:: Laila's Weblog - A Journey Through Life ::

Endless Love II Update

2004-01-18T20:16:00.000+08:00

Due to couple of mails I received from Endless Love II - Winter Sonata fanatics, I decided to separate a blog for it and have created a photoblog yesterday entitled A Winter Sonata Collection. I still have to edit its templates and resolve some code issues as it conflicts with my other blog (I think).

Here is the link and hope you will be patient enough and don't flood me with complaints if some files are not working properly. Just try to refresh/reload the page and if things didn't work, then let me know what page is not working, ok?

For now, enjoy and have fun....

Will try blogging to my new domain...

2003-12-26T23:17:00.000+08:00

Thank you very much for your continued support and interest in reading this blog. And, because of that, I am happy to inform you that effective today, ladylaila.net/blog/ will be my official blog site and will integrate my Yahoo! Geocities home page to my new domain, ladylaila.net...

I hope ploghost server will not shut down again like before... if things didn't work out in my new site, I will still blog here to record my thoughts so that they will not slip away.

On the other side, are you mentally, financially and emotioanlly ready by 2004? Whether you're ready or not, I am wishing you all a GREAT AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Connection Error Access Denied

2003-12-25T23:19:00.000+08:00

I am not supposed to blog here but since ploghost server shuts down 2 days ago, something went wrong with movable type mt-cgi. I couldn't access MT Editor when running mt-load.cgi, I had an error message that says: "Got an error: Connection error: Access denied for user: 'username@localhost' (Using password: YES)" message and I first sought assistance from Exodus and he advised me address the matter to the support forums for Movable Type.

Few hours later, Girlie sent me a private message that they moved my bug report to MySQL forum, as the access problem was not a bug. It's good that Abe came online at Yahoo! and he's now checking cpanel for me with the link provided in Girlie's message, I hope he will resolve it the soonest possible time.

Ah! I'd though earlier that blogging was the easiest way of creating web pages, now, as I go deeper into understanding the blog tools, plugins and resources, the more I realized that I am still a newbie.

2003-12-24T21:48:00.000+08:00

Christmas Vacation Is ON

2003-12-23T21:30:00.000+08:00

It's now Christmas vacation for millions of students here in the Philippines YET it will be a sad Christmas for thousands of families in Leyte, mourning for the loss of their loved ones, livestocks, and properties.

Nature tolled once again after the recent Cherry Hill tragedy, it's another wake up call for more attention from the government at the expense of precious lives of the people of Leyte. It's very painful that in this Holiday Season, instead of rejoicing, survivors are in pain, suffering, homeless and mourning.

Hardest-hit village may be turned into cemetery

The damage has been done. Everyone is finger-pointing again who's responsible. Yet, the situattion needs long-term ecological solution. Something must be done, otherwise, their fate might happen to us as well. It's just a matter of time...

My sincere prayers and sympathy to those survivors and may all those victims' souls rest in peace!

FOR YOUR DONATIONS, contact ABS-CBN Foundation NOW!

www.ladylaila.net

2003-12-22T21:16:00.000+08:00

After I successfully moved all my Yahoo! Geocities files to ploghost server, all pages were VALID XHTML 1.0 with W3C Validator except my blog entries.

More movable type features are waiting to be explored! Unfortunately, server is always down due to unknown reason and Abe is checking out reasons behind accessibility problems of domain ladylaila.net.

Please accept my apology for the inconvenience. Please check out my new site for newer entries from time to time. Thank you...

Migrating To My First Owned Domain

2003-12-21T21:56:00.000+08:00

I had been busy these past few days trying to install MT on server and how to configure a movable type template and stylesheet. My first entry has been posted at www.ladylaila.net/blog/.

Looks like it's working... my next concern was how-to-export my previous BlogSpot entries.

Voila! After many hours of browsing and finding for some answers, my BlogSpot previous entries were successfully exported to the new site! Many thanks to Exodus, for his prompt reply to my problem and I recommend his site at http://king-of-fools.com whenever there is a need for further detailed instructions not available in movabletype user manual. Thank you, The King!!!

My appreciation goes to Shareef as well, who sponsors ladylaila.net. And to all my silent mentors who contributed in the advancement of my blogging skills, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Wishing You All Great Holiday Experience!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Wish I Could Run For President... Part V

2003-12-20T20:20:00.000+08:00

A carpenter and a taxi driver were among the thirteen (13) first day filers who filed for certificate of candidacy (COC) for President showed up on December 16 at Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila. Eddie C. Gil, the only one among the 13 presidential candidates has political party and the rest are running as independent candidates.

Called obscure candidates, Rigoberto Madera listed himself as a "messiah", 6-star general, and Ace Diamond Commander-in-Chief on Earth and said to unite the people. German Tupas Valladare would be running under the slogan, "Money for You, for Me, for Everyone." Heiress to the Sultanate of Sulu, Princess Soraya Sultan Julaspi Macarambon Kiram Rasheed, declared her candidacy on the 18th and promised to free the nation from economic stagnation and restore dignity to every Filipino, whether Muslim, Christian, or non-believer.

You see, I am not alone in this country who is wishing to run for President! Whatever the motives of these people are for running, I believe it's the calling to change the current administration prompted them to move forward and declared their interest to initiate changes. Filing for candidacy is extended until January 2nd where top opposition candidates are expected to file their COC at the last minute, including PGMA.

Looking closer to these candidates on the other hand, I didn't like to think that some invisible hands intentionally sent them to Comelec to cast a big JOKE. Just like any ordinary Juan dela Cruz who is applying for a simple job or position, it is not enough that he submits his BIO-DATA. Juan must also be physically and mentally healthy, and passed medical examination and get himself an NBI or police clearance, have a Barangay Clearance and residence certificate, before he can be qualified for screening and interview. The president and vice president positions are sensitive positions and should be given respect not only by the public but, the government officials as well. Is COMELEC doing fairly their duties?

OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES Article IX: ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES AND CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY

Meanwhile, as weeks passed by, more and more political news are being covered each day. With my poor memory, I find it useful to collect news headliners in my blog. At the end of the day, you will realize that in politics, there is no permanent friend nor enemy:

The Firm Update

2003-12-19T12:29:00.000+08:00

I already finished four weeks of doing the firm aerobic workout yesterday and I weigh 146 lbs, shed off 2 lbs! If I had taken my diet seriously, I'll probably lose between 5-10 lbs off my 148 previous weight. Nevertheless, the fact that I feel good and stronger matter most to me...

