Calling Costs A Lot!

I've been trying to call my cousin in the Canada and Japan helplessly because I was trying to fix matters concerning money sent over some banks in the Philippines. I was using the services of local cellular phone companies that charged me a couple thousand of pesos in order to get a decent conversation going. It was doubly hard if they were unavailable because they still charged me the same rates.



I was trying to get a cheaper deal than the usual because discounted rates here were still costing a lot compared to what I could have had when I was in the US. Good thing there are a couple of online shops that transact calling cards that can work here and wherever I may be elsewhere in the world. Now for a few cents, I can call Canada, the US and other countries. I think 23.9 cents which the site http://www.getmecallingcards.com offers is the best one I could find. Imagine that... the rates are better! Where else should we get reasonable prices at this side of the globe? I guess I'll have to tell my friends too because it even did beat the rates of Philippine Phone Cards available at local telecommunication companies. Now its going to be easier to call from 153 countries around the world. Need I say more? We all have choices, but there never will be a better deal than this phone card company that knows how things could get easier for you.

UE Engineers Get Together - Carmela's Treat!

Okay, as long as you guys don't have harsh reactions like you did last time I'm going to tell you now what conspired last Sunday when I went out with friends from college.

Geeze, it has been a long time... Mela just came from Singapore and we were all busy with our own lives. I went out Saturday and went home around 4am so I was dead tired. I almost forgot that I had a lunch date with my college friends Sunday afternoon. You know, it was a lil hard for me coz I had to go to office at around 9pm that night. I hailed a cab and went to seem em.. coz 1.) I miss em a lot and 2.) They miss me too ^_^

At Trinoma Mall, some of em got lost would you believe that?! haha... I on the other hand knew my way around things... I even saw Hershey standing in front of the entrance so I grabbed her... We went to Giligan's and saw Kat, Mel, , Dex, Obsum and his wife there already. Bhing was there too with her kid... MG we had so much stories to share in so little time. So we waited a few minutes for the other lost ones to arrive LOLZ and we ordered a lot of food obviously... I think the food was for 16 people and we were around ahmmm.... basta marami kami hehehe

So there we were having our drinks and all that yummy food. It was a long wait time though (so Giligans make sure you serve us faster next time alright?) but the food all in all was nice. I didn't like the seafood coz I can't eat that anymore.... allergy! I'm on a strict no rice diet too so that was a little troublesome to do when there were lotsa food to look at! O_O

My best Arvie and my sis Lisa arrived with my cute lil god-daughter Arianne. Awe! It was nice to see her there but I could've wanted to see AJ too heheh... I love em kids... Love Arvie and Lisa too ^_^ It's like they are my own kids too so I kinda miss em a lot... I was happy Arianne looks like Lisa more than her dad hahaha... PIZ!

Kat got her hands healed already from the boxing match she had with Pacquiao. Mela was so gracious she even paid for everything (kakahiya tuloy (-_-)" ) and she put on a lil weight (just like me hehe) then Hershey was still single obviously hehe so if anyone would like to apply as her boyfriend just let me know ^_^ I soo miss em a lot... I plan to see mela in Singapore sometime soon. Maybe if I fix everything in the office I'll have time to roam around spicy Sing. Ger and Len had plans to get married but Ger doesn't want to set a date yet hehehe PRESSURE tol!

Bhing had her kid with her grabe the kids were all cute! ^_^ I plan to have mine soon hahaha... sooooooon! Obsum and his wife was there, he obviously cracked everybody up! Same old Obsum huh?!

Dex, Bernal, Arvie and me plan to go to the Eraserheads concert this March 7 which will be held in MOA. I heard tickets sell for like 1,300 if I'm not mistaken. I hope this time there won't be anymore CONIOS in front that spelled TRYING HARD to be fans of EHEADS for god's sake! If I see another one I'm sure to hit and punch them when I can ^_^ I'm so excited to see em there! I was happy we got to have some pictures taken too... after the Infinite Pulcer disbanded hahaha you know how long that was ahahahah

Edwin and his wife arrived late but we had time for coffee and tea and cakes after all that pigging out at lunch. I had blueberry cheesecake which I kinda miss too since I've been eating a lot of starbucks these holidays to get 2 of my planners ^_^ We did chat a little and its good to know they'll be having a baby girl come March! ^_^ He's got a lot of things ahead of him, I'll be automatically a godfather to that as well. ^_^ so happy for em!

