A Piece Of Me

Huling Hirit!!!!!

2007-12-05T22:06:00.000+08:00

Folks, my garage sale is still up and going! Dami pang items!

I've re-arranged the list for easy access and reference and have divided it accordingly into separate pages dahil it's so long na. Plus, I've repriced the items--sobrang baba na!

The list is sorted into:

A. Furnitures & Fixtures
B. Computer Parts and Accessories
C. Photography Equipment & Accessories
D. Office Machineries & Equipment

Just click on the titles above to open the page for each.

Kindly post in your blogs or email to friends and family!

Merry Christmas!
Minnie

(Text 09156033750 or call 4262462 me to schedule viewing of items.)

Huling Hirit!!! - Office Machineries & Equipment

2007-12-05T21:00:00.003+08:00

B U S I N E S S C L O S I N G S A L E ! ! !
December 11-31, 2007
Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

Office Machineries & Equipment

(1) Sapoe Water H&C Dispenser w/ food cabinet = P3,000.00 (RESERVED)

(1) Smith Corona Manual Typewriter = P800.00

(1) Yamaha X1 Automatic Clutch Motorcycle (Blue, 110cc, 1 yr old; w/ FREE Helmets) = P55,000.00*

*P20,000.00 DP + P35,000.00/13 months to pay

Text 09156033750 or call 4262462 to schedule viewing of items. Location: Q.C.

Huling Hirit!!! - Photography Equipment & Accessories

2007-12-05T21:00:00.002+08:00

B U S I N E S S C L O S I N G S A L E ! ! !
December 11-31, 2007
Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

Photography Equipment & Accessories

(1) Canon 350D SLR Camera Kit (Body, Kit Lens, 1GB Kingston CF Card, Mini-Tripod, Gadget Bag) = P24,000.00

(1) SanDisk 1GB SD Extreme III Memory Card (w/ casing & wallet) = P1,000.00

(1) Generic KUC-5001 Digital Camera Battery for Kodak DX6490 = P600.00

(1) Kodak DX6490 Digital Camera Kit + Dock Kit = P9,000.00

(1) Kodak Digital Camera 256MB Memory Stick = P1,800.00

(1) Suntax 9800M Camera Flash = P315.00

(1) WF Wizen WT3730 Camera Tripod (w/o plate) = P450.00

(1) Sony Camera Bag = P270.00

Text 09156033750 or call 4262462 to schedule viewing of items. Location: Q.C.

Huling Hirit!!! - Computer Parts and Accessories

2007-12-05T21:00:00.001+08:00

B U S I N E S S C L O S I N G S A L E ! ! !
December 11-31, 2007
Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

Computer Parts and Accessories

(1) Desktop Computer Set = P15,000.00 (RESERVED)

(1) HP 14x CD Writer/ROM
(1) Asus P4s800 800MHZ Motherboard
(1) Prizm Black CPU Casing w/ free black PS/2 keyboard and mouse
(1) MAG 770FS 17" Black Monitor
(1) Computer Chasis Fan
(1) Asus AGP-V7100 GE Force2MX200 NVDIA Magic Video Card
(1) Power Line AVR 500W
(1) Seagate Barracuda 120GB 7200RPM Hard Disk w/ 8MB Cache
(1) Apacer 256MB PC333 DDRAM Memory
(1) AMI 256 DDR PC-333 Memory S/N: MEMO2-16767
(1) Sony 1.44MB Internal Floppy Disk Drive, Black
(1) D-Link 100MBPS Wakeon Lancard
(1) Genius Netscroll PS/2 Black Mouse
(1) Genius Slimstar 100 D+P Keyboard MSI Black
(1) Intel Celeron 2.13GHZ (D310) 5-478 256MB L2 Cache, 533F5B Processor
(1) Dynamo 400W 12CM Twin Fan Power Supply
(1) Windows XP Professional (Licensed Software)

(1) Wireless Optical Mouse = P500.00

(1) 17" Monitor Glass Filter = P100.00

(1) Seagate 13GB Hard Drive = P700.00

(1) HP Printer Deskjet 810C (slightly defective) = P400.00

(1) Genius CP HR-6 Flatbed USB Scanner (slightly defective) = P1,000.00 (RESERVED)

(1) SQL Server 2000 Developer Edition for Windows (Software) = P100.00

(1) Twinmos 8-in-1 memory card reader = P600.00 (SOLD)

(1) Seagate 60GB Momentus 8MB 5400RPM Mobile Hard Drive = P3,200.00

(1) Data Switch 4:1 = P400.00

(1) Dlink DI-70-4P Broadband Router = P800.00 (RESERVED)

(1) Dlink DES-1008D 8 Port Switch Hub = P1,000.00

(1) Lan Tester RJ45/BNC = P360.00

(1) Twinmos 256MB 24 USB Flash Drive = P800.00

(1) Mini SDCard 1GB = P800.00

Text 09156033750 or call 4262462 to schedule viewing of items. Location: Q.C.