Speaking of (feeling good or) looking good, I have read today's Manila Bulletin Special Supplement on Well Being (page 14), which was written by Dr. Vicki Belo herself entitled "THE BELO CHRISTMAS CATALOG." On the upper right corner of the page, it says:

"Dr. Victoria Belo is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. She received her Diploma in Dermatology, Bangkok, Thailand. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery. Dr. Belo's expertise extends into the use of skin lasers after she underwent training of varicose veins and the latest techniques in skin rejuvenation and scar revisions.. etc."

Without going through all the articles, I went online and checked out the previous news at inq7 about possible surgical malpractices by Beauty Clinics and Salons, should proposed House Bill 5037 by the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) be approved by the Congress, many clinics will have to close down. I earlier read "Is Belo qualified to perform cosmetic surgeries?" written by Carmela Fonbuena, Inquirer Newsbreak Researcher. I also found a similar article online which was written by Mark Allen Sison: "Regulating cosmetic and plastic surgery practice" for Sun Star Pampanga:

A BILL seeking to regulate the practice of surgical and cosmetic dermatology was approved by the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation chaired by Representative Eladio Jala (3rd District, Bohol). Authored by Rep. Prospero Nograles (1st District, Davao City), House Bill 5037 is aimed at protecting the public from any injury or danger arising from incorrect dermatological procedures or faulty plastic surgery.

In fairness with Dr. Belo (Belo Medical Group), who is known as Doctor of the Stars, I believe she's a victim of some kind of 'trade jealousy practice' (or whatever term you call it) among her fellow aesthetic surgeons.

WISHLIST: Site Sponsor!

2003-12-17T23:25:00.000+08:00

I had been real busy lately understanding movable type version 2.64 powered by Six Apart publishing system created by Ben and Mena G. Trott, the people behind TypePad's personal weblogging service and Movable Type. This Movable Type has been nominated Best Practices Category in the 2003 Webby Awards.

Since Abe Olandres of plogHost reserved and registered ladylaila.net 4 days ago, I am looking for a sponsor for my new site. Inquiries are welcome before end of this month.

Ladylaila.net is a personal site that will integrate my blogspot and yahoo website AND will not accept pornographic links. Interested party may contact me for further details.

Hardcore movable type users are also welcome for tips and guidance.

Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass)

2003-12-15T22:02:00.000+08:00

Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) or Misa de Aguinaldo (Gift Mass), a treasured Filipino tradition, will start tomorrow, December 16 at 4:00 o'clock in the morning, a uniquely Filipino custom dating back nearly 439 years ago, back to the time when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi celebrated the first feast of the Nativitiy in 1565 in the archipelago.

Since then, the Philippines has celebrated the longest Christmas season in the world - from Dec. 16th until Jan. 6th, the Feast of the Three Kings. It begins with nine dawn masses (novena) which will start tomorrow, for nine consecutive nights, before the final midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (Misa de Gallo), after which, families partake of a hearty post-midnight meal called noche buena, which includes the queso de bola (literally "ball of cheese") and hamon (Christmas ham).

After hearing the dawn mass, Simbang Gabi is not complete without native delicacies, like 'bibingka' (rice cake), puto bumbong (finger-shaped violet-colored glutinous rice steamed in small bamboo tubes attached to a steamer), and a nice 'painit' of hot thick cocoa or coffee. I love castañas, by the way...

Christmas 2003 may not be as lavish and elegant as last year but, there's so many things to thank God for for all the blessings and for all our loved ones' good health and happiness, and the most important thing of all, it would be wonderful if all our loved ones will be together this Christmas.

Maligayang Pasko Sa Inyong Lahat (Merry Christmas to all)...

PLEASE READ:

With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers

2003-12-15T20:44:00.000+08:00

With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to the bereaved family, relatives and friends of BLAS FAJARDO OPLE who died of a heart attack in Taipei yesterday morning, December 14, 2003, while en route to Bahrain for the state visit of PGMA.

KA BLAS, 76, was the Secretary of Foreign Affairs; former Senate President; former member, 1987 Constitutional Commission; President, 60th International Labor Organization Conference; former Secretary of Labor; Writer; Newspaperman; and the World War II Veteran.

I admired and respected this man, one of the best respected leaders the Philippines ever had.

Saddam Captured!

2003-12-14T22:13:00.000+08:00

CNN BREAKING NEWS: U.S. officials confirm former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein captured. Watch CNN for live coverage.

When I logged on to CNN website, the headline news was: U.S.: 'We got him' and I had thought, the dictator Saddam realized by now that the Father and Son were his karma! But, I feel a terrible pain for the Iraqi people, why they all must suffer because of him, it isn't fair... wish God will do something real soon, not only for the Iraqi people but for the whole world, in general!

Wish I Could Run For President... Part IV

2003-12-13T20:35:00.000+08:00

“Stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

I secretly admired former Finance Secretary, Jose Isidro Camacho, when he quits his job before speaking against the administration he's serving. "Change the political system. The leaders, too." These were suggestions from Jose Isidro Camacho at a testimonial luncheon hosted for him Thursday by five business groups, "We need to change our political leaders and bring back credibility, trust and sympathy and people who believe in who are leading them."

I agree with Camacho when he said that the government has lost the ability to shape our future, was beset by corruption, bureaucratic red tape AND has a peace and order problem BUT, I do not agree when he said that our country's current political system was inappropriate to move the country forward. I smell something fishy? It would be more appropriate if he suggested that all public servants, including politicians, government employees and even the police force should review their office jobs and agencies' functions. I believe if they fully understood their jobs well, this country has a chance to prosper...

Perhaps, what we really need from the government are officials who have patriotic hearts who will perform their duties well as public servants. Our main problem is not really the corruption itself BUT, lack of concern for the welfare of this country. Anyone who corrupts and pocketed government funds contributed to the indebtedness of every Filipino, including those unborn children of our great grandchildren. Cast the first stone...

Misleading news abound, politicians' and presidential aspirants' daily activities are being monitored. Obviously, news articles are enough to differentiate opportunism from patriotism:

2004 National Poll is less than five months away but the heat is now on. Have you noticed that garbage collections are now being done at least three times a week? Political season has its advantages and disadvantages...

CHEAP Filipino-owned web hosting service

2003-12-13T17:24:00.000+08:00

While reading A Sassy Lawyer in Philippine Suburbia blog, I accidentally discovered that her blog is powered by plogHost, a Philippine-based, Filipino-owned web hosting service that offers affordable and flexible terms. When I checked out plogHost's webhosting plans, for as low as PhP75.00 (US$ 1.36) a month, I could have 75 MB webspace, 500 MB bandwidth, unlimited email, unlimited subdomain, support for PHP, mySQL, Perl, Frontpage Exts. PLUS additional of PhP600 (US$11.00) for a one-time domain registration for a year. PlogHost Domain registration is charged on a yearly basis while ccTLD (.ph) are charged for 2 years at $70.

