Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Signals

Maybe because I choose to interpret them as such, that I feel it is the signal I'm waiting for.

One of my best-est friend who is working in SG came home for some preparations of her wedding this coming March and I've shared with her my intention to also, finally after all these years of attempts, go and find work there. She said that the economy is still shaky, but in my opinion the economy these days are all shaky with the Europe debt crisis, the American banking crisis and all the other unexpected crisis springing from natural disasters that seems much more common these days.

During breakfast, I unexpectedly met my aunt who is already working there and is convincing me to go there. Saying that I have a brighter future and that I can find a good job there. It is a random event that makes it more believable that the universe is telling me something, or is it?

And almost everyday I get a message from Linkedin from employers or agencies asking for my updated CV. I'm ignoring them for now because I don't want to decide because there is an offer, I want to base my decision because I have decided to go.

I will be renewing my passport within this week even though it still is valid for a year, but because my aunt who has some connection in DFA will get one, I readily ask her to take me with her so that I can renew my passport.

Am I decided? Honestly not yet. When I left for Manila 4 yrs ago, I was filled with the enthusiasm and courage and just heading there without much thinking and worry, I just kind of did. Now, I'm full of what ifs, what would I do, what... I'm so confused to decide.

There is at least 2 months for the passport to be renewed, that would give me time. Then there is the wedding I should attend on March so that would also give me a no go. The earliest time if I should leave is on April and the latest is June. If by June I'm still undecided then 2012 is still Philippine bound, I guess, unless there is a drastic need to really be somewhere foreign.

Why do I need to be in SG? Let me count.

First is the experience to work internationally, an OFW officially! What does it feel to be working with other nationalities in a country not your own? It is exciting to think and challenging. If my horizons widened from Cebu to Manila, how much more from Philippines to SG!

Second and the most important thing is that I need to save! The Philippines is not really a good place to build fortunes if your skills is not entrepreneurial, and sadly I belong to that category of being an employee and paid monthly. The tax system in this country is 35% from your salary, then taxed on almost all aspect from food, clothing, entertainment, etc.! I will not be complaining this much if by the time I'm jobless or needing government support, the government will care to care because I was giving them money from all those years of working, but no, the government will just leave you to rot! And these politicians! I don't want to get started on these corrupt politicians, all I can say is that they are ALL crappy and shameless!

I need to have a place to call my own, that is the biggest mover for me. As I'm entering another decade of my life, I looked back and all I have is this insurance that I'm halfway through. It is not enough! I need to buy a place to call home until the day I live this earth (hopefully a long, long time from now).

So I crossed my fingers and praying in silence that if when I decide, it is the right decision on the right direction.


Monday, January 23, 2012

Swimming with the Giants

21.January.2012 4am

Im supposed to have this travel in 2 days rather than today. But because of the big uncertainty that I can't watch the big fish on that day, I decided to go there earlier than planned with my sister and Reggie.

It rained the night before (actually  a few hours ago). I need some sleep because I arrived around 12 midnight from watching a movie and I fell asleep around 1am.

We woke up around 3am and arrived at the terminal in roughly 30mins. Ceres bus started to ran in around 4:10am (the current time now).

So I thought this is the time to have a little dose of zzzzz.

After about 3hrs later.

After a few hours, 3hrs to be exact we arrived at Tan-awan in Oslob. We paid 300 and sit for a little seminar conducted by the municipal people. Then we ride the bangka and into the sea where they are feeding the whale sharks.

It is frightening! I have to admit that it scared me when I first saw them under the sea. Above, they are big and you can see their mouth, but when you are in the water, you got to see their long big bodies and gills pulsating. You feel so small compared to these giants of the sea. I asked the fisherman to take me further away as I am very very close to the whaleshark, but he said that it is ok, they are gentle.

So I just dip my head (Im on a life vest, and one hand is groping a rope and the other the camera, talk about hassle) and take pictures. Thankfully I got some ok photos.

I will never forget this amazing experience, it truly is one of its kind.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Sinulog 2012!

Viva! Pit Senior!

It was a successful and very orderly Sinulog this year.
First off was the fluvial parade on the 14th (Saturday). We (me, my ate and her bf) paid 150 per person to ride a banca, courtesy of an officemate. It rained so hard when we boarded the banca that I was drenched before even reaching the boat.