We ended the day in SM coz everyone had somewhere to go. I didn't get sleep that day and I got to go back to the office. Tons of paperwork and a lil maintenance of the project. After that, I went home and didn't go to the gym anymore. AYOKO MAG COLLAPSE! I did not get enough sleep nga eh!

All in all, I was tired but I was happy to see my friends again. I hope I could say the same with my high school friends too... but that's another story. ^_^

Special Thanks to Carmela who picked up the tab! ANG YAMAN NAMAN! ahahahah ^_^

Green Cars to Survive

The annual Detroit Auto Show this year has proven to conform to the latest trends in the industry by turning GREEN this year. More Electric, Hybrid and alternative powered cars surfaced to face the looming international crisis that not only hit the banking sector but the biggest car manufacturers as well.

Ford, Chrysler and other North American car makers made it a point that all their points get across the newly installed government of the US because as much as they would want to save the ailing industry, funding may not be sufficient enough to even finish this 1st quarter without going to bigger loans and turn it’s assets to collateral damage. Evidently everyone is going under huge bank debts if a more stable rescue package from the government materializes.

BYD Cars, China's biggest battery maker is not holding back in introducing its own set of electric cars and plug-in hybrids in the said auto show. Not only did they have the cars that speak of low cost manufacturing but they also predicted that its battery life cycle would outperform competitors by thousands of miles. They are currently endorsing their own lithium-ion iron phosphate technology that has surpassed current battery lifespan of today’s industry standards. I do sincerely hope that in the next few years we would not be too dependent on oil playing giants and their countries because it has been too hard for us each time they announce price hikes monthly. Falling oil prices are evidence that the greener cars are getting its needed exposure to be able to stop our dependence on oil producing nations.

Rustom Padilla Dead? Now BeBe Gandanghari Lives!

Hunk actor turns into Transvestite? O_O HUWAAAT!

I watched this guy/lady/gay guy in TV yesterday and it seems he's gunning for more than an effeminate lifestyle they say. He's probably going to undergo surgery to become a complete woman soon. When he arrived in the airport, people were asking him to line up as a foreigner and a lady but lo and behold he's neither one of those. His Mom's not that much happy about what he's doing but he says as long as he's not stepping on anyone's toes then he's gonna continue giving life to the next persona Bebe Gandanghari.

He's probably going to portray the role of this Bebe Gandanghari and putting an end to his Rustom Padilla image from hereon. When asked about this change, former wife Carmina and her husband Zoren Legaspi just never batted an eyelash to wish him luck and his endeavors proving that they are clearly friends now and over the issues. I don't know what he'll do next but since he has trained modeling in New York then most probably it has something to do with his next role and teleserye in GMA/ABS CBN.

His interview in a GMA showbiz oriented show called STARTALK was very candid..

Joey de Leon asks the Question everyone wants to ask him:

Has he undergone a sex change operation?

Rustom says "I'd rather not comment about it sa mga panahon na ito," he said. "So, I hope napagbibigyan nyo ako doon."

Is he (Bebe) willing to undergo a sex change operation?

That's a very hard decision, so I'd rather not talk about it; "I'm in the middle of everything."
(maybe hormonal treatment huh?! ^_^)

Did he decline to have it done on him?

he says "No comment"

Lolit Solis bluntly asked, "Bakit Bebe? Parang bibi na gansa!?" (bibi is duck in Filipino)

Bebe laughed about it and said, My full name is Binibining Gandanghari. So, my nickname is Bebe. (Binibini is Miss in Filipino)

Joey interjected agains and said Bakit Gandanghari, Bebe? Bakit hindi Dalawanghari or Isanghari? Or bakit hindi Gandangreyna?

"I was born with it," he/she said lolz!



Goodluck Gay Guy! ^_^

Halloween Costumes Early On!

We start waxing philosophical on how elusive happiness seems to be for most, while it comes so naturally to others. Sometimes we make mistakes; thinking that our happiness depends on other people when the real happiness we were looking for only begins with ourselves.

In 2007, we celebrated our company Christmas party in the outskirts of Manila. I was amused a little because our theme was Hollywood movies. Consequently, our assigned film was Star Wars. I was so excited because it was my first time to dress up like this guy here.

