2007 was a concentration on growth. I wanted to grow further on certain areas of my life that I found essential then: career, personal, and emotions. These were the three spheres of my life that I said, "I want to improve these parts." There were some that were achieved but it also prompted for more pain than joy.
Professionally, it has been challenging yet rewarding at the same time. I have achieved the one goal that I wanted to achieve and I was also given the opportunity to work on a different market that tests your skill and will. Personally, I want to build more connections and maintain ties from the past. I found new friends who I can share my soul with and also rekindled friendships from highschool and college. Finally, I think I have resolved some of my inner demons and matured a bit to face them and put them at the back of my mind. However, new ones surface that until this moment I do not know how to answer.
For 2008, I just want to concentrate on balance. I need to make sure that my personal life and emotional well-being do not suffer because of what I want to achieve in the end professionally. I need to give more time to myself and learn to recharge when you are feeling empty. I also need to assess what are my passions and purpose to be able to give more direction in life. 2008's banner should be "work is not my life" and I should be able to balance work and life itself.
For specific targets, I need to properly invest on personal time with people I am comfortable with. Be it vacations, or finally use the leaves that have been accruing for quite some time. There is already a need to have "me" time. I should also broaden my horizon and realize that what I have right now or where I am right now is not absolute. The world is big and it can offer more opportunities that can help you grow and reach what you really want to be.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
2007 Year End Survey
I can't believe it's almost the end of 2007 and like what I did 2 years ago, I am answering the year end survey to check how much has happened this year.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you've never done before?
So many firsts -- first time to drive, first time to travel to the US, first time to see/experience snow and sub-zero temperatures to name a few.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
The goals last year was growth in different facets in my life. I have achieve some of it and most probably, I will set something again for 2008.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
So many people gave birth this year. Ma'am Jusel, Sheryl, Irene, and Laine.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I don't think so.
5. What country did you visit?
US, Puerto Rico, Japan (in-transit), Australia, Singapore
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Jowa!
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 16-18: Bohol vacation! :-)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Going on to the next level at work, and finally getting a vacation albeit short.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Repeat last year's lines: not taking enough risks -- again.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The usual flu and jetlag!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My LCD TV, and my Canon EOS 400D.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I think my
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Britney Spears -- again.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food, luho (refer to #11)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Bohol, US TOM Mod (that was gone quickly), Driving!
16. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
Irreplaceable - Beyonce, Umbrella - Rihanna
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? sadder (nagplateau na ang work life -- again)
ii. thinner or fatter? fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? richer (thank you HP!)
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
putting myself out there
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastinate -- I just do not learn!
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With the family -- again.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
nope! Infatuation, yes but no love -- 3rd straight year!
22. How many one-night stands?
*no comment*
23. What was your favorite TV program?
UGLY BETTY!!!!
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
nope!
25. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Spice Girls are back! ;)
27. What did you want and got?
refer to #11.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Oh my. For local, it's got to be Kubrador. For foreign -- very shallow -- Enchanted.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 24 this year. The usual dinner with parents.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Moola and jowa.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Smart casual.
32. What kept you sane?
Friends and internet.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Zac Efron!
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Actually, nothing. I have become political apathetic.
35. Who did you miss?
my friends back home especially when I am out for business trips
36. Who was the best new person you met?
new hires!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
This will sound a bit jaded -- I think I did not learn any valuable life lesson this year.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I like romantic things
Like music and art.
And as you know
I have a gigantic heart
So why don't I have
A boyfriend?
Fuck!
It sucks to be me!
- It Sucks to Be Me, Avenue Q
1. What did you do in 2007 that you've never done before?
So many firsts -- first time to drive, first time to travel to the US, first time to see/experience snow and sub-zero temperatures to name a few.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
The goals last year was growth in different facets in my life. I have achieve some of it and most probably, I will set something again for 2008.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
So many people gave birth this year. Ma'am Jusel, Sheryl, Irene, and Laine.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
I don't think so.
5. What country did you visit?
US, Puerto Rico, Japan (in-transit), Australia, Singapore
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Jowa!
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 16-18: Bohol vacation! :-)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Going on to the next level at work, and finally getting a vacation albeit short.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Repeat last year's lines: not taking enough risks -- again.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The usual flu and jetlag!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My LCD TV, and my Canon EOS 400D.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I think my
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Britney Spears -- again.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food, luho (refer to #11)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Bohol, US TOM Mod (that was gone quickly), Driving!
16. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
Irreplaceable - Beyonce, Umbrella - Rihanna
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? sadder (nagplateau na ang work life -- again)
ii. thinner or fatter? fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? richer (thank you HP!)
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
putting myself out there
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastinate -- I just do not learn!
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With the family -- again.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
nope! Infatuation, yes but no love -- 3rd straight year!
22. How many one-night stands?
*no comment*
23. What was your favorite TV program?
UGLY BETTY!!!!
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
nope!
25. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Spice Girls are back! ;)
27. What did you want and got?
refer to #11.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Oh my. For local, it's got to be Kubrador. For foreign -- very shallow -- Enchanted.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 24 this year. The usual dinner with parents.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Moola and jowa.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Smart casual.
32. What kept you sane?
Friends and internet.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Zac Efron!
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Actually, nothing. I have become political apathetic.