It was my first time to join the fluvial procession and the feeling is surreal. Seeing the Mactan channel full of colorful boats of varying sizes with people dancing and drumbeats filling the salty sea breeze is just awesome. The road along the pier is packed with devotees waiting for the Nino's boat to pass by. The Mactan bridge is fenced with people edge to edge.

When the boat of the Nino started roam along the coast, the boatmen of every boat is on a race to be near the Nino's boat. But they have to be careful not to get too close to another boat to prevent crashing each other, but some minor accidents did happen, luckily no one was reported hurt. In all, the fluvial parade is exhilarating to witness.

On Sunday the day of the Sinulog, we went to church for the 6am mass. The church is FULL of people, it takes about 15-30 minutes to get in, and about the same time to get out. That's how full it was. We already anticipated the crowd so it was just fun shoving those people around.

After the mass, we walked a good 5 or 6 kilometers back home as there were no more jeepneys allowed on the road. It was sunny and bright compared to last year's where it rained all day. Contingents are already on the streets withe their colorful costumes and props. We ate KFC for breakfast before heading back home. Some of the contingents already dancing and the air is filled with festive vibes.

I was back at home around 10am and decided I must recharge for another round of Sinulog on the afternoon. I slept until 2am and got out of the house at 3. I joined my friends from Kyocera (the same group I went out with last 2011's Sinulog), gone to Ayala and watched the fireworks display!

Until next year! Viva!


Wednesday, January 11, 2012

It's More Fun in the Philippines

One thing I truly love is being a tourist. So when the Philippine's Department of Tourism launched the new  #itsmorefuninthephilippines campaign I am more than glad to join the bandwagon and create my own studies showing why it is more fun here!

Hoping that it my own little ways, tourism in the Philippines will improve.

But I have a few request to the Department of Tourism if they really want to have repeat foreign tourists in our country. First and foremost is the installation of SIGNAGE! Big, bold, multi-language road signs is very important to wandering tourists. Second is the availability of maps around the city, highlighting what spots tourists should take interest and this should be available at the airport's arrival hall. And maybe one last thing is for them to extensively use the modern social networking sites (use them all Facebook, twitter, tumblr, flickr, instagram etc...)  alongside the more traditional TV advertisement to promote the country.








Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Less Worries

That's my goal this 2012! Stress-free, worry-free living...
Ok not to be overtly ideal over it, less-stress, less-worries is easier to attain I guess.

It just dawned over me (yet again) that I take life too seriously and it is affecting my demeanor, appearance and overall attitude. I'm thinking to pursue goals and other interests so that I keep my mind occupied at the same time free, quite confusing right? Occupied in the sense that my mind will not dull at the regularity of what I do, free in the sense that exploring new horizons (which I did sometime ago), explore the many other facets of life.

Overtime I accumulated a lot of insecurities and fears, which I did not have before. Maybe because I did not anchor myself to a stable foundation, maybe because I was too carefree, maybe because I was misguided.

I need to introspect and find meaning and appreciate more the things and specially the people that I have in my life right now, than looking for those that I don't have (and tragically those people I had but lost). It's time to experience joy on simple things and live life to the fullest of what can be possible. I know that time is limited and that it is variable, we can never know when it would ran out - the more reason that I should value what I am now and what I can still possibly be.

2012 is going to be the year where I should lighten up and just take life with a little bit of fun.

Friday, January 06, 2012

2012.01.06 Trouble With Concentration

This first working week of the year became an unexpectedly tiresome week for me. First I was excited to work on the new RFQ, but it has been held off until approval from the customer is final. The effect? I  continue with the rest of the week with nothing to do. I can continue investigating the RFQ but it will cost me my development hrs and I may need it badly when it oficially starts.

I am still investigating, slowly (to put it in context), the RFQ and I found many holes to plug for this to work!

It is still the first week of the new year and I'm hoping things will get better as we wade through 2012.

Thursday, January 05, 2012

2012.01.05 - First Ever Walk With Jesus

Last year was my first Walk with Mary in celebration for the Sinulog festival. Now was my first Walk with Jesus, to kickoff the Sinulog activities for 2012. The Philippines being a majorly Catholic population and the veneration of Cebuanos to the child Jesus, once again the procession was packed with thousands of people.