This is too good to be true but, this is an answered prayer - to host my blog and images to a permanent server - and my wish to shift to Movable Type will come to reality real soon. In fairness with Blogger, build on the popular XML-RPC communication protocol, I find its Interface user-friendly, not only because it's FREE but, it takes a mouse click only to re-publish all of my blog entries at once. I am not aware if this feature is possible with MT? I will soon find out about this... ah! Mother never told me there will be days like these...

Abe Olandres, one of the incorporators of PlogHost accomodated my inquiry and I already registered with their webhosting service and placed my order to register ladylaila.net which will soon integrate my blogspot and geocities homepage. Demand for more control of my site prompted me to do this...

My BlogRoll Favorites are increasing each day and I hope to find time to review them all and rearranged them based on their blog type. For the meantime, please check out my neighbors on metaspace.

2003 Miss World Winners

2003-12-12T22:49:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Miss Philippines-World, Maria Rafaela "Mafae" Yunon, for winning top 5th place from among the 109 gorgeous contestants competing for the 2003 Miss World Title in China, covered "live" by Star World (Channel 25 on SkyCable). FULL STORY

Miss Ireland, Rosanna Davison, wins the title as Miss World 2003.
Miss Canada, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, First Runner-up.
Miss China, Qi Guan, Second Runner-up.
Miss India, Ami Vashi, Third Runner-up.
Miss Philippines, Maria Rafaela "Mafae" Yunon, Fourth Runner-up.

W3C MarkUp Validation Service Challenge

2003-12-12T22:01:00.000+08:00

This W3C MarkUp Validation Service is a big challenge on my part. Wish I could lessen the errors on this page. It's very unfortunate that after corrections were made, this blog is not a valid RSS (again).

Template modification is inevitable... I am not giving up!

I received e-mail from Betsy Devine c/o Feedster User Support RE my RSS problem:

"Hi -- Scott asked me to look at your page and see if I can help you get valid RSS. I found two problems, one of which you can easily fix--the feed validator doesn't like the ntilde you used in this phrase: “Lacson scores Malacañang over ‘La(x)son’ stickers” The other problem is that the feed labels your posting times as pubdate where it should say pubDate. I have asked Scott to fix this for you and I am sure you'll soon have the RSS you want. Best wishes with your site!"

Thank you very much, Scott, for Betsy's visit on my site...

Endless Love II - Winter Sonata

2003-12-11T18:36:00.000+08:00

I have created a new site for
Endless Love II - WINTER SONATA
it's a PhotoBlog for those fanatics (like me).

Sony Ericsson P900 Update

2003-12-10T23:42:00.000+08:00

Sony Ericsson P900 is out in the market since mid November here in the Philippines and when I called Hello Telecom, I was told that today is Rupert's day-off. He's the one patiently accomodating my phone inquiries. Nevertheless, my curiosity about P900's selling price made me disappointed only upon hearing from the sales clerk that it's current tag price is PhP 43,000 (about US$780.00)! With that amount, I can buy a new computer with a one-year broadband internet subscription.

Last November 15, I blogged P900 as my wishlist item for this year YET as Third Generation (3G) Mobile Technology will be introduced here next year, I must keep myself away from the thought of buying this P900, so what if it is a PDA, a videocam and MP3 player? With it's current tag price, I better upgrade my PC to laptop...

By the way, no matter what I do, I cannot access my Blogger Template today. Something's messed up in my Netscape browser and I could only blog using Firebird. Explorer browser is too slow, I had no patience to wait 'til the page is loaded.

Desiring RSS Syndication

2003-12-09T22:51:00.000+08:00

Can't figured out how-to-RSS this site and I had been wondering how can I syndicate this blog other than upgrading to Blogger PRO. I sent couple of e-mails to techie bloggers and I hope they would respond positively.

I am done with the first step with Syndic8: All About Feed Metadata:

Finally, I was able to fix my problem with the help of Mikel Maron. He asked me to try Feedster to RSS my blog and when things didn't worked out, he advised me to validate it at FeedValidator.

This blog is a valid RSS and I'd like to thank Mikel for guiding me through.

J. Scott Johnson, Co-Founder of Feedster, e-mailed me back: "The problem is that you have specified an incorrect entity code that isn't supported in XML. The code you have specified is ñ. If you fix that then you won't have the entity error."

"Note: Feedster doesn't care about the entity error so you don't have to fix it on our behalf."

Uhmmmm.... to know the extent of my page's errors, I XHTML validated it with W3C MarkUp Validation Service and it detected 72 errors! Errors are sometimes caused by URL or image links and they should properly coded based on xhtml 1.0 compliance.

I have tearful eyes right now, too sleepy to correct it this time. Need to wait another day to do it. I actually sneaked only in editing my blog while washing my son's uniform. Now that I am done, I'll leave the rest for tomorrow.

MESSAGE POSTED AT PHILSTAR

2003-12-08T19:36:00.000+08:00

QUESTION: Should Ping Lacson give way to FPJ's presidential aspirations and be his running mate in 2004?

MESSAGE I POSTED: YES. Although I believe in Lacson, he does not have the popular support he needs to succeed as the President of this country WHILE many Filipinos believe that FPJ is an ideal man to lead this country AND that he should run to save and unite its people. This way, both these gentlemen will sacrifice for the good of this country: Lacson to give way to FPJ's presidential bid and FPJ to leave behind his peaceful and private life as requested by many Filipinos who are looking forward to have a clean and honest president. Let's join our hands to change the current administration and eliminate the trapos who are currently in the service since the popular EDSA Revolt in 1986.

NOTE: This opinion will still change prior to latest political developments.

Extended Birthday Celebration

2003-12-07T23:07:00.000+08:00

My daughter had a small birthday celebration yesterday with her friends here at home but, her former schoolmates in Jesu-Mariae visited her today and they made an extended birthday party for her. Since we had financial difficulties, she tried to stay away from friends and prefers to stay home. Yet, her friends love her so much that they gathered together and gave her a surprise visit this evening. It's party time once again!

My house is open to all of my children's friends and I never scolded my kids nor distrust them, especially with their activities outside our home. I trusted them so much that they knew what is at stake should they made a mistake, it might cost their future!