35. Who did you miss?
my friends back home especially when I am out for business trips
36. Who was the best new person you met?
new hires!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
This will sound a bit jaded -- I think I did not learn any valuable life lesson this year.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I like romantic things
Like music and art.
And as you know
I have a gigantic heart
So why don't I have
A boyfriend?
Fuck!
It sucks to be me!
- It Sucks to Be Me, Avenue Q
Monday, December 24, 2007
Avenue Q
I got to see Avenue Q last Saturday with no expectations. Well, I really did not know what the musical was all about in the first place so I did not know what to expect. All I knew was that it got great reviews and it's about yuppies.
There are so many interesting scenes but the one that really hit home was their number on "I Wish I Could Go Back to College". It has been one of my mantras when I first started to work and during times when I want to just throw everything in the air and give up. It was just so very reflective on your thoughts when you get out of the barriers of school and you are on your own. Also, I empathize with Kate Monster so much! Well, her take on why it sucks to be her was exactly the same reason on why I think my life sucks! Crazy! And there's her take on why "There's a Fine, Fine Line between Love And A Waste of Time."
Anyway, if you get the chance, watch it! Very realistic take on our lives and the current times. :-) Hayluvet!
There are so many interesting scenes but the one that really hit home was their number on "I Wish I Could Go Back to College". It has been one of my mantras when I first started to work and during times when I want to just throw everything in the air and give up. It was just so very reflective on your thoughts when you get out of the barriers of school and you are on your own. Also, I empathize with Kate Monster so much! Well, her take on why it sucks to be her was exactly the same reason on why I think my life sucks! Crazy! And there's her take on why "There's a Fine, Fine Line between Love And A Waste of Time."
Anyway, if you get the chance, watch it! Very realistic take on our lives and the current times. :-) Hayluvet!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Flight
It is finally Sunday and according to the original master plan, I would be flying to Manila via Detroit. However, snow happened. Not just fuzz, but blizzard-level kind of snowing happened not only in Cincinnati but also in Detroit. Since no one should be really flying in that kind of weather, my flight to Detroit got cancelled. How miserable could that be, right?
Laura, the nice lady from Northwest, looked for other options that would still take Lorrie and I away from Icy Cincinnati skipping Detroit. And she found one! However, we will be flying to San Francisco via Delta and to Manila via Philippine Airlines. To make matters worse, I do not think they have good seats for us as well. UGH. I hate it!
We are doing this so we can go to the GDPC Christmas Party and get the door prizes. Kidding. We will be arriving in Manila on Tuesday at 5:40 AM. UGH. Ugly time. Hopefully, no delays happen with PAL and we will be home sweet home by Tuesday and have fun afterwards.
Laura, the nice lady from Northwest, looked for other options that would still take Lorrie and I away from Icy Cincinnati skipping Detroit. And she found one! However, we will be flying to San Francisco via Delta and to Manila via Philippine Airlines. To make matters worse, I do not think they have good seats for us as well. UGH. I hate it!
We are doing this so we can go to the GDPC Christmas Party and get the door prizes. Kidding. We will be arriving in Manila on Tuesday at 5:40 AM. UGH. Ugly time. Hopefully, no delays happen with PAL and we will be home sweet home by Tuesday and have fun afterwards.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Surviving My First Week in Puerto Rico
I am still alive and kicking after one week of BAT here in Puerto Rico. Many things have happened that are truly exciting but there are also some things that are just forgettable.
Let me start on the ride going to Puerto Rico. Carina (aka AR) and I had to stay for a night in Cincinnati so Sunday was our travel date to Puerto Rico. It was quite early and siyempre, I was still a bit bangag especially with 2C weather diba?! So, Cari and I were lining up Starbucks and I noticed this guy...
RF: AR, kilala ko ito. (I know this person).
AR: Sino siya? (Who is he?)
RF: Di ko maalala. Pero Hollywood actor siya. (I can't remember but he is a Hollywood actor.)
AR: Ows? Anong pelikula?
RF: Di ko rin maalala. 90% sure ako na siya yun. (I also can't remember. I'm 90% sure that he is that actor.)
AR: I-search mo mamaya. Mukhang Zahn ang apeliyido. (Search it later. It seems that his surname is Zahn.)
Note: ZAHN was written on his bag.
After a few minutes...
RF: AR, 100% sure ako na siya talaga yun. Promise. (AR, I'm 100% sure that it's him. Promise!)
So after getting a quick breakfast, we got settled in the gate for our Atlanta flight. I opened my laptop hurriedly and googled Zahn. Lo and behold, Steve Zahn appears and it's the exact guy!!! I can't believe I've met a Hollywood actor in a Starbucks queue in CVG airport! Coooool!
That's just before getting in Puerto Rico. The whole week was spent working from 9 AM until 8 PM. The time is shorter by an hour but it's not as depressing as our SIT. However. We still had to work yesterday -- a Saturday. Pfft. The exciting part was last night when we ate at this Peruvian restaurant. My gosh!!! I was sooooooo red because I drank this Peruvian drink that is similar to the mojito. I am sure na super daming pictures na super pula ng face ko. KADIRI. To make it worse, since tinungga ko yun, my tummy was doing acrobatics and my mental faculties was just whacked! I still hold na hindi ako lasing. I was just tipsy. Ang daming quotable quotes na naman. Blech.
