Free Ni-Ti Zone

Parents should be just like the free Wi-Fi zones out there that are available to be tapped if one wants access to the Internet. In this case, they should be called Ni-Ti, read as Nay-Tay short for the Tagalog name for Mother and Father. "Nanay" and "Tatay" or "Inay" and "Itay", similar to Mommy and Daddy, Mom and Dad, or Mama and Papa.

Similar to most Wi-Fi signals, a parent's presence should always be available and reachable when the children need them most...and not weak or fading on and off.

Parents should have a strong enough signal like maybe four bars at least, if five bars is not possible, so that communication would be easily felt at its acceptable level. Dropped or intermittent calls are simply a pain especially if in the middle of a very important conversation.

Road Distractions

Driving is a complex task. To anticipate and avoid hazards on the road, drivers need to concentrate and give it their full attention.

You can never be sure about what other drivers will do, which is why preventative measures are important. Such measures include keeping your distance from other vehicles, keeping your speed down and staying alert to what is happening all around you.

It involves constant and complex coordination between your mind and body. Events or things that prevent you from operating your car safely are distractions. There are three types of distractions and they are anything that takes your:

• eyes off the road (visual).
• mind off the road (cognitive).
• hands off the steering wheel (manual).

Historic Malacañan Palace

"I would not be able to forgive myself knowing that I could have done something and I did not do anything."

"I know I will receive a lot of criticism for this but I will do what I think is right for our country."

"I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life."

These were the most striking words or quotes from the late and former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino that I could relate to. I've also seen these words at the Malacañan Palace Museum and Library as if giving me an inspirational message....

Revisiting My Alma Mater

It almost got called Malayan. I'm glad it's still called Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), and still standing mighty and proud in Intramuros, Manila!

Retracing my roots one fine day - all because I needed certified true copies of my Transcript of Records (TOR) and Diploma.

My original copies were terribly damaged by the Ondoy flood way back 2009, and now was the only "vacant" or available time I got to take care of some long-delayed errands.

Join me as I reminisce and walk you "through" and "true" to my Alma Mater!

Never Never Land

I always feel in "italics" and think in "capitals!". Which means, I live life to the fullest. I have resolved that, whatever eternity has up its sleeve, I will enjoy life here and now. With happiness so threatened, why not be happy now? 

Peter Pan Syndrome is the supposed psychological phenomenon of immaturity among some men and women, who, like the fictional character, remain childish and fail to assume appropriate adult social roles and responsibilities.

I've read from a fellow blogger that her neighbor had teased here of having this kind of syndrome. I can relate very well.

Photographic Me

If only I had photographers following my every move, so that I could boasts to the world that I am indeed a great man.

If only there was a paparazzi tailing me. He could have taken pictures of all the intimate, candid and "juicy" shots that could catapult me into fame.

The photographs could have captured how innovative and resourceful I was. It could have immortalized my acts of heroism and nationalism. It could have forever lessen my efforts in proclaiming how remarkable I was, for the pictures would be enough to speak a thousand words, and say something poignant
enough to galvanize an entire society.

Another "Best Day Ever" Moment

Great, Great News!

I took the Civil Service Professional Examination this morning, June 19, 2012 at around 8 in the morning at the Civil Service Commission main office in Quezon City... and Wow!...I passed!, and was the highest among 40 hopefuls. ...Not only that, there were only 3 of us who made it!

It's another "Best Day Ever" moment for me!

20@20 Vision By Aris Bagtas

One weekend at the mall, my family and I happen to pass by a truly captivating art exhibit located at the upper levels of the mall. We just came from church which was also located at the upper levels and were about to go down the escalator to finally do our weekend shopping when we caught a glimpse of the exhibit. We just couldn't resist taking a look.

The paintings were marvelously done with a Pinoy culture and a religious touch in mind. There were even several old vintage seats turned into a painting canvas. I have to say that they really caught my attention...and I couldn't resist taking pictures of the fascinating splendors or art right in front of me. I had to take pictures of them so I could relish the beauty all over again when I get back home. It was simply inspiring to see such splendid artworks made by a fellow Filipino.

Gastronomic Delights @ Gerry's Grill

We had a classmate from a recent training program that was going back to the US ending her stay here in the Philippines. Apparently, she was just here to visit relatives and attend training programs because she was simply bored. Her husband is frequently on travel, and she has nothing to do at home. In short she was bored, so she went back to the Philippines, even for just a short time, to unwind and meet new friends.

She already attended several training programs even before we set foot at the DB Wizard Training Center....and to end her probably month long series of training she decided to treat the entire class, including our instructor, at a restaurant nearby.

This is where we tried out the food at Gerry's Grill. It's not my first time to eat at this restaurant, well it's my first time at this particular branch, so I was expecting nothing new. But still, the food was gastronomically delightful, as always.

Training Week

As ICT professionals, we should always keep ourselves updated with the latest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) trends and technologies. Never to be complacent with our stock knowledge especially when existing technologies are forever in a fast-pace development, and new technologies keep on emerging and becoming necessities as we speak.

It is therefore recommended that we should keep on learning to keep ourselves productive and efficient.

However, on the job, self-study learning strategies doesn't always work so sometimes we should cater to instructor-led training programs as well.

I recently attended a Microsoft-certified curriculum training on Active Directory administration at the DB Wizards training center located in Makati City. The course was specifically entitled "Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Domain Services".  Here are some photos during the 4-day training program.

Hey, I Just Met You...

"I told you... and I m sure there are more to come... some would even be too callous to add.. "Vote Me Maybe" :)"

Above is a Facebook ad of one Congressman, created by a follower (I think). I just replaced the face and the info details to keep him anonymous because I kinda like the guy, and the idea was not his doing. But it's being spread online and originated from his Facebook account. Funny enough, the admins of the FB page gave their blessings.