When I was at their age, my chinese relatives never allowed us to accept friends and schoolmates at home. We lived in a very big compound in Quezon City and all the relatives were there. Each time I arrived home late for about 10-15 minutes, they scolded me as if I committed a crime. My aunt would then reminded me how my father was so stubborn in his younger years not to follow family rules and because of that, we should be well-guided and well-disciplined not to repeat the same fate of my father. It was a sad part of my life, I never enjoyed my teen-age life. Then, I was married to a man I didn't love, just because I had to ran away from my father who wanted me to marry a chinese businessman, 9 months after I graduated from high school. The biological father of my children was just a friend - I do not even know what love means at that time - but, because I had lost my virginity to him, I had to face the consequences. At the age of 18, I was living independently, had three lovely kids at the age of 23 and had been a single parent at 24!

My children deserve a better life. I believe if they grow up with love and devotion, they would do the same when they raise their own kids. And, while my daughter is enjoying partying with her friends, I feel good they didn't experienced what I had been through... c'est la vie!

Remind Us: Why did the United States invade Iraq?

2003-12-07T19:25:00.000+08:00

Remind Us: Why did the United States invade Iraq?

Wish I Could Run For President... Part III

2003-12-06T18:42:00.000+08:00

It's political season once again and trapos are realigning members with familiar faces and the same political interests and agenda prior to upcoming May 10 2004 National Poll while Juan dela Cruz and the like are feasting on everyday news drama and political dirty strategies in eliminating strong opponent out of the electoral race. The majority of Filipinos are in search of a unifying president for 2004 to lead this sick and troubled country and to unite its people. Sad to say, PGMA is the least favorite and if she has delicadeza, she should step down and concentrate with her campaign, distance herself from using government funds and let the dynamic duo, FG Miguel "Mike" Arroyo a.k.a. Jose Pidal and Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo, tell the Filipino people the truth behind accusations of Eugenio Mahusay once and for all. Call for RECONCILIATION is not possible if PGMA administration is not transparent to the Filipino people...

"Some of you may encounter the Devil's Bargain, if you get that far. Any old soul is worth saving, at least to a priest, but not every soul is worth buying. So you can take the offer as a compliment."

- William S. Burroughs

MAYBE IF we know how to read between the lines, the answers lie in the news we heard and watched everyday BUT we seemed careless and busy with our own lives. IF we want to see a great leader, perhaps the change should come from within us... if we are as corrupt as they are, this country is going to nowhere!

And, to Madame CORAZON AQUINO, your days as Philippine president was over since 1992, STOP YELLOW CRUSADING. The people behind your cause are believed raking billions of pesos in tax scams, behest loans AND maladministration and diversion of government agencies' resources to private firms. Maybe, just maybe... if you can prove WHO'S THE MASTERMIND behind the assassination of your husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino (Peace be upon him!), that's the biggest achievement, I believe, you can give to the entire Filipino people. We had enough of KRIS, please do not disappoint us furthermore...

THREAT OF ANARCHY IS RISING. LET'S THINK AND WATCH CAREFULLY THOSE FAMILIAR FACES SINCE EDSA REVOLT IN 1986:

Man auctions kidney on eBay to help disabled daughter

2003-12-06T17:18:00.000+08:00

LONDON -- A British father, Peter Randall, 49, is auctioning one of his kidneys over the Internet to fund pioneering treatment he hopes to earn 100,000 pounds (173,000 dollars, 143,000 euros) from the sale, will allow his disabled six-year-old daughter, Alice (suffers from cerebral palsy), and wants her to walk, a London newspaper reported. READ MORE

Although I respect Peter Randall about his motive, I am not sure if he's aware that his kidney cost a house in Ayala Alabang and a brand new SUV. Acquiring kidney here in the Philippines from poor donors will cost anyone from US$1,500 to $3,000 only. With the amount of US$173,000, recipient could have about 69 kidneys at the price of US$2,500 each. Anyway, may God bless him for the sake of his daughter's welfare...

Selling organs is illegal in different parts of the world.

TODAY IS MY DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY!

2003-12-05T22:13:00.000+08:00

Today is my daughter's birthday, and here's today's words of wisdom for you: "To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living." -- Henri Frederic Amiel

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETY!

I had slight fever and terrible headache the whole day. Thanks to Advil, I am back sitting infront of my PC late this evening. I find this Customized Pizza Order conversation a bit funny, so I'd thought of posting this here in my blog - this was originally posted at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arizona_humor/.

Customized Pizza Order

Operator: "Thank you for calling Pizza Hut. How May I serve you..."

Customer: "Hi, I'd like to order."

Operator: "May I have your NIDN first, sir?"

Customer: "My National ID Number, yeah, hold on, eh, it's 6102049998-45-54610."

Operator: "Thank you, Mr. Sheehan. I see you live at 1742 Meadowland Drive, and the phone number's 494-2366. Your office number over at Lincoln Insurance is 745-2302 and your cell number's 266-2566. Which number are you calling from, sir?"

Customer: "Huh? I'm at home. Where d'ya get all this information?"

Operator: "We're wired into the system, sir."

Customer: (Sighs) "Oh, well, I'd like to order a couple of your All-Meat Special pizzas..."

Operator: "I don't think that's a good idea, sir."

Customer: "Whaddya mean?"

Operator: "Sir, your medical records indicate that you've got very high blood pressure and extremely high cholesterol. Your National Health Care provider won't allow such an unhealthy choice."

Customer: "Damn. What do you recommend, then?"

Operator: "You might try our low-fat Soybean Yogurt Pizza. I'm sure you'll like it"

Customer: "What makes you think I'd like something like that?"

Operator: "Well, you checked out 'Gourmet Soybean Recipes' from your local library last week, sir. That's why I made the suggestion."

Customer: "All right, all right. Give me two family sized ones, then. What's the damage?"

Operator: "That should be plenty for you, your wife and your four kids, sir. The 'damage,' as you put it, heh, heh, comes $49.99."

Customer: "Lemme give you my credit card number."

Operator: "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid you'll have to pay in cash. Your credit card balance is over its limit."

Customer: "I'll run over to the ATM and get some cash before your driver gets here."

Operator: "That won't work either, sir. Your checking account's overdrawn."

Customer: "Never mind. Just send the pizzas. I'll have the cash ready. How long will it take?"

Operator: "We're running a little behind, sir. It'll be about 45 minutes, sir. If you're in a hurry you might want to pick 'em up while you're out getting the cash, but carrying pizzas on a motorcycle can be a little awkward."

Customer: "How the hell do you know I'm riding a bike?"

Operator: "It says here you're in arrears on your car payments, so your car got repo'ed. But your Harley's paid up, so I just assumed that you'd be using it."

Customer: "@#%/$@&?#!"

Operator: "I'd advise watching your language, sir. You've already got a July 2006 conviction for cussing out a cop."

Customer: (Speechless)

Operator: "Will there be anything else, sir?"

Customer: "No, nothing. oh, yeah, don't forget the two free liters of Coke your ad says I get with the pizzas."