Then today, Diane and I went out to walk around Viejo San Juan. It was tiring but it was so much fun as well. When we reached El Morro, ich war kaput! Haha!
Tomorrow, there's work again. Sighs. Siguro I should just look at the bright side -- 2 more weeks and I am back in the Philippines! I'll get to see the people I miss and enjoy life again with no pressure. I think I'll be back here in this side of the world by early January but I will see depending on Jose.
Let me start on the ride going to Puerto Rico. Carina (aka AR) and I had to stay for a night in Cincinnati so Sunday was our travel date to Puerto Rico. It was quite early and siyempre, I was still a bit bangag especially with 2C weather diba?! So, Cari and I were lining up Starbucks and I noticed this guy...RF: AR, kilala ko ito. (I know this person).
AR: Sino siya? (Who is he?)
RF: Di ko maalala. Pero Hollywood actor siya. (I can't remember but he is a Hollywood actor.)
AR: Ows? Anong pelikula?
RF: Di ko rin maalala. 90% sure ako na siya yun. (I also can't remember. I'm 90% sure that he is that actor.)
AR: I-search mo mamaya. Mukhang Zahn ang apeliyido. (Search it later. It seems that his surname is Zahn.)
Note: ZAHN was written on his bag.
After a few minutes...
RF: AR, 100% sure ako na siya talaga yun. Promise. (AR, I'm 100% sure that it's him. Promise!)
So after getting a quick breakfast, we got settled in the gate for our Atlanta flight. I opened my laptop hurriedly and googled Zahn. Lo and behold, Steve Zahn appears and it's the exact guy!!! I can't believe I've met a Hollywood actor in a Starbucks queue in CVG airport! Coooool!
That's just before getting in Puerto Rico. The whole week was spent working from 9 AM until 8 PM. The time is shorter by an hour but it's not as depressing as our SIT. However. We still had to work yesterday -- a Saturday. Pfft. The exciting part was last night when we ate at this Peruvian restaurant. My gosh!!! I was sooooooo red because I drank this Peruvian drink that is similar to the mojito. I am sure na super daming pictures na super pula ng face ko. KADIRI. To make it worse, since tinungga ko yun, my tummy was doing acrobatics and my mental faculties was just whacked! I still hold na hindi ako lasing. I was just tipsy. Ang daming quotable quotes na naman. Blech.
Then today, Diane and I went out to walk around Viejo San Juan. It was tiring but it was so much fun as well. When we reached El Morro, ich war kaput! Haha!
Tomorrow, there's work again. Sighs. Siguro I should just look at the bright side -- 2 more weeks and I am back in the Philippines! I'll get to see the people I miss and enjoy life again with no pressure. I think I'll be back here in this side of the world by early January but I will see depending on Jose.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sinigang and Enchanted
Yesteday was a not-so-good day for me. Kathy can attest that I was like a PMS-ing biatch because of the number of days with lack of sleep due to my project. I was already a walking zombie when I reached the office but weirdly, I left the office yesterday in a wonderful mood. I can only thank the movie Enchanted! The movie is extremely funny mainly because it is just plain crazy to actually see fairy tale cartoon characters do their antics in the real world! Watch for the house-cleaning-animal scene! That's very, very funny! And, of course favorite quote from Prince Edward, "Thank you, peasants!"
Kathy and I shared a very, very good dinner in CPK. She took care of the pizza and I ordered the pasta. Both choices were exquisite and we were happy campers when we left CPK even if it was a big shave off our pockets. Bawi naman natin ito Kathy dahil sa VBAP issue mo before! Hehe!
And, to cap the night off, the mystery of Sinigang courtesty of Kathy. The exchange went something like this over the cell phone.
Kathy: Ayoko maging bitter! Ayoko maging sinigang!
Ryan: Sinigang? Diba maasim ang sinigang?
Kathy: Maasim ang sinigang? AYYY! Oo nga! Maasim ang sinigang!
I did not sleep a wink last night because of my 7:55 AM flight to Cincinnati today. The result was another PMS-induced moment until I got upgraded to business class in my Manila --> Narita leg of the trip. Perfect, my dear, perfect.
I still have a pending entry on my Bohol trip so that might come up in the next leg of the trip. :-)
Kathy and I shared a very, very good dinner in CPK. She took care of the pizza and I ordered the pasta. Both choices were exquisite and we were happy campers when we left CPK even if it was a big shave off our pockets. Bawi naman natin ito Kathy dahil sa VBAP issue mo before! Hehe!
And, to cap the night off, the mystery of Sinigang courtesty of Kathy. The exchange went something like this over the cell phone.
Kathy: Ayoko maging bitter! Ayoko maging sinigang!
Ryan: Sinigang? Diba maasim ang sinigang?
Kathy: Maasim ang sinigang? AYYY! Oo nga! Maasim ang sinigang!
I did not sleep a wink last night because of my 7:55 AM flight to Cincinnati today. The result was another PMS-induced moment until I got upgraded to business class in my Manila --> Narita leg of the trip. Perfect, my dear, perfect.
I still have a pending entry on my Bohol trip so that might come up in the next leg of the trip. :-)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
About One More Chance -- contains spoilers too!
Note: This entry contains spoilers of the movie. If you do not want to be spoiled, do not read this entry!