That's Ana kin Sky Walker of the Star Wars trilogy; and having the same picture as an inspiration was grand! I mean hey, not only did I get to play along but I had the chance to re-live my favorite character in the movie. But don't get me wrong, I was not there to win the prizes meant for the one with the "coolest costume". I just liked dressing up like kids ha-ha.

It took about a week to fix my costume which I had custom made at my Uncle's garments factory. I arrived at the event together with my compatriots in team SAT Hawks at that time. We were not as adventurous as those in a Biker costume, but everyone looked like we were in a different era; because we all were carrying the costumes so well. I was happy no one killed joy at that time and participated dressing up for the occasion. It was nice to see my office mates look weird every once in a while because we practically spent so much staying geeks fixing IT devices the whole time.

I did not win anything that night but the sheer enjoyment of having my friends an office mates around was better than any award that I'll gladly take. The next time I join things like that and I get serious about the costumes, I'll find excellent ones that are available online at http://www.costumecauldron.com. It's cost efficient and easier, so why should we stop celebrating Halloween right?

Red Cross/Red Crescent Still Staying In Mindanao

International Committee of the Red Cross, shows pictures of kidnapped ICRC workers
Photo by CTV.CA

This has been the latest statement coming from the Philippine National Red Cross in the eve of captivity by the dreaded kidnap for ransom terror group Abu Sayyaf. Red Cross is STAYING in Mindanao.

Our family has fallen victim with the same group in the last quarter of 2008 when my Aunt Milet Mendoza that works for an NGO who takes care of war stricken victims was kidnapped by the same. I hate them for making a living out of this. Now, even the more innocent, neutral Red Cross representatives were kidnapped by the same group. I am just appalled together with the entire community because all they wanted to do was help. Now their lives are all in danger. Not only that, but the projects that they have spearheaded are all stopped because these bandits made a score again for kidnapping these foreigners. In an earlier interview, the first one even said that he was not afraid of getting kidnapped because he knows that they are only doing charity work and education in that region of southern Philippines. Little did they know that these men know no laws; even the laws of humanity.

I don't even know if anything would be an effective deterrent to the activities of this group. I couldn't suggest ethnic cleansing because killing them all would just make us as worst as they are. I hope God provides them safety in their unending dillema in Mindanao. Weather it's Andreas Notter, 38, of Switzerland; Eugenio Vagni, 62, of Italy; and Mary Jean Lacaba, 37, of the Philippines; they deserve their freedom, they have a lot of hooligans that should be put to jail and starting to kidnap the kidnapper's families maybe one way of flushing them out. I wish they all are fine. May God and Allah have mercy on their soul!

Russia and Ukraine Reach Gas Deal

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, greets the Ukrainian Prime Minister who is in Moscow for talks aimed at restoring Russian natural gas supplies to Europe
Photo by Associated Press

With the millions of people suffering the coldest nights ever recorded in Europe, this is the agreement they have been waiting for. Amidst the charges pitted against each other, Russia and Ukraine had agreed to resume natural gas supplies as soon as possible. A welcome gesture from both sides play an optimistic role in the high tensioned countries in this side of the globe. The Prime Minister from Ukraine would be working on the papers set in this day's agreement so that the pipelines would now get fixed free from stealing parties in their side and a rate that is similar to one charged to them previously. This large 11-day halt in deliveries of gas piped across Ukraine had many families suffering from hypothermia. The hardships getting wood and fuel to temporarily ease their needs that only Russia are endless; and they are clamoring help from neighboring countries that can force the European Union to take actions. After signing on an agreement this Monday, analysts predict a slow turn of events for Ukraine because Russia's side are still not working on getting their people back for resumption of work. I hope everyone takes a look at this because poor countries mostly in Eastern Europe only have natural gas used for their heaters. This is a necessity for every household and no one is getting help yet so making sure everything's back to normal is highly needed. Europe gets about 20 percent of its gas needs from Russia via Ukraine's sprawling pipeline network, but Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria and Slovakia are totally dependent on Russian gas. They and the businesses in their country are rationing the power already. This is hurting their economy and the people too much.