Huling Hirit!!! - Furniture & Fixtures

2007-12-05T21:00:00.000+08:00

B U S I N E S S C L O S I N G S A L E ! ! !
December 11-31, 2007
Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

Furnitures & Fixtures

(1) 3D Exhaust Fan = P200.00 (SOLD)

(1) Clerical Table w/ drawer = P300.00

(2) Dimensioné Clerical Chairs = P400.00 each

(1) Dimensioné Clerical Chair w/ arm rest = P1,200.00

(2) Dimensioné Clerical Tables = P2,500.00 each

(1) Dimensioné Clerical Table w/ lock = P2,700.00

(1) Venetian Blinds 16” Beige = P500.00

(2) Dimensioné Filing Cabinets = P4,000.00 each

(1) Dimensioné Black Sofa = P7,000.00

(1) Orange Designer Table Lamp (w/ free bulbs) = P800.00

(1) Omni Table Lamp (w/ free bulbs) = P140.00 (SOLD)

things i wont let go

2007-12-01T23:24:00.000+08:00

Tag! I'm "It". Thanks dear Agnes, I will now learn the world of Tagging. Hehe.

So, what are the three things I won't let go?

(1) God - I never realized I can let go of the pain, depression, and anger I had after the string of events that started to happen to me 3 months ago. During this time, I realized that I have lost my better half (and my business) because I lost my relationship with God. I have began to return to Him and have sworn not to let go anymore--for He is the only One who will love me unendlessly, won't leave me, and won't hurt me.

(2) Relationships - In life, no matter how sour relationships become, there's really no reason to let go of these. The only choice you have is to find ways to fix these. It's a challenge one must stand up to. You definitely can't just throw your relationship to your spouse, your family, your relatives, and your friends just because you have indifferences or were separated. So, I won't let go of mine.

(3) Hope - I won't stop hoping for a better and happier life. No hope, no life.

Now, it's my turn to tag friends with blogs: Jay, Tin, and Abbie.

Intermission - Repriced

2007-11-11T17:39:00.000+08:00

G A R A G E S A L E ! ! !
November 11-December 10, 2007
Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

(1) 3D Exhaust Fan = P200.00

(1) Clerical Table w/ drawer = P300.00
(2) Dimensioné Clerical Chairs = P450.00 each
(1) Dimensioné Clerical Chair w/ arm rest = P1,250.00
(2) Dimensioné Clerical Tables = P2,600.00 each
(1) Dimensioné Clerical Table w/ lock = P2,900.00
(1) Venetian Blinds 16” Beige = P570.00
(2) Dimensioné Filing Cabinets = P4,900.00 each

(1) Dimensioné Black Sofa = P9,700.00
(1) Sapoe Water H&C Dispenser w/ food cabinet = P3,400.00
(1) Wireless Optical Mouse = P500.00
(1) Seagate 60GB Momentus 8MB 5400RPM Mobile Hard Drive = P3,200.00

(1) Canon 350D SLR Camera Kit = P27,700.00
(Body, Kit Lens, 1GB Kingston CF Card, Tripod, Gadget Bag)
(1) SanDisk 1GB SD Extreme III Memory Card = P1,660.00
(w/ casing & wallet)
(1) Smith Corona Manual Typewriter = P850.00
(1) Data Switch 4:1 = P380.00
(1) Dlink DI-70-4P Broadband Router = P800.00
(1) Generic KUC-5001 Digital Camera Battery for Kodak DX6490 = P690.00

(1) Kodak DX6490 Digital Camera Kit + Dock Kit = P9,500.00
(1) 50 Gallon Aquarium Set (50 gallon aquarium, 50 gallon
wooden stand/cabinet, complete filter set) = P1,500.00
(1) Christmas Tree (5ft., w/ free décor) = P400.00
(1) Ironing Board (metal frame) = P300.00
(1) Wooden Shoe Rack (laminated) = P1,000.00
(1) Yamaha X1 Motorcycle (w/ FREE Helmets) = P80,000.00*
*terms of payment available (P30,000.00 DP, P3,000.00 MA for balance)

Text 09156033750 to schedule viewing of items. Location: Q.C.