Earlier, I got to watch One More Chance with some office friends. Grabe, I thought I would be affected by the movie because some people from the office (who will remain unnamed) cried buckets but I just can't empathize with the situation and characters!
The Basha-Popoy love story is a tragedy because honestly, their personalities clash! I find Popoy too controlling and overbearing and Basha has her own life as well and a desire to prove to her self that she can in fact survive outside of Popoy's shadow. I won't dwell much on the story because I find it too blech -- too commercialized as well!
It was funny though that Kathy and I shared the same reactions/sentiments especially when it was about scenes on the barkada. There was one particular scene when Basha brought Mark to a very intimate barkada affair. For me, Mark was an "other" and priority should be given to the non-others or those within the circle of friends. When Popoy arrived looking haggard and volatile, Basha introduced Mark to Popoy. I know it's quite insensitive but I guess she was just being polite and trying to show that she was sticking to her choice. Bad move, honey. A few more minutes, Popoy was making a scene! Mark was just there still sitting with the group! Kathy and I were gaping because for us, dapat umalis si Mark! He was in Popoy's territory after all! He's the other in the group.
The watching experience was fun because of the company and you agree about certain notions in life that appeared from the film. The movie for me was a downer but I guess it served its purpose -- one heck of a money making film!
Earlier, I got to watch One More Chance with some office friends. Grabe, I thought I would be affected by the movie because some people from the office (who will remain unnamed) cried buckets but I just can't empathize with the situation and characters!
The Basha-Popoy love story is a tragedy because honestly, their personalities clash! I find Popoy too controlling and overbearing and Basha has her own life as well and a desire to prove to her self that she can in fact survive outside of Popoy's shadow. I won't dwell much on the story because I find it too blech -- too commercialized as well!
It was funny though that Kathy and I shared the same reactions/sentiments especially when it was about scenes on the barkada. There was one particular scene when Basha brought Mark to a very intimate barkada affair. For me, Mark was an "other" and priority should be given to the non-others or those within the circle of friends. When Popoy arrived looking haggard and volatile, Basha introduced Mark to Popoy. I know it's quite insensitive but I guess she was just being polite and trying to show that she was sticking to her choice. Bad move, honey. A few more minutes, Popoy was making a scene! Mark was just there still sitting with the group! Kathy and I were gaping because for us, dapat umalis si Mark! He was in Popoy's territory after all! He's the other in the group.
The watching experience was fun because of the company and you agree about certain notions in life that appeared from the film. The movie for me was a downer but I guess it served its purpose -- one heck of a money making film!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Meme: 10 People
Name 10 people you can think of right off the top of your head. Don't read the questions underneath until you write the names of all 10 people. This is a lot funnier if you actually randomly list the names first.. No cheating!!!
1. Kathy Imbuido
2. Trisha Migallos
3. Jenelyn Tirol
4. Robby Romero
5. Danuel Domingo
6. Cookie Manzanero
7. Shirlyn Trillanes
8. Melodie Ylagan
9. Rain Balares
10. Barbs Lim
- How did you meet 3?
* sa HP! First day niya, nasa training kami na siningit sya ni Sol.
- What would you do if number 2 and 6 were going out?
* Weird ha! Yun lang.
- What do you know about number 8?
* Like I told her, maternal. (note: hindi sya buntis ha?!)
- What do you think of number 7?
* Fierce!
- What would you do if 5 confessed that he/she loves you?
* Huwaaat? Seryoso? Um... (honestly, di ko alam, react na lang)
- A fact about 9?
* Malandi sya.
- Who's going out with 1?
* echoing Kathy: "me! i'm her lover!" hahaha! seriously, i hope it's 10-points-like. :D
- What's 4 do for a living?
* star!
- Where does 7 live?
* Southern belle ito.
- What do you like about number 1?
* we have the same wavelength! kaya panalo!
- Do you miss number 2?
* definitely!! Kaya uwi na from OZ.
- What is your opinion of number 6?
* Si Cookie -- practical!
- What do you think about number 5?
* Fun-loving!
- What would you do if 3 and 8 were going out?
* Seriously funny! Patayan.
- Who does 2 like?
* Honestly, hindi ko na alam! So, Trisha once you go home, you have to make kwento again. Wala ng follow up sa ating chikahan about your BOYS (plural!).
- Would you ever go to the movies with number 9?
* Oo naman no!
- Is number 4 hot?
* Star yan! So dapat lang!
- What can u say about number 10?
* Workaholic!!! hahahaha!
- How many of them did you meet on friendster?
* none.
1. Kathy Imbuido
2. Trisha Migallos
3. Jenelyn Tirol
4. Robby Romero
5. Danuel Domingo
6. Cookie Manzanero
7. Shirlyn Trillanes
8. Melodie Ylagan
9. Rain Balares
10. Barbs Lim
- How did you meet 3?
* sa HP! First day niya, nasa training kami na siningit sya ni Sol.
- What would you do if number 2 and 6 were going out?
* Weird ha! Yun lang.
- What do you know about number 8?
* Like I told her, maternal. (note: hindi sya buntis ha?!)
- What do you think of number 7?
* Fierce!
- What would you do if 5 confessed that he/she loves you?
* Huwaaat? Seryoso? Um... (honestly, di ko alam, react na lang)
- A fact about 9?
* Malandi sya.
- Who's going out with 1?