Operator: "I'm sorry sir, but our advert's exclusionary clause prevents us from offering free soda to diabetics."

Windows ATMs

2003-12-05T18:46:00.000+08:00

COMPUTERWORLD ( IDG NEWS SERVICE ) - Last week's revelation by Diebold Inc. that its automated teller machines (ATM) operated by two financial services customers were struck by the W32/Nachi worm, also called Blaster-D and Welchia, raises the specter of even wider disruptions from virus and worm outbreaks and highlights a growing security concern that cash machines running Windows XP and interacting with other Windows systems are vulnerable to attack. Story by Paul Roberts

The Firm Update

2003-12-04T21:44:00.000+08:00

As I weighed in today, I was disappointed to find out I am back at 147 lbs while two days back, I weighed about 145 lbs only. But, in general, I feel good and stronger after I completed 2 weeks today of doing The Firm aerobic workout.

If things didn't improve as expected, I might try an absolute fasting for 3-5 days, in order to achieve my target weight loss for this month. Oh! I need Divine Guidance to succeed -- tomorrow is my daughter's birthday and, there's actually a lot to celebrate this month. My nephew called and he will have a birthday party on Sunday and he's expecting us to attend.
How can I skip from eating is something I must carefully plan. To lose weight, I must eat once a day only and if I cannot hold myself, two meals will just maintain my current weight. And worst, if I went further, that would add some pounds.

I better keep my fingers crossed. Wish me luck and pray for me that I will succeed. I deserve a great body by 2004!!!

"The beginning of a habit is like an invisible thread, but every time we repeat the act we strengthen the strand, add to it another filament, until it becomes a great cable and binds us irrevocably thought and act."
--- Orison Swett Marden
[1850-1924 Founder of Success Magazine]

A Letter From PayPal Customer Service

2003-12-03T21:36:00.000+08:00

Thank you for writing with your concern.

Unfortunately, we are not yet providing services in the country in which you reside. Establishing our service in each new country involves complex changes due to different regulations in each country. We are working hard and look forward to expanding our services to additional countries in the future.

At this time, membership is available to residents of the following countries:

*Anguilla *Argentina *Australia *Austria *Belgium *Brazil *Canada *Chile *China *Costa Rica *Denmark *Dominican Republic *Finland *France *Germany *Greece *Hong Kong *Iceland *India *Ireland *Israel *Italy *Jamaica *Japan *Luxembourg *Mexico *Netherlands *New Zealand *Norway *Portugal *Singapore *South Korea *Spain *Sweden *Switzerland * Taiwan *United Kingdom

Click https://www.paypal.com/intlavail or copy and paste the link into the address bar for more information on Non-U.S. availability.

We are committed to making your PayPal experiences pleasant and fulfilling.

Sincerely,
Lori
PayPal Customer Service
PayPal, an eBay Company

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOJO!

2003-12-02T19:50:00.000+08:00

Today is Jojo's 20th birthday, he's my nephew and second child of my sister Neth. There's no birthday celebration as everyone was busy. However, on the 5th of this month, my daughter will also celebrate her birthday. Guess how old is she...

I was disappointed when I found out that domain name registration and web hosting are too expensive in my country - it's a kind of extortion. To get myself a domain name here will cost me a fortune of P4,000 (US$72.00) and a monthly fee of P2,000 (US36.00)! This is incredibly shocking...

What made me more upset was when I checked out PayPal's website. They can accomodate account registrations only from people in 38 countries, and, sad to say, the Philippines is not on its list yet.

Today is FAMILY DAY and WORLD AIDS DAY

2003-12-01T17:16:00.000+08:00

PRESIDENTIAL Proclamation No. 58 issued on December 11, 1998, declared the first Monday of December as Family Day, or Father’s and Mother’s Day.

"We are one big family of people, trying to make our way through the unfolding puzzle of life. We are all connected to one another in the heart. Connecting with the ultimate source of love is possible through discovering the hidden power in your heart."
-- Sara Paddison, Hidden Power of the Heart

After my aerobic workout, I called and greeted my mother a Happy Family Day and she's sad that we couldn't visit her in Quezon City.

HAPPY FAMILY DAY TO ALL

Almond's Confession and Special Request

2003-11-30T23:25:00.000+08:00

Joseph Almond, a fellow blogspot blogger, recently posted a blog at fbinformant.blogspot.com and he mentioned disturbing issues - he needs help, preferably a gun, to end his life.

Written in e-mail format with subject line "Blogger needs a gun - pass it on ". It mentioned there that he was a private investigator since 1978, testified at an arson/murder trial 16 months ago and the perp was sent off to serve 45 years without possibility of parole. And, exactly one year after he testified, two men gunned him down, made him paralyzed from the upper waist down. Hopeless in his life, his wife abandoned him - took his credit cards and cleaned out their checking account. He attempted to commit suicide many times.

In his second e-mail with subject line, "Human chip implants coming - what to do?" He blogged that,

"I don't want to live. Not just because I can no longer walk, work and enjoy normal life... but because in my investigations I discovered a frightful plan to enslave mankind by 2006."

Whether he's telling the truth or not, you are invited to check out his blog. It has links to:

IRS WHISTLEBLOWER
RFID CHIP RESISTANCE
HUMAN IMPLANT CHIPS

See Related Site:

I didn't like to think that the issue PGMA is pushing for a single national ID system for all citizens despite legal obstacles and objections from human rights groups has RFID. This is very alarming...

See Related Site:

Should identity cards be introduced?

Gruesome Souvenir - Invasion of the BodySnatchers

2003-11-30T19:11:00.000+08:00

Want to travel to ever more exotic holiday destinations? Beware! You have to read BBC's News Health (25NOV2003) Article before planning for a vacation: Invasion of the Bodysnatchers

While Tanya Andrews was enjoying a family holiday in Costa Rica,
a mosquito had delivered a tiny botfly egg onto the surface of her scalp,
hatched into a maggot and burrowed deep inside her head.

Today is ANDRES BONIFACIO DAY

2003-11-30T18:11:00.000+08:00

ANDRES BONIFACIO, Founder of The Katipunan, was born to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro, a Spanish mestiza, in Tondo, Manila on November 30, 1863 and died on May 10, 1897 at the age of 33.

To remember Andres Bonifacio on his 140th birth anniversary is to rekindle in us his ideals - Liberty, Equality, and the Brotherhood of Men - a man of action, a great organizer, an indefatigable worker, and selfless Filipino who sacrificed his life to see his beloved Motherland freed from foreign domination. Source: Manila Bulletin Editorial

Blog Transferred Successfully!