Intermission - Updated

2007-10-29T13:06:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

I'll be holding a garage sale from October 29-November 30, 2007. Here are the items on sale, which are mostly office/business furnitures (as we are closing our business):

(1) Fukuda Industrial Fan (Tall) = P400.00 SOLD
(1) Koppel 1HP Window-type Airconditioning Unit = P2,000.00 SOLD
(1) 3D Exhaust Fan = P200.00 RESERVED
(1) 3D Air Circulator = P500.00

(1) Clerical Table w/ drawer = P300.00
(2) Dimensioné Clerical Chairs = P650.00 each
(1) Dimensioné Clerical Chair w/ arm rest = P1,400.00
(2) Dimensioné Clerical Tables = P2,800.00 each
(1) Dimensioné Clerical Table w/ lock = P3,000.00
(2) Dimensioné Filing Cabinets = P5,000.00 each
(1) Dimensioné Black Sofa = P10,000.00
(1) Sapoe Water H&C Dispenser w/ food cabinet = P3,800.00

(1) Mini SD Card = P800.00
(1) A4Tech Hub-54 = P300.00
(1) Wireless Optical Mouse = P600.00
(1) Twinmos 8-in-1 memory card reader = P800.00
(1) External Hard Disk Drive Case
(1) Canon 350D Camera = P28,000.00
(1) Sigma APO 3G 300MM Macro Lens = P10,000.00 RESERVED
(1) SanDisk SDCard = P1,900.00
(1) Kodak DX6490 Digital Camera = P10,000.00
(1) Kodak Digital Camera 256MB Memory Stick = P2,000.00
(1) WF Wizen WT3730 Camera Tripod (no plate) = P500.00
(1) Suntax 9800M Digital Camera Flash = P400.00
(1) Wireless Camera Flash = P300.00
(1) Sony Camera Bag = P300.00

(1) Computer Set (PC., table, licensed OS & Printer) = P22,000.00
(1) HP Printer Deskjet 810C = P100.00
(1) Genius Flatbed Scanner = P100.00

(1) 50 Gallon Aquarium Set (50 gallon aquarium, 50 gallon wooden stand/cabinet, complete filter set) = P2,000.00
(1) Orange Fancy Deco Lamp = P500.00
(1) Omni Table Lamp = P100.00
(1) Christmas Tree (5ft., w/ free décor) = P800.00
(1) Yamaha X1 Motorcycle (w/ FREE Helmets) = P80,000.00*

*terms of payment available (P30,000.00 DP, P3,000.00 MA for balance)

For interested parties, please text me (0915-6033750) to set the schedule for viewing of items here in my humble abode in Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

Thanks!
Minnie

Intermission

2007-10-28T21:34:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

I'll be holding a garage sale from October 29-November 30, 2007. Here are the items on sale, which are mostly office/business furnitures (as we are closing our business):

(1) 3D Exhaust Fan = P200.00
(1) Fukuda Industrial Fan (Tall) = P400.00
(1) 3D Air Circulator = P500.00
(2) Clerical Chairs = P650.00 each
(1) Clerical Chair w/ arm rest = P1,400.00
(2) Clerical Tables = P2,800.00 each
(1) Clerical Table w/ lock = P3,000.00
(2) Filing Cabinets = P5,000.00 each

(1) Black Sofa = P10,000.00
(1) Mini SD Card = P800.00
(1) A4Tech Hub-54 = P300.00
(1) Wireless Optical Mouse = P600.00
(1) Canon 350D Camera = P28,000.00
(1) Sapoe Water H&C Dispenser w/ food cabinet = P3,800.00
(1) SanDisk SDCard = P1,900.00

(1) Kodak DX6490 Digital Camera = P10,200.00
(1) Computer Set (PC., table, licensed
OS & Printer) = P22,000.00
(1) 50 Gallon Aquarium Set (50 gallon aquarium, 50 gallon wooden stand/cabinet, complete filter set) = P2,000.00

For interested parties, please text me (0915-6033750) to set the schedule for viewing of items here in my humble abode in Bgy. Pinyahan, Q.C.

Thanks!

Minnie

The Month After

2007-09-29T03:14:00.000+08:00

Four weeks and four days has passed since my husband served his petition for trial separation. Four weeks has passed since he left me for dead.
Three weeks has passed since he first brought his mistress to his ancestral home and made her queen of his life.

What has all this left me with? Aside from the broken heart and the endless emotional rollercoaster rides, I am left with nothing but our memories and broken dreams.

In so far as I cling on to our memories of love, laughter, and moments of trials together, I found out that he was doing something totally in reverse.

It seems he is erasing me in his memories by bringing her to the restaurant we loved to go to. This is the only thing I can say rightfully ours--rightfully mine. I feel that he wants to make sure I never existed in his life.

It just kills me.

Curtain Call

2007-09-14T22:43:00.000+08:00

The curtain closes and the actors come out from the backstage to bid "adieu!" to the audience. In this play, there are only three main characters: me, my husband, and his mistress.

Entitled "Tragedy", my husband and his mistress curtsy away as they hop back together to wherever.

I guess, by now, you get the picture.

Just in case you don't here's a clue.

I've been living in hell for almost three weeks now.