* echoing Kathy: "me! i'm her lover!" hahaha! seriously, i hope it's 10-points-like. :D
- What's 4 do for a living?
* star!
- Where does 7 live?
* Southern belle ito.
- What do you like about number 1?
* we have the same wavelength! kaya panalo!
- Do you miss number 2?
* definitely!! Kaya uwi na from OZ.
- What is your opinion of number 6?
* Si Cookie -- practical!
- What do you think about number 5?
* Fun-loving!
- What would you do if 3 and 8 were going out?
* Seriously funny! Patayan.
- Who does 2 like?
* Honestly, hindi ko na alam! So, Trisha once you go home, you have to make kwento again. Wala ng follow up sa ating chikahan about your BOYS (plural!).
- Would you ever go to the movies with number 9?
* Oo naman no!
- Is number 4 hot?
* Star yan! So dapat lang!
- What can u say about number 10?
* Workaholic!!! hahahaha!
- How many of them did you meet on friendster?
* none.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Crazy Life!
Ryan Franco: super tamad mode talaga ako this week
Ryan Franco: grabe
kathy imbuido: hay! ako din
kathy imbuido: tulog talaga - sobrang nakabawi ako, no doubt
Ryan Franco: haaay ako oo
Ryan Franco: puro tulog
Ryan Franco: as in no work talaga
Ryan Franco: tapos ngayon naaalala ko yung mga dapat gawin
Ryan Franco: sighs
kathy imbuido: haha, masama to, parang nagi-guilty na tayo sa holidays
Ryan Franco: oo nga e!
Ryan Franco: guilty tayo for not working on a holiday
Ryan Franco: how crazy is that
kathy imbuido:
Ryan Franco: grabe
kathy imbuido: hay! ako din
kathy imbuido: tulog talaga - sobrang nakabawi ako, no doubt
Ryan Franco: haaay ako oo
Ryan Franco: puro tulog
Ryan Franco: as in no work talaga
Ryan Franco: tapos ngayon naaalala ko yung mga dapat gawin
Ryan Franco: sighs
kathy imbuido: haha, masama to, parang nagi-guilty na tayo sa holidays
Ryan Franco: oo nga e!
Ryan Franco: guilty tayo for not working on a holiday
Ryan Franco: how crazy is that
kathy imbuido:
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Disconnection
I have mentioned before that the project I am in has really disconnected me from the rest of the world. I thought before that it was just because of the long business trips, but I realized that it's not only that. Precious time at night is wasted because of meetings and you have to be in the office.
This week, we experienced a lot of off days because of the declared holidays. It made me see how much I am missing everyday. I miss my TV and all the primetime shows I used to watch at night. I am a TV junkie and this project just made me isolated from that world -- except when I am in US when I am in tune with the latest shows there (I <3 Ugly Betty). Last Wednesday, my parents and I had to rush our dinner celebrating their 25th Anniversary because of a meeting at 9PM. I can not even go out with friends because of meetings, and I should be present at night. It has changed my bodyclock as well -- case in point, I am still awake at the moment.
I am really looking forward to finally end this project and move on with another one in Asia (EMEA is not even an option!). I need to readjust my lifestyle once again but I know this time, it's worth it.
This week, we experienced a lot of off days because of the declared holidays. It made me see how much I am missing everyday. I miss my TV and all the primetime shows I used to watch at night. I am a TV junkie and this project just made me isolated from that world -- except when I am in US when I am in tune with the latest shows there (I <3 Ugly Betty). Last Wednesday, my parents and I had to rush our dinner celebrating their 25th Anniversary because of a meeting at 9PM. I can not even go out with friends because of meetings, and I should be present at night. It has changed my bodyclock as well -- case in point, I am still awake at the moment.
I am really looking forward to finally end this project and move on with another one in Asia (EMEA is not even an option!). I need to readjust my lifestyle once again but I know this time, it's worth it.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world
Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world
October 29, 2007
Updated 17:03:59 (Mla time)
MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and third from the last in the world in terms of annual total cash compensation.
According to consultancy firm Mercer's "2007 IT Pay Around the World'' study, Philippine IT managers were ahead of only their counterparts in Vietnam and Bulgaria when it came to base pay and annual bonuses.
The survey was conducted in 36 areas in 35 territories around the world.
Philippine IT managers, the study showed, were only getting paid an average of $22,280 a year, including base pay and annual bonuses and other cash compensation.
IT executives in Vietnam and Bulgaria were getting yearly cash compensation of only $15,470 and $22,240, respectively.
While IT managers in the Philippines were obvious laggards in the pay department, junior IT professionals were at an even greater disadvantage, getting paid a dismal $8,130 a year.
David Van De Voort, IT workforce specialist at Mercer's Chicago office, said the low pay in countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam were reflective of the ongoing outsourcing boom.
"The impact of outsourcing and off-shoring on IT roles in North America and Western Europe helps explain the pattern of global pay. Lower-level roles are being moved to regions where talent is cheaper. The jobs that remain in Western Europe and the US may be fewer in number but are more demanding and complex roles like vendor relationship manager, internal consultant and IT business partner,'' he said.
To prove this point, the study showed that IT managers in European companies were the highest paid in the world, with six such countries landing on the Top 10.
The US and Canada occupied the sixth and eighth spots, respectively, with Hong Kong and Australia being the only Asia Pacific countries that made it to the list.