I am a frustrated photographer and with my NEX camera I set off to the streets and skywalks to capture the visually stunning crowds of people flooding the streets, following the "carosa" of the Sto. Nino. In the still dark sky, it is like watching a river of light - visually impressive!

My NEX camera come only with its kit lens, I can't yet afford a much better lens which can handle low light scenarios. I tried my best to capture the moment. Though I only got a handful of "ok" shots out of I think a hundred I took, I was nevertheless satisfied. To compare though, I was able to have better throughput last year compared this year. It is either my standards have gotten up or I dont know how to use my camera or there is something wrong with my camera (though I hope not because I can't yet afford to buy a new one).

When the procession ended at the Minore Basilica del Sto. Nino, I just stayed outside the church as it is very packed inside the basilica square and inside the church. It rained and poured and I was thankful I did not get wet. I did not finish the mass since the sermon of the priest took a long time and my legs hurt.

Viva Pit Senior! Sinulog is festive, I like to dance with the beat!

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

2012.01.04 - On The 2nd Month of 2012

Yey mu-uli na si Vella from US (estets) gikan training!
Makapadala na jud kos akong ganahan nga wala pa nko nkit-an dre sa Pinas.
Ang una kay kining eye-fi nga sd card. Ang nakanindot ani niya kay ma transfer daw ang photos from camera wirelessly (through wifi) ang pics to PC or ipod/iPad. Pagka nindot! Dugay2x na ko naka dungog ani pero wala pa jud koy nakit-an nga available dinhi sa Cebu. Though naay review nga di kuno ni mugana sometimes kay naay proxy server ang ISP sa Pinas (nabasahan nko sa usa ka blog), but I'm willing to try and risk it.

Ikaduha kay magpalit pud kog lens filter para kay NEX! 49mm man gud ang lens sa NEX maong lisod pangita-on. Nya ka kita kos Sony store kay pirte sad kamahal sa mga filters oi. Nakakita kos Amazon murag ma makabarato ko.

Ikatulo na related ghapon sa NEX nko kay ang wireles remote control. Nahan man gud ko maapil sa picture so dapat naay remote, hehehe. bati man ang timer sa NEX so dapat mas nindot if macontrol sya remotely bah samtang nag pose pose sa layo :D hehehehe

Mao ra to. So dapat na ko mamili sa amazon nya i-order para madeliver na.
Salamat daan mam Vella sa pagdala! :D

Weeeehhh. So excited.


2012.01.04 - Sing A Pore

Now that I'm here
In this moment that I've waited
Decision time I have reached
Time flies and it's time to say

Yes maybe no
Never will I be satisfied
If I cant try
To be there where I wanted

Am I good for you?
Or am I just wasting a good start
Here in this current place
Where job is a like playing darts?

Should I be there and be away
Only to return someday
Is it worth it to chase a dream
Or be contented in the seams

I need direction
I need assurance
Noone can give
I should be safe

Help I need to decide
To fly to somewhere and risk it all
Should be easier back then
When Im younger and risk taker

I need to introspect
retrospect
inspect
Or just sing

And maybe the answer
Is just there
Somewhere I just need to scratch
Time is ticking on my watch

2012.01.04 I Don't "Peel" It

Yes, the title has the word "peel" not feel.

A week ago, I went on and bought the raisoo apple peel that would turn my ipod touch into a dual-sim phone! Just what I wanted. I thought of buying a dual sim phone instead but decided I must go with the peel since I got an ipod touch to start with and I dont want another gadget to carry.

I ordered online, paid for shipping and custom duties totalling to around 8K pesos. Waited for like a week since DHL did not deliver on holidays and weekends. While I was waiting for it, I jailbreak (or is it jailbroke) my ipod touch. Luckily, the untethered iOS5.0.1 become available (thanks to pod2g) and I was already on 5.0.1 so the jailbreaking process is pretty straightforward.

It was my first time to perform a jailbreak, before actually doing it I searched the web for tips and pitfalls that I may encounter. The scariest one was that it could potentially make my ipod a pricey paper weight. Thankfully that did not happen (or I'm dead - figuratively) and the jailbreaking process succeeded without a glitch (there were minor glitches but ipod came out of it alive!).

