium to resist the inflationary effects of economic crises. Beware, though, as it is a highly speculative business. Not everyone is up to the job.

Confused

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:36:00 +0000

I'm keeping my face straight because I know I should. It won't help if I add to the problem.

Seriously, however, I also have a lot of things going on in my mind right now. I do not know what to do about them so, please, just spare me.

Culinary School

noreply@blogger.com (Gian Paolo) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Entering a culinary school is no joke. One will have to make sure that he/she is really serious when he chose to take up a course in the culinary arts, precisely because of the hefty costs that go along with culinary studies.

Aside from matriculation costs, a culinary student will also have to have a number of kitchen equipment, some of which can be surprisingly expensive, such as pots and pans. Then there are also equipment that has more to do with dining than cooking, like wine glasses, for instance.

It may be expensive, but studying the culinary arts is most definitely worthwhile. The opportunities are endless, while the joy derived from cooking and decorating with food cannot be easily matched by any other activity.