Week one (August 26-September 1, 2007) was a week my husband served his plea for a trial separation. The reason: he wanted to have time-off for himself, to sort his mind, to identify if he still loves me or is it just plain pity, and to find a solution to our "problems". Repeatedly, I asked him if his decision was borne out of having an extra-marital affair. He repeatedly denied this to me and to my mother. Although he said we're on a cool-off phase, he would still come home and be his old self with me. But when he's out of the house, he acts as if he doesn't even know I exist for despite my text message and cellphone calls, I get nothing in return.

Week two (September 2-9, 2007) he confessed that he had two extra-marital affairs. One, he had ended already early this year. The other, still going on. The latter was someone he met a week ago (August 24). He said he can't let her go. That he was telling me this because he wanted to be honest with me and doesn't want to keep on cheating anymore. Though he is not expecting to be forgiven, he is not expecting our relationship to continue anymore. He and my brother and me agreed that we be separated for three months just so he can really sort it out with himself but he will let go of his current mistress to really fix our marriage. So he left our home then, while my brother brought me to our parent's residence.

However, when Monday came (September 10), face to face with his mistress, he told me that he has decided to go with her instead of me. (That was after his mistress texted me--he gave her my number!--and told me that he will not go back to me anymore. Wow!) I also learned that the mistress has been promoted to concubine, for she has been living with him in his ancestral home in Malibay since Friday (September 7)! I also learned during that face-off that the girl had a 2-year old son with a live-in partner she has been separated with for 3 years already (do the math, can't figure).

Thus, when Tuesday came, he finally returned me to my mom as a testament to his decision that our relationship has ended. I learned that the reason he really left me was that he can't leave the girl, that he loves her more than me, and that she makes him whole.

Wednesday's news was as surprising for it told me that the girl actually has two children, a truth she lied to him about.

Almost seven years down the road, I never saw this coming. I never imagined he will do such a cruel thing. If ever we would separate, I know it would be through our personal differences. But a mistress? How could he even afford one in the first place when we were almost together?

Yes folks, the news is true, I am now officially a Separada!

Now, I move forward the stage and take my final bow--at least, for now--in being a married woman!

I look forward to the next play. It's entitled, "Annulment".

Scientifically Speaking

2007-09-07T06:06:00.000+08:00

Marriage isn't simply a piece of paper tying two people into an eternal union. It isn't erasable by merely removing the golden band worn on one's ring to signify its existence.

Marriage is beyond these material representations.

It is, scientifically, the symbiosis of human souls aiming at a metamorphosis of culture, beliefs, personalities, and principles thereby creating a totally different specie. Creating a rupture in this union, therefore, would not only be difficult but very painful for either parties.

Well, this should be the normal case unless one party is made of a weak strain, resulting to an entry point in the union from the very start of the symbiosis. Unless attended to and unless self-healing is implemented, the said weak strain will eventually cause the breakage.

Another possible reason, the most obvious of sorts, is the constant mutation of either one of the souls in the union such that, eventually, said mutation will develop antibodies designed to destroy the other--thus, a rupture in the marriage.

I am not babbling here. Rather, I am simply taking in the current events of my life from a scientific vantage point, although I am neither a scientist, doctor, nor medical person.

It is a more acceptable way for me to digest what I am going through.

This is why, I do believe, even if a couple are indeed soulmates, separation will still occur because we are created with free will. We have the ability to always change our destiny (first scientific cause of marital breakage)--a power the Universe and God Almighty respects and humbly paves way to.

This is also why I really hate the movie Serendipity since the lead actress' destiny has always been with her, but she kept on looking for someone else.

Broken

2007-09-05T10:13:00.000+08:00

I have spent almost a decade of my life with John.

It was not a perfect life, but I chose to cling on to what is beautiful in it. Our marriage was a happy life. I cherish every single moment of it and have dreamed of an everlasting union till the day we die.

I could not comprehend how can such an enrichly-filled and blessed life be thrown away just like that.

I could not believe how, in a blink of an eye, he has turned his back on me. It's as if I don't exist anymore in his memory, least in his heart.

Where has all the love gone? How could he not have taken care of that? Why did he not fight for what we had? How could somebody else take my place in his heart?

I am broken. My heart aches. My soul is in anguish. My mind is in turmoil.

THIS IS NOT REAL!!!

Delusional

2007-08-30T18:30:00.000+08:00

I'd like to believe I am only delusional.

Sadly, I am not.

The pain throbbing in my heart is too sharp for me not to know I am 100% awake. Though I'd rather wake-up from this "awake" state I am already in, I know that would be impossible.

Three weeks ago, my life had become a fairy tale...a holiday ownership and a condominium for me and my husband, my future was unfolding beautifully, our dreams being grasped finally.

Suddenly my life turned 360 this Sunday due to a single misunderstanding between me and my husband.

Ten years of our wonderful life together, John and I are on a trial separation now.

Please, wake me up! Anyone?