In contrast, seven of the 10 areas where IT managers were paid the lowest were in Asia Pacific, including Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, China-Shanghai, Malaysia and China-Beijing.
According to David Conroy, a principal at Mercer's London office, the generally low pay for IT managers and professionals in Asia Pacific was not exactly because they were not as good as their western counterparts.
In the US and Europe, in particular, pay increases more proportionately with experience -- which was not exactly the case in Asia Pacific.
"This reflects a lack of hierarchy in western IT functions. In these countries, companies need to be more creative to attract staff. There is more focus on variable factors to attract staff, such as bonus schemes, while in lower-paying countries, the emphasis remains on cash compensation,'' he said.
"The globalization of the IT function continues to develop. Companies in Europe and the US continue to be more imaginative in their remuneration strategies to ensure that they keep the best talent. Employers understand local markets and look to developing successful staff attraction and retention strategies to remain competitive,'' he added.
Moving to a New HP Site
We are finally consolidating once again to one HP site. Before, we were all located in the Robinson Summit building which I still love to death kahit Makati sya. On December 2005, our team split up and got located in the SMPC building. It was closer to home but I find Ortigas too busy and being a commuter, it's a pain using the MRT because the Shaw and Ortigas stations are always filled up. Gitna kasi ng buong MRT e.
Then, the site LT announces na lilipat na naman to one location. Of course, feel ko cost-cutting ito since Makati real estate is very expensive na. So, we might be located na in The Fort or Mall of Asia. I don't like either talaga because super mega layo to death ang mga ito. :(
My parents and I did our own occular to the new locations and for me, MOA is the winner kahit hindi ko sila parehas feel. The MOA site is just beside the mall talaga. When we checked, may bridge to the mall pa nga e. Ganun ka-close! Sa ground floor, may Fitness First so sana lang si HP would consider to get Fitness First na lang if MOA na. The commute to the place is easier as compared to The Fort since it is accessible through jeeps and buses. I think may FX din. However, reclaimed area siya. My mom is quite paranoid on these things and she believes na pag lumindol, lulubog ang buong area or magkakatsunami. San ka pa? Kahit nga sa The Fort may paranoia involved din sya!
The Fort site naman is beside Starbucks! Winner na diba? Kaso, a few meters away, kampo naman ng Philippine army! Of course, my paranoid mom said na ayaw niya din here because kapag nagkaroon ng coup de' etat, lagot naman daw kami kasi beside the Philippine Army camp. Winner diba? Kulang na lang gawin na akong Bubble Boy sa daming paranoid notions ng mom ko! Anway, since I'm from the center of everything aka Caloocan, medyo death ang commute to The Fort. Super mega to death ang stress to commute. :-( Medyo malayo pa sa Serendra or Market, Market! The good thing is that may McDo and Pancake House sa ground floor and of course, may Starbucks sa tabi so big brownie points na talaga.
In tonces, wala talagang OK. Yaon lamang. Pero as if may magagawa pa kami so I can bear the MOA site na lang. Bias ko na yun no! For sure others would prefer The Fort since the ambiance is way better talaga kahit inaccessible. Oh well, bahala na si Noel, este, si Batman.
Then, the site LT announces na lilipat na naman to one location. Of course, feel ko cost-cutting ito since Makati real estate is very expensive na. So, we might be located na in The Fort or Mall of Asia. I don't like either talaga because super mega layo to death ang mga ito. :(
My parents and I did our own occular to the new locations and for me, MOA is the winner kahit hindi ko sila parehas feel. The MOA site is just beside the mall talaga. When we checked, may bridge to the mall pa nga e. Ganun ka-close! Sa ground floor, may Fitness First so sana lang si HP would consider to get Fitness First na lang if MOA na. The commute to the place is easier as compared to The Fort since it is accessible through jeeps and buses. I think may FX din. However, reclaimed area siya. My mom is quite paranoid on these things and she believes na pag lumindol, lulubog ang buong area or magkakatsunami. San ka pa? Kahit nga sa The Fort may paranoia involved din sya!
The Fort site naman is beside Starbucks! Winner na diba? Kaso, a few meters away, kampo naman ng Philippine army! Of course, my paranoid mom said na ayaw niya din here because kapag nagkaroon ng coup de' etat, lagot naman daw kami kasi beside the Philippine Army camp. Winner diba? Kulang na lang gawin na akong Bubble Boy sa daming paranoid notions ng mom ko! Anway, since I'm from the center of everything aka Caloocan, medyo death ang commute to The Fort. Super mega to death ang stress to commute. :-( Medyo malayo pa sa Serendra or Market, Market! The good thing is that may McDo and Pancake House sa ground floor and of course, may Starbucks sa tabi so big brownie points na talaga.
In tonces, wala talagang OK. Yaon lamang. Pero as if may magagawa pa kami so I can bear the MOA site na lang. Bias ko na yun no! For sure others would prefer The Fort since the ambiance is way better talaga kahit inaccessible. Oh well, bahala na si Noel, este, si Batman.
Which Blog?
I have so many blogs that I maintain. Before, I do all my updates in my main blog which is found in Livejournal and Multiply developed this very cool way of getting updated as well. The only annoying thing is that it is delayed in updating my multiply blog. So, I decided to just update in my multiply site and do the cross-post to my blogspot and livejournal! Once again, great job to multiply for linking all of these blog sites. I love it to death na talaga.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Lust, Caution!