2003-11-29T23:54:00.000+08:00

Finally, all my blog's images and archive files were completely backed up and uploaded successfully with the help of Jelyn Amores, tech support of info.com.ph. I had difficulty setting up Blogger FTP Publishing and I was lucky, Jelyn, guided me through.

Since yahoo advised me that they ONLY honor US credit cards like VISA, MASTERCARD and DISCOVERY, I had thought of downgrading Yahoo! PRO service to GeoCities Plus and keep my geocities.com/lady_laila site instead as my default homepage URL. I love to keep my Geocities Home page but Free account does not allow image loading to blogspot and other sites like Ryze and JournalSpace. Now, to those who bookmarked lady-laila.biz, kindly update its URL on or before December 5th, thank you!

Michael is the sponsor of lady-laila.biz domain name - thank you, Michael, for your generosity! I hope, someday, Yahoo! GeoCities will consider accepting payments through PayPal.

B2C works: Yehey! reports
Top Philippine Internet portal and online community Yehey! reported a 100 percent increase in user base and merchant affiliates since launching its PayPlus+.

PayPlus+ is a web-based payment gateway that allows users to make online purchases using ATM cards. All local online residents who are not yet a yehey! e-Access user, you may SIGN UP NOW! UCPB depositors can avail 1Time: provides secure and private payment anytime, anywhere. Visit 1Time FAQS and check out UCPB's List of Providers for more details.

Wish I Could Run For President... Part II

2003-11-29T22:09:00.000+08:00

ARTICLE VII EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Section 2:

No person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten years immediately preceding such election.

Suggested Reference:

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Measure your Digital IQ

2003-11-28T17:22:00.000+08:00

I wonder what is the perfect score but, I am happy I got 185 digital IQ score, and considered a digital ace both in practice and theory!

Measure your Digital IQ!

Microsoft to set up MSN Philippines soon

2003-11-28T17:08:00.000+08:00

MICROSOFT Corp.'s online portal -- MSN (Microsoft Network) -- is set to launch MSN Philippines that aims to target the growing population of Filipino online users as reported by Erwin Lemuel G. Oliva of Philippine Daily Inquirer (Inq7):

In Asia, MSN currently has specific portals for China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.
MSN has localized versions available globally in 38 markets and 20 languages.
MSN has currently more than 350 million users worldwide.
Microsoft: There are 164,391 active unique users of MSN Instant Messenger service in the Philippines.
Microsoft: There are 483,528 MSN Hotmail active accounts that are registered to Philippine-based subscribers.
The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company will be the first MSN Philippines pioneer advertising partner (according to Claro Carmelo Ramirez, senior vice president of PLDT).

I have one Hotmail and 2 MSN accounts but I seldom use them because of security flaws and spam mailers disappointed me. Besides, since the latest MSN version of Messenger had been installed in my PC, I had problem logging in. I was not sure if it was blocked by my firewall or because I run it on win98 OS.

The Firm Update

2003-11-27T21:57:00.000+08:00

It's been a week since I started The Firm low impact aerobic workout and completed 6 days, I missed 1 day when I went to Jenny's birthday party yesterday. As I weighed in this morning, I'm one pound lighter at 147 lbs. with body mass index (bmi) of 24.5 . I had been drinking lots of water to suppress my food cravings and, food in-take had been limited to give myself more time to carry out my exercise. Target weight loss is 18 lbs. -- this means I need 17 weeks to be in great shape!

Click here to get your bmi

In BBC news article (25NOV2003), they featured Mr Prahlad Jani, a holy man, or fakir, who is over 70 years old - claims not to have eaten or drunk anything for several decades - but is still in perfect health. This Indian hermit claims he was blessed by a goddess at the age of eight and has lived in caves ever since.

Wherever the said Goddess this fakir mentioned in his story, I wish she will visit me one of these days and will bless me too... but, it's fine with me to stay home instead of living with bats (in a cave) - it has not been in my wild adventure list, anyway... [wink]

WANTED: Female Volunteers For Orgasm Implant

2003-11-27T20:16:00.000+08:00

In a BBC newsletter yesterday, Dr Stuart Meloy, from North Carolina, a scientist claiming to have invented a device which produces orgasms at the touch of a button can't find women to help him conduct trials into it.

The implant, inserted under the skin at the base of the spine, triggers a reflex response to produce sensation.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved trials of the device, but this cannot go ahead until enough volunteers have been found.

"What worries me is that it may be male pressure on women which prompts them to seek this kind of solution out."
Glyn Hudson Allez, psychosexual counsellor

Sarah Creighton, a consultant gynaecologist at Queen Charlotte's Hospital in London, told BBC: "Female sexual dysfunction is so poorly understood, and it is likely there is a big psychological component in many cases. "

Hey, this is my chance to be famous, want me to volunteer? Uhmmmm... however, I don't think I need it yet at the moment.

On Thanksgiving Day

2003-11-26T19:48:00.000+08:00

Today is Jenny's birthday, the daughter of my sister Neth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNY!
It is ironic that not too many Filipinos are aware when is the national Thanksgiving Day be celebrated. But when it comes to Philippine Feasts and Festival Celebrations, having 7,107 islands, celebrations are held in different parts of the country. A Compilation of Major Fiestas in the Philippines

Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines is celebrated on September 21, although this day conflicts with July 4th, the country's former Independence day and now the American-Filipino Friendship Day (also Independence Day Anniversary of the Americans).

Since 1962, we celebrated the true date of our independence, on June 12, under Republic Act No. 4166 which changed the date of Philippine independence day from July 4 to June 12 - thanks to the vision and patriotic efforts of one man, Prof. Gabriel F. Fabella of Romblon.

Prof. Fabella's original proposal was to make the Fourth of July Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines.

Why June 12? On this day in 1898, the Filipino people solemnly and publicly declared their independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Why not July 4? On this day in 1946, the government of the United States of America under the Tydings-Mcduffie law (for the adoption of a constitution later to be known as the 1935 Philippine Constitution, for a Commonwealth Government starting 1935) "merely recognized" the independence of the Philippines. Source: Long Live America! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! by Rinzi Fadrilan

On September 21, 1974, Anniversary of the declaration of martial law. Marcos issues Presidential Decree 557 creating the barangay as the smallest form of government. This, according to the decree, would enable citizens to take part in the shaping of government policies. September 21 henceforth becomes Barangay Day. Source: The Beginning of the Revolution: Timeline of Rebellion

Marcos proclaimed September 21 as the national thanksgiving day to conceal the repressive character of the New Society. Source: Why Commemmorate July 4? By Mong Palatino

Anyway, whether it's Thanksgiving Day or Eid al Fitr, everyday is a holiday and we should always thank the Loving Light for all the blessings we enjoy.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL!!!