We all know now how we should start saving energy because in the long run this will run out. Japan and the US are harnessing renewable forms of energy and are now keeping their yards green with nature loving vehicles. Home owners also are practicing ways to protect the environment by using less toxic FREON based air conditioning units. Heaters have been extremely more efficient now as they are introduced in the market with various features. They can even now place heaters that only concentrate on certain areas of the house rather than everywhere which would cost anybody’s electric bill skyrocket. Good thing the best space heater saves you a lots of money and provides you with the same ecologically friendly solution that anyone needs now. Need I say anything more nature lovers?

Tired but I'm Okay Today

What a tiring day... I've been walking painfully in my white boots again and strutted around a few malls in the QC area. I went out with friends from college which I'll be blogging about as soon as I get the pictures uploaded and boy it was so tiring. I did not even get that much sleep so I'm ailing while in the office. But I was happy... =)

I'm starting my day with tons of reports and make that a priority. I'm about to finish it actually so after that I'm gonna stick to focusing on my project. I can't leave it like other things here.

I bought a new bag too from AIRWALK ^_^ weeee! well I liked that bag since time in memorial so I just bought it today. Maybe I'll be using this soon... in a few places that I plan to go to with my wifey... I think I wanna get married soon.. I just think... I don't do yet hehehe... but that will be easy come crunch time. Maybe I'll shock everybody else ^_^

Just like anybody... I need to get some sleep...maybe tommorow... I just cant do it now because I'm still at work....

Health Matters

Health care has been a phenomenal subject that spelled presidential candidates in the US. You all know where Hillary Clinton in the primaries of the Democratic Nominations went to and won the debates. Now that the President elect is now THE PRESIDENT of the US, its about high time now that they take care of the middle and working class. Like the promises that they made to every senior citizen and veterans that attended their rallies, they should do it now.

Getting everybody into the proper health care system would be beneficial to the country's workforce. If you have them taken cared of, there would be no problems whatsoever with recovering in the financial crisis. They now learn to invest more in people rather than putting funds into volatile pockets of executives who started this mess in the first place.You should start by going out that door and getting quotes for you and your family. People in Las Vegas who usually play along the glistening lights of the desert should go grab their own Vegas Health Insurance Quote. Health is indeed wealth as everbody knows in the state of Nevada. That's why they knew who to vote because of the right principles of their candidate. Aren't you glad you have your family safe at home? We should stick with Aetna, Anthem, Humana, United Healthcare / United Health One and they provide them all in one place. Call 702-448-3664 because that's one of more reasons to get health insurance from http://www.quotefinder.org.

The End to my ASUS X80N Nightmare

This is the first article that I'm writing in my new laptop computer. Thanks to my good friend MC for getting me this great deal. I had so many things in mind one day and I had extra money to buy myself a gift. I was choosing between purchasing a laptop computer and getting myself a Nikon Professional Camera. When I was thinking at that time, the opportunity just popped up in my phone. Was it fate? was it destiny? That is the question.

I was throwing myself in between purchasing a fancy one (which would probably be in a different color or shape) or maybe POWER with the classic black that everybody else has. As you can see I conformed to the normal people and maybe I'd regret this soon... but you know, I don't think I'll have problems like that soon.

I got this laptop yesterday and consequently I only had about an hour of sleep because of the logistics that went into purchasing this selfish gift. The deal was, it was not working right at first. Good thing another friend RJ stopped by and helped formatting the laptop since I didn't have software to do it myself when I could. It was impossible to squeeze in the effort for me to do that since I had tons of work at the office; and blogging has taken me a lil busy too. But that part was enjoyable. I didn't know I'd be having nightmares the day after. There was this annoying error in the Device Manager that haunted us for a few hours yesterday. The card was unrecognizable because it was denoted as an unknown device. I downloaded every damn driver there was at ASUS'S technical support site with that X80N model but as sure as everyone else, it did not work at all. If I wasn't too techie or bright I wouldn't have read and googled other blogs. One particular site of a young lady who had the same laptop that I had EXACTLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. So I did read her article and checked what she did differently that I didn't probably do. Good thing she was recommending one thing that was different in the ASUS knowledge base... she tried on an A8N driver model. WHAT?! All the hours and all the hardship I went through was all because ASUS did not indicate I had to use drivers of a different model! O_O Imagine that lip service they have all over their website. Now after all that nightmare, my laptop's working great. Thanks to http://pusangkalye.com/ I owe her BIGTIME! Thanks to RJAY too he did a lot! ^_^ Thank God for friends! ^_^