Ronald and I watched Lust, Caution! on Saturday at Gateway. Ang Lee proves to the world that he is really an exquisite storyteller! The movie is fantastic and the characters are not two-dimensional at all. Lee breathes life in each character making him/her effective.
Lust, Caution is a story set during the Japanese occupation in China. Similar to Philippine history, the characters in the movie are made up of collaborators who sided with the Japanese and resistance groups who do not want to yield to the foreign power. Zoom in to two particular characters: an innocent-looking Chinese girl who acts as a spy and a Chinese collaborator who is cautious with his environment -- the relationship of the two makes up the meat of the movie.
For me, it is not a movie of patriotism but of flawed relationships and characters. Like Brokeback Mountain, the imperfection of each character is what makes them special and memorable. Ang Lee brought out the passion in each character and his/her relationships. The movie showed raw emotions that are real and pure as the movie works its way to the path of self-discovery and destruction.
Lust, Caution is a story set during the Japanese occupation in China. Similar to Philippine history, the characters in the movie are made up of collaborators who sided with the Japanese and resistance groups who do not want to yield to the foreign power. Zoom in to two particular characters: an innocent-looking Chinese girl who acts as a spy and a Chinese collaborator who is cautious with his environment -- the relationship of the two makes up the meat of the movie.
For me, it is not a movie of patriotism but of flawed relationships and characters. Like Brokeback Mountain, the imperfection of each character is what makes them special and memorable. Ang Lee brought out the passion in each character and his/her relationships. The movie showed raw emotions that are real and pure as the movie works its way to the path of self-discovery and destruction.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Trainwreck
It was a poor night for television last night. After suffering from whatever it was ailing Britney Spears, she opened the VMAs. It was the most horrendous performance ever. She was amateurish and definitely overhyped.
For those who missed it or those who wanted to see the trainwreck happen, this is the link.
On another note, Djokovic lost to Federer in the US Open. :( He had sooooo many chances but he blew them away due to unforced errors. Maybe next year then.
For those who missed it or those who wanted to see the trainwreck happen, this is the link.
On another note, Djokovic lost to Federer in the US Open. :( He had sooooo many chances but he blew them away due to unforced errors. Maybe next year then.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Cinci!
I arrived here in Mason in one piece! Phew! In my past 2 travels, I opted to use a cab to reach the house. This time around, I rented a car and drove from CVG airport to Mason. It was my first day driving alone. My gosh -- I still can't believe how I made it alive but maybe I am not really a bad driver. In the freeway (yes, I needed to drive on the freeway!), I got honked a couple of times during the start but after a few minutes, I was driving at 60 mph already. Crazy lar! Haha!
It's supposed to be a holiday today (Labor day) but my PM asked some of us to be online and do some work. I'll finish the test cases for one development and then I'm done for the day. Tomorrow is a new day and I have a lot of follow ups to do and a technical cookbook to start on.
Let the games begin... Cinci style.
It's supposed to be a holiday today (Labor day) but my PM asked some of us to be online and do some work. I'll finish the test cases for one development and then I'm done for the day. Tomorrow is a new day and I have a lot of follow ups to do and a technical cookbook to start on.
Let the games begin... Cinci style.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
We Lost
We lost the fight against the HPPC team in the volleyball finals earlier. From the frontrunner throughout the competition (perfect slate!), in the end, we had to settle for the 2nd place and salute the HPPC for the amazing volleyball match.
A part of me is definitely disappointed echoing the general sentiment of the team and the ADSI supporters. I guess I've played too many matches already and I've learned to accept it easier. We don't win every time but for me, we clawed until the end and tried our damn best -- this really counts! Maybe today, it was not good enough but the good thing about life -- it can never be the end. There's always something more that we can look forward to. When we meet again within the volleyball court, we will be better and on that day, we will try our best to win the match.
A part of me is definitely disappointed echoing the general sentiment of the team and the ADSI supporters. I guess I've played too many matches already and I've learned to accept it easier. We don't win every time but for me, we clawed until the end and tried our damn best -- this really counts! Maybe today, it was not good enough but the good thing about life -- it can never be the end. There's always something more that we can look forward to. When we meet again within the volleyball court, we will be better and on that day, we will try our best to win the match.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
American Idol Finale - Performance night
Round 1: You Give Love a Bad Name v. Fighter
Blake reprises the Bon Jovi favorite that pushed him back again in the competition. I enjoyed his performance before and I think tonight was a better take on the Bon Jovi song. On the other hand, Jordin delivers a Christina Aguillera song that had the vocal calisthenics but no claws. There's not much angst that was needed to fuel the execution the song.
Round 1 goes to Blake
Round 2: She Will Be Loved v. Broken Wing
Blake gives a subdued performance of another Maroon 5 hit, and he delivers successfully showing his vocal control. The oomph level was not that high compared to last week's This Love, which is one of his better performances in the competition. Next was Jordin who sings Broken Wing again. Vocally, it was better compared to Blake's. The x-factor that Blake has in his performances was not present in this round.