Third Generation (3G) Wireless Communication

2003-11-26T17:35:00.000+08:00

With the availability of Sony Ericsson P900 and other new smartphones in the local market this month -- I believe buying the latest model isn't a wise investment until the launching of 3G mobile technology by next year, here in the Philippines.

The Wireless world is experiencing a revolution;
with the imminent introduction of 3rd generation (3G) technology
based on Wide Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA)
Erwin Lemuel G. Oliva of Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Gov't rules on 3G ready by 2004:

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has formed a five-man committee to work on government rules on third-generation (3G) mobile services, a top official said during the second annual IT forum of the IT Journalist Association of the Philippines or Cyberpress.

Edgardo Cabarios, director for common carrier of the NTC said that the rules will likely determine how many local players will be allowed to enter the Philippine 3G market, given the limited spectrum allocation for the next-generation mobile service. He also said the rules will also decide whether to allow existing operators to participate in the planned bidding of the 3G frequencies. READ MORE

E. L. Oliva also reported that RP cellular operators still reluctant to move to 3G:

Citing the European experience with 3G, both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications believe that there is still money to be made out of the existing networks.

Ramon Isberto, head of public affairs of Smart Communications, stressed that the "jury is still out for 3G" and there is still issue of handset availability -- "We're not in a rush to go to 3G although we're also closely watching the market."

Nicanor Santiago III, wireless business development head of Globe Telecom, also agreed that the availability of handsets, and cost related to moving to 3G networks, remain the major issues in migrating to faster networks -- "It's not easy to get into 3G.". FULL STORY

Meanwhile, in Japan

Third generation (3G) wireless networks deliver datarates on the order of 64 kbps for upload and on the order of 200 kbps for download. These higher speeds allow the transmission of video and two-way video telephony. Other data connections, e.g. download of information or JAVA applets, are also several times faster on 3G networks than on older 2G networks. READ MORE

3G wireless communications FAQ
I believe it is about time that local cellular providers upgrade their service to a faster third-generation (3G) digital cellular technology. While Wireless Japan 2003 Trade Show (Tokyo, July 16-18, 2003) highlights Robots and Mobile Phones, the Philippines was busy with:

It is very unfortunate that while Filipinos have to rely on SMS -- making us the SMS capital of the world -- due to sub-standard voice communications, Japanese enjoy videoconferencing on their 3G digital phones even while in bullet train. Full Story.

Celebrating the End of Ramadan, Eid Mubarak!

2003-11-25T16:16:00.000+08:00

Enclopedia.com: Ramadan, (rämädän´, rămedän´) , in Islam , the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which all Muslims must fast during the daylight hours. Indulgence of any sort is forbidden during the fast. There are only a few who are exempt, e.g., soldiers, the sick, and the young. Because of the purely lunar calendar, Ramadan falls in different seasons.

The final day of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated by a day of feasting. The first revelation of the Qur'an is commemorated in this month.

Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2003 occurs on November 26. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.

A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques. Source: Factmonster.com

This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and overlaps Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God). Source: Factmonster.com

PGMA: “May the Filipinos and the rest of humanity draw inspiration and guidance from the teaching of Ramadan. Definitely, the thrusts of government on peace, stability, sustainable development and economic prosperity will be immensely benefited by the positive virtues of Ramadan.”

President Arroyo has officially declared the celebration of Eid al Fitr, a non-working holiday for the whole country, tomorrow, Wednesday. READ MORE

Michael Jackson's Official Press Room

2003-11-24T22:33:00.000+08:00

CNN QuickNews: For those who love Michael Jackson, please be informed that he launched (on Monday) a Web site dedicated to countering the accusations against him -- in his words, "a big lie." Jackson said the Web site - www.MJnews.us - would be "a source of official communications".

W O R D S . . .

2003-11-24T20:24:00.000+08:00

A certain good woman one day said something that hurt her best friend of many years. She regretted it immediately and would have done anything to have taken the words back. But they were said impulsively in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close as she and her friend were, she didn't consider the effects of her words before hand.

What she said hurt the friend so much that this good woman was herself hurt for the pain she caused. In her effort to undo what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the village, explained her situation, and asked for advice.

The older woman listened patiently in an effort to determine just how sincere the younger woman was, how far she was willing to go to correct the situation. She explained that sometimes, in order to put things back in order, great efforts must be made.

She then asked, "Just what would you be willing to do to repair the harm done?"

The answer was heartfelt. "Anything!"

Listening to her, the older woman sensed the younger woman's distress and knew she must help her. She also knew she could never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she could teach, if the younger woman would first listen and then learn. She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the younger woman.

She said, "There are two things you need to do to make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult. Tonight, take your best feather pillows and open a small hole in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town. When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first thing completely, I'll tell you the second."

The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even though the pillows were very dear to her and very expensive. All night long, she labored alone in the cold. She went from doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused her eyes to water, but she ran on through the darkened streets, thankful there was something she could do to put things back the way they once were.

Finally as the sky was getting light, she placed the last feather on the steps of the last house. Just as the sun rose, she returned to the older woman. She was exhausted but relieved that her efforts would be rewarded.

"My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of each home."

"Now," said the wise woman, "Go back and refill your pillows. Then everything will be as it was before."

The young woman was stunned. "You know that's impossible! The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the doorsteps! You didn't say I had to get them back! If this is the second requirement, then things will never be the same."

"That's true," said the older woman. "Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love."

- AUTHOR UNKNOWN -

Many thanks to Bilal Al Basit for sharing to us this story.

DID YOU KNOW?
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

amzanig huh? now raed the sujbcet agian cafurelly...

Many thanks to my cyberson, Srini, for sharing this info.

WISH LIST: 20-inch iMAC

2003-11-23T21:17:00.000+08:00

20-inch widescreen display
high resolution of 1680 by 1050
PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine
speedy 333MHz DDR memory
256MB of PC2700 (333MHz)
Double Data Rate SDRAM main memory (expandable up to 1GB)
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics with 64MB of DDR SDRAM
blazing 3D graphics
Ultra-ATA/100 80GB hard disk that dishes out data at 7200 rpm.
built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and 56K V.92 modem
two FireWire 400 ports
three USB 2.0 ports
two USB 1.1 ports (on keyboard)
SuperDrive start-to-finish consumer DVD authoring and recording system
VGA output port, S-video and composite video output
headphone jack, Apple speaker minijack and audio line in jack
support for AirPort Extreme
optional built-in Bluetooth
comes with Mac OS X Panther
iLife software application suite includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD.

I find this 20-inch iMAC so stunning YET didn't know where to find local Apple store here in the Philippines.