This is just one example of how social networking sites are also being used for publicity .....and early campaigning for the 2013 local elections in the Philippines. I have to admit that it really somehow works (well it reached me, didn't it) especially that many of us are practically online everyday. Call it online brainwashing....or Facebook supremacy!

The Evolution From Cat To Brat

Ever wondered why memes are created? ....and how they evolve from one form to another.

I was fascinated with the vast number of memes proliferating online, probably because almost everyone has easy access to the Internet nowadays, many are getting more involved, expressive and opinionated with what's happening in our society....and many are creative enough to come up with these humorous "interventions" on the mysteries of life.

Memes are viral and propagate around therefore sometimes mutating as they propagate from one person to the next. It's success on becoming viral would depend on how popular the subject matter of the meme is, and it would be a big help as well if the subject matter continues to be in the news.

Emerging Influential Blogs For 2012

Influential Blogger (http://www.influentialblogger.net) has just announced the start of another search for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2012 Writing Project. 

Its the 6th year of  the writing project started by Ms. Janette Toral of http://digitalfilipinoclub.blogspot.com/.

Her group seeks to identify new and emerging blogs who are making an impact to its readers.

"These are blogs that started anytime from June 1, 2011 to the present. These blogs are gradually gaining a considerable amount of readership, following, influence and fascinating the reader in various ways. The bloggers behind them established the blog for various reasons such as expression of thoughts, sharing of knowledge and insight, building a movement, events reporting or coverage, and some for profit."

Hhmmmm....Why not, ....I could join !, and maybe learn a few things out of the experience. My blog may not be a masterpiece work of a pro or even a newbie writer, but it's posts directly comes from my hearth and soul.

To my fellow new and emerging bloggers out there. Please include me in your choice for the Top Ten Emerging Influential Blog for 2012 Writing Project. It would be a real threat - I mean treat.

Just read the instructions from here:

http://www.influentialblogger.net/2012/06/join-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html

Be Kind To Us Baluts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balutropolis/459203557424862?ref=tn_tnmn

Balutropolis centers on everything about "Balut" and the shady characters and their ideals that revolves around their neighborhood, and the rest of the world.

Balut (duck fetus egg), Penoy(milder version of the Balut - no feet, beak and feathered chick inside), Abnoy (more popularly cooked as "bibingkang abnoy"  similar to an omelette) and Pulang Itlog (aka Itlog na Maalat  or  Salted Egg in English), are the variants of delicacies you can have from cooking and preparing these duck eggs.

These posts represents the different type of Balut-related articles, blogs, images, facts, people, and imaginative stories our hero or protagonist encounters in his everyday adventure.

Each adventure exploits encounters that could be categorically branded as  simply mundane or insanely extraordinary.

Credit to the original authors and owners of the literary and art works gathered online, but would try my best to post original masterpieces.

Check out Balutropolis at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Balutropolis/459203557424862?ref=tn_tnmn

Modding 101

Tools Of The Trade

One of the most commonly asked questions by aspiring modder’s and noobs alike.

“what are the basic tools / equipment do I need to get or buy, if I want to start into case modding as a hobby?”

Well look no further. Here’s a short list of  the most common tools used for modding.  Together with a simple description of  their applications and uses.

The New SALN

The new Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) could improve transparency and accountability in government service.

The major changes are:

• Inclusion of the spouse’s properties, including that paraphernal type –meaning property one brings to the marriage or acquires even after marriage, especially inheritance — and that of children below 18 years of age living in the filer’s household.


• The use of acquisition cost for computation purposes. While all assets of minor children and the spouse should be listed, these will be excluded from computation. Also excluded is a spouse’s exclusive property if he/she files a separate SALN. (Insert)


• Filers must now list GROSS INCOME from all sources and not just list down financial or business interests.


• Filers must also submit personal and family expenses for the year, to include education and health costs, and the cost of vacations and other travel and big-ticket expenditures.


• They must also submit ALL TAXES paid on all income/earningS whether through sale of properties, dividends, honorarium or regular income

2012: End Of The World

Is the end of the world near?

One of the theories is based on a purported ancient Mayan prediction and fanned by the several marketing machines behind “end-of-the-world” movies, books, articles and documentaries,  the world will end on 2012 - December 21, 2012 to be exact.

But could humankind really meet its end in 2012—drowned in apocalyptic floods, walloped by a secret planet, seared by an angry sun, or thrown overboard by speeding continents?

At least one aspect of the 2012, end-of-the-world hype is, for some people, all too real: the fear.

Jose Rizal Day

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
(June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896)

December 30 is Jose Rizal Day commemorating the death of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, a Filipino polymath, physician, scientist. novelist,  a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, a polyglot conversant in at least ten languages, and the national hero of our country, the Philippines.

In the hope of securing political and social reforms for his country and at the same time educate his countrymen, Jose Rizal, the greatest apostle of Filipino nationalism, published several works with highly nationalistic and revolutionary tendencies.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas in Different Languages

With Christmas Day finally very near and just a few hours away, why not impress some of your friends overseas by saying "Merry Christmas" in their native language?

Stop by a chat room, post in your Facebook status, send a "tweet," or drop an e-mail.

No matter how you do it, spread some holiday cheer the way they do.

Here's how to say "Merry Christmas" in different languages:

November 30 is not only Bonifacio Day

For the Non-Pinoys and those that do not recognize the guy on the right, that's Andrew E. (during his younger years), a once very famous rapper ("Humanap Ka Ng Panget" popularity) and TV/movie comedian in the Philippines.

Of course the guy on the left is Andres Bonifacio (a tapang a tao) :)