Round 2 goes to Jordin
Round 3: This Is My Now
The song that won is This Is My Now -- a ballad, no surprise there. It was a disservice for Blake who was forced to sing a song out of his style. Vocally, it was alright and you see the discomfort and a bit frustration with the song choice. The opposite happens with Jordin who definitely owns the song already. It is definitely a foreshadowing of tomorrow's result. If you hate Blake, vote for him because that song as his first single is just terrible.
Round 3 goes to Jordin
Jordin will win the competition mainly because the finale song suited her the best. Blake should take this as a blessing since he'll probably get a better chance to have more control over his career and direction in the business.
Tomorrow, live results at 8:00 PM in Star World. Can't wait!
Blake reprises the Bon Jovi favorite that pushed him back again in the competition. I enjoyed his performance before and I think tonight was a better take on the Bon Jovi song. On the other hand, Jordin delivers a Christina Aguillera song that had the vocal calisthenics but no claws. There's not much angst that was needed to fuel the execution the song.
Round 1 goes to Blake
Round 2: She Will Be Loved v. Broken Wing
Blake gives a subdued performance of another Maroon 5 hit, and he delivers successfully showing his vocal control. The oomph level was not that high compared to last week's This Love, which is one of his better performances in the competition. Next was Jordin who sings Broken Wing again. Vocally, it was better compared to Blake's. The x-factor that Blake has in his performances was not present in this round.
Round 2 goes to Jordin
Round 3: This Is My Now
The song that won is This Is My Now -- a ballad, no surprise there. It was a disservice for Blake who was forced to sing a song out of his style. Vocally, it was alright and you see the discomfort and a bit frustration with the song choice. The opposite happens with Jordin who definitely owns the song already. It is definitely a foreshadowing of tomorrow's result. If you hate Blake, vote for him because that song as his first single is just terrible.
Round 3 goes to Jordin
Jordin will win the competition mainly because the finale song suited her the best. Blake should take this as a blessing since he'll probably get a better chance to have more control over his career and direction in the business.
Tomorrow, live results at 8:00 PM in Star World. Can't wait!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
64th Golden Globe Awardees
Awardees for the 64th Golden Globe Awards.
Movie Awards
Best Motion Picture - Drama: Babel
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Dreamgirls
Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat
Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada
Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
Best Director - Motion Picture: Martin Scorsese, The Departed
Best Screenplay: Peter Morgan, The Queen
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, The Painted Veil
Best Original Song: "The Song of the Heart" from Happy Feet
Best Foreign Language Film: Letters from Iwo Jima (Japan)
Best Animated Film: Cars
Television Awards
Best Series – Drama: Grey's Anatomy ABC, Touchstone Television'
Best Actress in a Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Best Actor in a Drama Series: Hugh Laurie, House
Best Series - Comedy or Musical Series: Ugly Betty
Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Series: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Best Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Elizabeth I
Best Actor in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Bill Nighy, Gideon's Daughter
Best Actress in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Helen Mirren, Elizabeth I
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth I
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Emily Blunt, Gideon's Daughter
-----
Wow, the Golden Globes blew all bets away for Best Film. I thought that The Departed will bring home the Best Motion Picture award but it ended up going to the hands of Babel. Actors and Actresses for motion picture were no surprise because the winners were the frontrunners during awarding season. The Oscar race will be definitely interesting because they might divert from the hyped contenders similarly to last year's disappointing loss of Brokeback Mountain to Crash. But, who knows, right? Beyonce didn't win ANYTHING. I feel good after seeing her uninspired performance in Dreamgirls. I hate her in that movie. Mirren wins for her portrayal of Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II. Wow! I think this is definitely a first in awarding history.
In television awards, big surprise win for Ugly Betty! It's a new show this year that has been getting a lot of attention, but a win in the Golden Globes is a big wow! Go Ugly Betty!!!
Movie Awards
Best Motion Picture - Drama: Babel
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Dreamgirls
Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat
Best Actress - Motion Picture Drama: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada
Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
Best Director - Motion Picture: Martin Scorsese, The Departed
Best Screenplay: Peter Morgan, The Queen
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, The Painted Veil
Best Original Song: "The Song of the Heart" from Happy Feet
Best Foreign Language Film: Letters from Iwo Jima (Japan)
Best Animated Film: Cars
Television Awards
Best Series – Drama: Grey's Anatomy ABC, Touchstone Television'
Best Actress in a Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Best Actor in a Drama Series: Hugh Laurie, House
Best Series - Comedy or Musical Series: Ugly Betty
Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Series: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Series: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Best Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Elizabeth I
Best Actor in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Bill Nighy, Gideon's Daughter
Best Actress in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Helen Mirren, Elizabeth I
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth I
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Emily Blunt, Gideon's Daughter
-----
Wow, the Golden Globes blew all bets away for Best Film. I thought that The Departed will bring home the Best Motion Picture award but it ended up going to the hands of Babel. Actors and Actresses for motion picture were no surprise because the winners were the frontrunners during awarding season. The Oscar race will be definitely interesting because they might divert from the hyped contenders similarly to last year's disappointing loss of Brokeback Mountain to Crash. But, who knows, right? Beyonce didn't win ANYTHING. I feel good after seeing her uninspired performance in Dreamgirls. I hate her in that movie. Mirren wins for her portrayal of Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II. Wow! I think this is definitely a first in awarding history.
In television awards, big surprise win for Ugly Betty! It's a new show this year that has been getting a lot of attention, but a win in the Golden Globes is a big wow! Go Ugly Betty!!!
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