Agam-Agam

2007-08-28T14:51:00.001+08:00

Sabi mo, lalayo ka muna...
Mag-iisip, hihinga, hahanap ng liwanag...
Aayusin sandali ang mga bagay na gumugulo sa iyong isip...
Hahanapin ang sarili mo, aalamin kung bakit ka nagkakaganito...
Aalamin kung mahal mo pa ba ako.

Sagot sa ating mga problema?
Sana nga ito ang dala ng iyong paglayo.

Ayaw ko sana payagan ka, sa pansamantalang paglaya na inaasam,
Nasasakluban ako ng dilim,
Natatakot ako...
na mawala ka sa paningin
na hindi ka na mayakap muli
na hindi na maramdaman ang iyong lambing
na hindi na marinig ang iyong tinig

Ayaw ko maramdaman muli ang mahapding kurot sa aking dibdib,
kung sakaling malaman ko matapos ng iyong pandaliang laya...
ay tuluyan ka nang hindi babalik.

Nangiinis

2007-08-28T11:05:00.000+08:00

Tangina naman talaga o! Nangiinis ata ang kung sino at nang pagbukas ko ng tambaycafe mp3 playlist e ang unang tumugtog (unlike before) ay ang kanta ni Ogie Alcasid na Kung Mawawala Ka! Tapos sinundan ng Don't Say Goodbye ni Rachelle Ann Go. Amp!

Kung kelan namomroblema ako at gusto ko makalimot sana kahit sandali kaya ako nakikinig ng musika e ayun pa tumambang sa akin.

Parang nung isang gabi, nang pinagdesisyunan ko rin magpahangin, pagsakay ko sa taxi papunta sa kung saan, tumugtog ang Air Supply song na "Someone who believes..." na syang pinagkatampuhan namin.

Tangna talaga! Sikip ng dibdib ko parang puputok. Tama si Ogie sa kanta niya (for once sumangayon ako sa taong 'to), di ko kakayanin kung mawawala siya. Pero minsan, wala sa atin ang kapangyarin na wag mangyari ang dapat--pansamantala man ito o panghangganan na.

That's life, when you least expect it, these things happen to the best of people. Not for anything that we are being punished, but for us to be grounded and to relish every single day we spend with the ones we love, really really love. Because tomorrow, they might not be there any more.

Post Mid-year Inventory

2007-08-19T12:47:00.000+08:00

Okay, let me sit back a little and recap this year in my life so far. Man, I need a breather!!!

How many days has it been since December 31, 2006? Uhmm...253 days? I don't know. Do the Math, that's not my forte. =p

But surely, for one thing, this year has been VERY trying for me so far. It's like all my relationships have been put to the fire to test which one will last. Let the inventory roll...

1. My parents separated. After 31 years of marriage, my father decided to walk out on my mother for disagreements and respect issues that they, as a married couple, should have addressed early on in their married life but didn't, resulting it to accumulate into a Dam of Issues and Misunderstandings. Murphy's Law took effect and rippled among us siblings--their children--creating a further division in the family.

2. My dad now stays with us. How ironic could life be? The one person I least look forward to live with is now living with me and my husband! John and I offered him to stay in our home for the time being--while he and mom sorts things out. (Okay, so what if the apartment is his? I do clearly recall that my grandmother's Will say it's mine. But that's not the point, the point is, this is where John and I are living and, as he says himself, he improved the apartment for his married children to stay in. So this is technically OUR home.) On the contrary, after 5 months now, looks like my dad has no plans of moving out. Ironically, again, John and I have been confined to the limits of our bedroom whenever dad's at home! The sala or our living room is his. He also partially occupies the other bedroom since his clothes are there--we offered him this bedroom, by the way, so he can have privacy but preferred to be in the sala since the TV is there! Oh, he now partially occupies the dining room also, since that's where his unannounced guests would go to when they're around. (Yes, he brings in guests nowadays! That's without telling me and John that they'll be coming over.) Oh well, these are the things that one should be prepared to face when one offers a helping hand. As Christ says, helping others (as in other people aside from yourself) is not an easy task! So I'm trying to learn how to get through with this phase in my life. (Thank God, John is here! He always shows me my wrongs and guides me to do what is good despite of how anguished and frustrated I am.)

3. Business relationships have gone sour. A week or so after my dad moved in with us, my hubbie and I almost terminated our business relationship with our top, long-term client because the contact person in-charged with our account has gone below the bounds of professionalism and has been attacking us on a personal level. This contact person is on a Guerilla mode and has put his Bullying mechanism in full gear! So far, he has succeeded in destroying our Wall of Confidence, Lines of Passion, and have massacred our personnel's morale. He's got good Al Queda training to boot if you ask me.

For this first part of my inventory, the story is still unfolding and the ending unsure. Just hope things end up on a better scale.