Going back to the peel, finally it arrived (I have it delivered to the office). I was very excited. I bought an extra sim just for the occasion. I opened the peel and inserted the sims in and inserted my ipod. Wow! the ipod touch finally become a dual-sim phone! I can text, I can call and most of all it is conveniently in one device. The wonders of technology!

However, not all is perfect and glittery and as expected. Made from China (or more precisely designed from China), I should have known that quality might (and is) a problem. The first one that obviously defeats the whole purpose of having a dual sim is that when 2 sims are inserted, the 2nd sim seems to receive the texts a little late (around 11 minutes after it was sent). The more annoying thing is when a message arrives, the peel reboots itself (more like refresh with an irritating pop up that says "power on"). I hope that this is a software problem that can be remedied by future software upgrades and not hardware inherent. This does not seem to happen when only 1 sim is inserted.

Even though the peel has its own battery, I noticed that the ipod itself is draining its battery faster than what I observed before. Luckily though the peel can charge the ipod so it helps a bit. I am just being skeptical whether this mechanism can damage the ipod touch's battery life all the more. I just hope that its not.

Now that I have the peel, I sort of regretted buying it and wish that I instead bought a decent dual sim real phone from cellphone makers (like from Samsung or Nokia), but hey I have it and it's not that all bad, I just got to live with it's imperfectness.

This would be the last thing I will buy that is from China and designed by China without supervision from reputable companies (because let's face it, almost everything now is made from China).


Tuesday, January 03, 2012

2012.01.03 In Sickness

Arghhh. I woke up at around 2am with this heavy feeling on my head and this stuffed nose. I knew it, sinusitis strikes again. It has been a few days that I felt the symptoms slowly creeping in. 1st is the dry throat. 2nd is the stuffed nose. 3rd is the headache and an occasional tootache (I've read from somewhere that they are somehow connected).This is the 1st days of 2012 and I'm sick already.

Aside from health I have another sort of blooper moment. Remember what I blogged yesterday? About this rfq I am working. Well being the good employee that I am (ehem), the last email from my tech lead says development should start by Jan. 3. But since I am already in the office I started working on the rfq.

I've done my investigation and even extended my hours a little just to deliver my first D2D and sent an email. Because I am awake at 2am this very moment, because of this stupid flu/sinusitis, I opened my email.

Voila! The top manager said that the rfq Im working is not yet approved! Ouch!

Anyways, I should end this blog and continue sleeping or at least try to doze off.

Monday, January 02, 2012

2012.01.02 - The First Day of Work

Dragged myself to wakeup and go to work today. It is the first work day of the year and Im not in the mood to work. But I have to, I already have this RFQ waiting for me and it officially starts tomorrow (Jan 3). As the hours passed by, I am tracing the code and realized that this request is a LOT of work. I mean a lot and it involves many critical codes that will surely result to a P2 issue when coding is lousy.

As always I should try my very best to succeed on this! I can do this!

To digress, it doesn't help that the Chinese zodiac prediction tells that the year of the Dragon is not good for Dogs. Motivation needed! Good luck charms, good luck charms...

One thing that happened unexpectedly good is the free pizza by Eric our (relatively) new officemate because he had already received his first salary. Thank you, the pizza is yummy, double yummy because it is free!

So it is 4:30 and I need to continue with this code...



Sunday, January 01, 2012

2012. Another New Beginning

I love beginnings. It's the start of something new, fresh, looking out forward and hoping that all my dreams will come true. The time to plan and just start afresh, the feeling makes me want to go out and do crazy things because I know this is just the start of the year!

However today at home mother and father "namalihi" with a fight. It is not a good way to start the year but they just don't care. I don't care as much, they are old enough to figure out what is supposedly good and proper way to address their issues.

Tomorrow starts the first day of work for the year 2012. There is already a pending work for me and Im in a way excited to do a good job since annual performance review is coming and I need to get a financial bump to get out of this debt crisis Im currently in.

Another thing I need to do is to reformat my PC and re-install Windows as my primary OS. It is my goal this year to update my skills so that I can have the artillery if and when I decide to fly out. I've not yet decided but when I do and I feel I need to, I will immediately with no reservations be there. That is why I need to revved up my skills to be more marketable so to speak.

January 1 is a relatively sunny day, comparing to the last days of 2011 where it rains almost everyday. I'm hoping that the days to come will indeed make me stronger, wiser and directed. So 2012 let's get it on!