4. Marital problems. I thought my life will really crumble when sometime June my hubbie and I encountered our own test of fire. The stress at home and at work really heightened our problems as a couple. The good thing is, through Divine intervention, we've gone through. Hallelujah! Something good came through! But, as they say, never be lax!

5. Friends before, acquaintances now. Tough times really bring out who your true friends are. Thanks to a handful who remain to be real friends of mine.

There is good in all these, especially parts 1-3. God never allows things to happen to us with no reason. Every encounter, every person, everything has a reason. Thus, my learnings so far:

1. Marriage requires continues communication, hardwork, commitment, learning, and forgiveness. When one ceases to be open to the other, the marriage fails. As long as openness is there in the marriage, there is room for forgiveness and growth. Love is the foundation of any marriage, Respect and Trust are the walls and ceiling that keep occupants safe, and Forgiveness are the beams and pillars that hold everything together. You can love but retain respect and trust for another, and the marriage continues. But once you lose trust and respect, one's love and forgiveness diminishes to exist. Thus, the death of a marriage.

2. There is always two sides to an issue. You just have to listen to both sides before you decide what's the truth.

3. The truth, once you've discerned it, is never beautiful and easy to accept. But it's up to you if you want to grin and bear it.

4. Keep your eye open to opportunities and the positive light on things. Life goes on, you know.

5. Everyone has a choice. A person's character is defined by the choices he makes and how he deals with the consequences of his decisions. Thus, whatever was your decision in life (whether to be the submissive wife or not, etc.), never blame the consequences of that decision on another person except yourself. You have to owe up and stand by your decision. No else will and should.

Graphika Manila

2007-08-13T11:44:00.000+08:00

My saturday was spent in attending the Graphika Manila 2007 International Design Conference at CenterStage, Mall of Asia.

Quite frankly, I find the event poorly organized.

1. I and a thousand attendees had to wait in line outside CenterStage for an hour and a half after the scheduled starting time of the conference (10:00 AM) for no valid reason. Half-way through, our line started moving and we thought that we could finally get inside and sit down--or so we thought since the folks behind the ticketing booth just took our tickets, stamped "GM" on our wrists, gave us a paper bag of goodies (1 Adobo Magazine, 2 posters, 1 Lipton Green Tea sampler, 1 Programme, HP brochures and fliers, 1 Graphika Manila clip-on button, and 1 JanSport clip-on button) called the GM Kit, and asked us to return outside again! It was only after another 30 minutes that did we (our line) get inside CenterStage to have our seats, leaving behind 6 more lines on que outside CenterStage. When we got inside, a band was playing half-way their song. The band finished their gig and yet the other attendees left outside when our line got in, were still outside. The band's gig lasted for 15 minutes. In short, the event officially started around 11:30 - 11:45. =(

2. The sound system and in focus kept on going berzerk such that speakers had difficulty showing their presentations and explaining them. Thereby, causing delays in the presentations. One speaker (a sponsor) actually wasn't able to use his presentation and did an impromptu instead.

3. The presentations of the speakers weren't readied by the organizers in one computer/laptop such that everytime a new speaker goes on stage, the techie people have to go up too, to setup the laptop and reset settings. Thus, adding to the problems with the audio and in synchronizing the laptop with the in focus. Not to mention, adding to the delays.

I also found the event more of a showcase/exhibit than a conference since half of the speakers just literally showed their portfolios--which one could easily see in their websites without going to this event. [There were 7 speakers: Steve Tirona, Guadakomeda, Asylum, ElectroLychee (marcushiro + bru) , Hue Visions, and Michael Young.]

Good thing ElectroLychee came in prepared with their detailed pointers on Dos & Donts for graphic design professionals, or I would have probably walked out early on. ElectroLychee also gave attendees the great idea that designing is not limited to print but to a wide variety of media, including but not limited to bags and Audio CDs (band albums).

Thanks also to Guadakomeda who gave a bird's eyeview on the life of and requirements from an editorial designer (previously called layout artist).

I believe I won't be returning to this Conference next year. I'd probably look forward to know who their speakers will be and then go to their speakers' websites to see their portfolios and search out news items on them on the Net. Just that. It's really saving myself P750.00 and 8 hours of precious weekend time.

I hope the people behind Graphika Manila would consider planning a better organized event next year so that this year's attendees might consider signing up again.

===

Post Script. In addition to the inspiration I got from ElectroLychee and Guadakomeda, the one person who really moved & touched me during this event was the speaker from The DesignPeople, one of the event's sponsors. I can totally relate to what he said and their vision of how a work environment should be: FUN! For a Filipino-owned company, The DesignPeople sure have made it big in California out of sheer passion for what they do, the drive to provide service and to continue with what they are doing despite of painful circumstances, while maintaining a fun-filled environment. Congrats to you!

PRE-CHRISTMAS GARAGE SALE

2007-08-06T11:37:00.000+08:00

25 Days to the "Ber" months! Time for a pre-Christmas garage sale!

Here's what we've identified so far that's up for grabs (photos to be posted later on):

Divan = yellow leather top with royal blue leather pleated sides (comes with an "easy-to-sleep" spell, which takes effect as soon as you lie down) = P1,000.00
Aquarium Over Head Pump Filter Set (for 50 gallon aquarium) = P700.00
50 Gallon Glass Aquarium with aluminum allow bracing = P500.00
50 Gallon Aquarium Table = varnished wood, very sturdy and can accommodate 2 50 Gallon aquariums = P1,500.00
10 Gallon Glass Aquarium = P500.00
Stove Stand = black-painted metal frames, 3 shelves, allocation for LPG, laminated wooden top for the stove; very sturdy = P750.00
Christmas Tree = almost 5 foot tall, easy to store, metal body/core that's are in 3 easy-assemble parts = P800.00
Shoerack = 2 swiveling drawers with 3 layers each that can be adjusted if shoes don't fit = P1,200.00
Ironing board = white metal frame and board, with lever to easily fold-in feet for storage = P600.00
Computer table = Mahogany-brand; laminated top for keyboard, monitor, printer, CPU, and desk space; steel white-painted frames; knock-down; very sturdy = P2,000.00
Clerical chair with arm rest = gray-cushioned clerical chair with black metal frames and armrest; knock-down = P1,350.00
MAG 17" Black CRT monitor = P4,500.00
Linksys LAN Card = P400.00 each

Will be posting other stuff once I get my inventory done. =)

Email or text me if you have questions or for pick-up details (all items are on a Where-Is-As-Is basis, payment terms are on cash-basis).

Ciao!

Masterpiece

2007-07-25T13:16:00.000+08:00

A masterpiece is born, they say, if its created in the right time and conditions.

Translated to baking and cooking, a menu or dessert becomes a masterpiece when the chef or culinary expert or cook is inspired and is physically in a state of wellness.

Disaster results when fatigue sets in--mental, emotional, or physical fatigue, that is.

I don't know if I should call the mousse I made last July 22 a disaster, since I feel it didn't come out as I expect it--well in the physical appearance sense of it, especially since I didn't have optional toppings for it and the extreme heat on that day didn't help at all to make it look great during the pictorial.

Too high expectations?

Maybe, I am just being hard on myself again. (Probably the reason why I got sick since that day? Most possibly! I got down with asthma! What else! I actually have cough and colds until now.)

Oh well, there's always another chance for a pictorial (just hope teacher Jay will lend his lights again, hehe).

Now, I'm looking forward to shoot my blueberry mousse and our Garlic Chips....

By the way, posted one of my favorite pictures during the shoot here. Don't mind the product, the photo composition's great! (Thanks to my hubby!) It kinda looks sloppy but it's not his fault.

The taste, by the way, is still the great mousse as it was and the same taste relatives of mine haunt me down for...another round, of course! hehehehe! So if you're not the type who's picky about appearances, you might want to reach me for orders, though! (Email me please!)

The Business of Food

2007-07-24T12:17:00.000+08:00

I have always wanted to go into the business of food.

Way back in high school, I recall baking cakes and pastries and selling it to my classmates who often found my product expensive yet delicious--boasting aside--such that they always look for it. I didn't pursue selling then because of the too many things high school demanded of my aside from the many family problems we had then.

But my dream to become a restaurant owner someday burns in my heart until today.

Recently, with all the stress my hubby and I have been having with our 6-year old I.T. business, I've decided to finally diversify into something I know I won't be pressured on. Cooking, after all, is one form of stress therapy!

So, baking and cooking shall I be! It's quite expensive for the startup, but I know the fruits of my labor shall come pretty soon!

(will blog more about my products soon!)

Go Negosyo Conference

2007-07-23T13:14:00.000+08:00

The Department of Tourism and the people behind the Go Negosyo Program held a conference cum exhibit at SM Megamall's Mega Trade Hall last July 19-22, 2007. I was only lucky enough to get a hold of their schedule on the 2nd day of the exhibit.

The schedule, which was superpacked with topics of high interest, varied for the two Halls of the Mega Trade Hall. It was quite difficult to choose which ones to attend considering the fact that most of the topics I wanted to attend were scheduled on the the first two days plus the fact that I had pre-set plans for the weekend (July 21-22).

Notwithstanding, it would have been better if they held the conference for a week with repeat schedules of topics so that people who weren't able to attend the previous days (especially those employed but are looking at the possibility of being entrepreneurs) can attend it on a later slot or day.

Thus, I was not able to go to the seminar! Too bad--yet good at the same time.

I was, after all, attending to my long-overdue Go Negosyo dream: a food biz!

We have scheduled our shoot for my initial offering (choco lover's mousse and choco mocha craze mousse) on that same Saturday. It took me almost the whole day in cleaning our work area and for the actual food preparation! Our shoot--courtesy of my ever better half (thanks, John!)--actually started by late afternoon. (More on the works on a separate blog!)

Whew! The things you do for your Go Negosyo dream! What are you aspiring for?

========

For mousse inquiries and orders, send me an email! Thanks!

Waffle Time

2007-07-20T21:59:00.000+08:00

Whenever I'm hungry and I see a Waffle Time outlet, I couldn't help but think about their Banana Caramel Waffle! Yummy!

That's why on my way to Megamall this evening, I stopped to buy a Banana Caramel Waffle at their MRT ortigas branch before I went to the mall and walked. I was thinking of taking my break after I buy what I need at Animal House in the 5th floor of the mall.

With my task done, I hurriedly opened by goodie bag to take a bite of the warm waffle and taste its sweet caramelly taste!

Alas! The banana turned into a hotdog!

Arggghhhh! The attendant at Waffle Time gave me a Hotdog and Cheese Waffle instead!

Buhuuu! There goes my banana caramel dream!

Intramuros

2007-07-18T11:17:00.000+08:00

For P100.00 and an hour, you can already enjoy a brief historical tour of Intramuros atop a Kalesa and aided by a DOT-registered Kutsero. It's a fun and worthwhile way to spend your time and a portion of your weekend as compared to malling around.

I have, in such a short span of time, had an interesting glimpse and appreciation of how life was in Intramuros back then.

As much as I'd want to capture all of it in the camera--which is difficult while the horse is moving about--I was only able to capture 2 notable shots during our on-the-fly-trip to Intramuros last July 15.

Posted here are shots of Ayuntamiento, then and now. Once an important establishment in the pre-war era, it is now a landmark remembered by a signage of where it once stood.

I plan to return to Intramuros, but it will be on a walking tour! That, for sure, will be a more in-depth opportunity to know the area and to capture it beautifully on film! =)

===

P.S. For an interactive tour of intramuros, you might want to check out: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/intramuros/intramuros.htm

Metro at Air Freshinaire

2007-07-17T22:26:00.000+08:00

Umuwi kami ng isang gabi mula SM Makati dala ang mga grocery at sakay ng isang taxing kakarag-karag. Wala na kasi kaming grocery at dahil nasa Makati kami at gabi na, dito na naisipang mamili.

Pagod at masasakit ang paa, nabadtrip pa kami!

Ang sinakyan naming taxi ay walang sing bilis ang metro at walang sing baho ang amoy! Grrrr!

JAKA ang pangalan ng taxi at taga-Pinyahan, Q.C. din ang garahe--although, sabi ng driver hindi niya alam san ang Pinyahan! Funny!

Umalis sa SM Makati ang taxi na ang metro ay P30.00 at nang nagpagasulina sa Shell-Edsa-Ayala, naging P35.00 na. Wala pang 5 minutes, tapos na magpagasulina. Say mo, lumipad sa P50.00 ang metro makalapag ng gulong sa EDSA mula sa compound ng Shell!

Kaya pala pinapatingin sa akin ang metro (thank you, Angel!) at yun naman ang aking ginagawa pagkaupo pa lang ng taxi. Kaya ng makita kong mabilis pumalit ang metro ay kinalabit ko na si John.

Pinagmasdan at pinagaralan namin ang lipad ng metro. Nasa Santolan pa lang kami ay P105.00 na ito. Kaya pagdating namin sa bahay, pumatak ng P140.00 ang metro! Ayus diba! Parang nanggaling ako ng Pasong Tamo-Don Bosco sa value niya! To think pareho lang ang daloy ng trapiko!

Muntik pa akong hikain dahil amoy patay na daga (mabantot na paa?) sa loob! Hindi ako makahinga! Kaya pagdating ng bahay ang bigat lalo ng pakiramdam ko.

Si John naman, hindi amoy ng patay na daga ang naamoy kundi singaw ng makina-gasolina. Kaya naman, siya rin ay naninikip ang dibdib at nahihirapang huminga!

Buti na lang at wala kami pareho sa mood makipagaway dahil sa sobrang pagod na rin at binayaan na lang namin ang taxi driver.

Wala na rin kaming gana na itext pa ang plaka ng taxi (PXE 910) sa LTFRB dahil wala rin namang nangyayari kapag nagtetext ka sa kanila. Walang reply or kung ano mang balita matatanggap mo kapag nagtext ka sa kanilang reklamo "hotline"!

Sana lang ang mga ganitong taxing kakarag-karag na at delikado sa kalusugan ng tao ay hatakin na rin ng LTFRB gaya ng ginagawa nila sa mga bus na ganitong kondisyon. (Diba nga't dumarami na ang mga nag-gagandahang bus ngayon sa EDSA, may incentive ata ang bus operator e.)

Sana lang! Amp!