Wish I Could Run For President... Part I

2003-11-22T20:45:00.000+08:00

With the current political situation here in the Philippines, not to mention how the greater number of politicians can be influenced by their peers in decision-making instead of considering the welfare of the country, how I wish I could run for President!

I know lots of them wanted to run but they do not have the public's trust and support -- they know they're not-so-qualified to be a presidentiable. PGMA for President 2004? After she grabbed the power from the legitimate President, H.E. Joseph E. Estrada, I believe I had enough of the economist and didn't like to experience another 3 long years of her administration, even if they would just say she will be there in Malacañang as a transition president. Why 3 years? Why, of course, there's speculation that FVR will lead the Parliamentary Government, with JDV -- based in the 1987 Constitution, an elected president cannot run for reelection. This is why a Parliamentary form of government is being preferred by JDV. This is my opinion, please correct me if I'm wrong, Ka Totoy.

Macapagal: I'm running for president in 2004
Reported by Juliet Labog-Javellana of Philippine Daily Inquirer (04 OCT 2003):

"I will sacrifice my personal yearnings for personal quiet and release from the presidential strain and anxiety," Ms Macapagal said in a 35-minute speech. "I will offer myself to the electorate in 2004 as the leader with the experience and vision necessary to change society, achieve economic development and eliminate poverty."

"What matters more is that I changed my mind because there is a higher cause - to change society."

Excuse me? I beg your pardon, change society OR, the constitution? From Presidential to Parliamentary?

- To Be Continued Next Saturday -

Finally, I am back doing The Firm!

2003-11-21T18:51:00.000+08:00

Today is my second day of doing The Firm, it's a 65 minutes Aerobic Workout With Weights VCD led by Fitness Expert, Janet Jones.

SYNOPSIS: It is a Classic Low Impact Aerobic, a series of weight-training exercises are included in this program, starting with 3 lbs, then 5 lbs. and 8 lbs. dumbbells:

During the mixed-impact aerobic section the dumbbells are set down for only 5 minutes when high-impact jogging, kicking and jumping keep the heart rate up.
During the other 20 minutes of aerobic-toning, using those 5 lbs. dumbbells for 18 sets for the shoulders, 9 for biceps and 8 for triceps.
Each set is done with a simultaneous low-impact lower body movement: rear dips, stationary squats, leg lifts, side toe touches. Sometimes the speed of the reps is too fast for good control of the dumbbells.
Ankle weights are added for the 25-minute floor segment that starts with kneeling exercises for upper back, glutes and hamstrings.
Inner and outer thigh, ab, and chest exercises lead into the final stretch which showcases body's flexibility.

Source: Firm Video Reviews

RUNTIME: 1 HR and 47 MINS. (including instructions on how to use the program safely.)

It's unbelievable that I'm heavier now at 148 lbs. (24.7 bmi) and with vital stats of 40-30-40, I must do something before it's too late. Although my doctor prescribed 30 mg. Ionamin for 90 days, an appetite suppressant diet pill, with proper discipline and will power, workout is the best and most effective way of losing weight -- I want to regain back my 37-27-37 stats! To look good, a little sacrifice must be done. Muscles are aching, sign that I did it correctly. I will be fine in the next few days or so.

We are what we eat -- this is a fact and another battle I have to face! Gee, I had done it too many times, and there's no doubt I would succeed once again...

Time Off

2003-11-20T21:21:00.000+08:00

I had a wonderful sleep last night... please never ask me why!

Yesterday afternoon, my daughter invited me to watch The Matrix Revolutions starring Keanu Reeves, with her best friend. She knows how much I wanted to complete this Trilogy movie even my boys had to stay home, busy repairing the computer.

- Everything that has a beginning has an end -

Overview: The concluding chapter of the Matrix trilogy finds Neo (Keanu Reeves) trapped between the real world and the computer-generated Matrix. After being rescued by Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), he consults the Oracle (Nona Gaye) and sets off to confront his nemesis, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). But to do so, he first must make a nearly impossible journey to the machine city to strike a bargain that may end the war and save Zion, which is under attack by sentinels, fierce battle droids sent by the thousands to wipe out the humans' last line of defense. Source: The Matrix Revolution on Movies.com

Visually impressive but bloated and unwieldy, the original matrix is still the best for me. The Matrix Reloaded had Production Budget of $127,000,000 AND Prints and Advertising Budget of $50,000,000 this year, its total Worldwide Gross was at $727,400,000 (Total US Gross: $281,553,689) WHILE The Matrix Revolution currently has a Total US Gross of $116,475,000 (Worldwide Gross is still unknown as the movie is currently showing) with a lesser Production Budget of $110,000,000 AND the same Prints and Advertising Budget of $50,000,000. Even the concluding part of The Matrix Trilogy is not popular and making waves here in the Philippines, I decided to see the movie -- I was very curious to see how they ended it.

So? What is the Matrix then? Try to know The Philosophy of the Matrix and what the Matrix is...

Agent Smith: Did you know that the first Matrix was designed to be a perfect human world, where none suffered; where everyone would be happy. It was a disaster. No one would accept the program. Entire crops were lost. Some believed that we lacked the programming language to describe your perfect world, but I believe that as a species, human beings define their reality through misery and suffering. So the perfect world we dreamed, but your primitive cerebrum kept trying to wake up from. Which is why The Matrix was redesigned to this... the peak of your civilization.

Morpheus: As long as The Matrix exists, the human race will never be free.

Neo: I know you're out there. I can feel you now. I know that you're afraid. You're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin. I'm going to hang up this phone, and then I'm going to show these people what you don't want them to see. I'm going to show them a world... without you. A world without rules and controls. Without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible. Where we go from there, is a choice I leave to you.

MERALCO REFUND

2003-11-19T09:04:00.000+08:00

I am furious today upon knowing that my Meralco Phase III refund is scheduled in March 2004. Meralco is quick in discontinuing service in the event we failed to settle electric bill on time even I reminded them that I have a Meralco refund (which I believe is) worth more than my current bill. They are not fair!

Business World: Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) is scheduled to service the third phase of the refund starting March next year, to cover all residential customers consuming more than 300 kilowatt hours per month. The third phase is estimated to cost Meralco about PhP5 billion. READ MORE

ERC REPORTS ON STATUS OF MERALCO REFUND
Meralco has a total of about PhP2.1 billion cash refund to Phase I (100 KWH consumption and below) servicing around 2 million customers. As of August 25, 2003, Meralco has refunded a total amount of about PhP1.7 billion for some 1.5 million customers.
Phase II of the cash refund started September 1, 2003 and is expected to be completed not later than December 31, 2003. Meralco has cash refund amounting to about PhP4.6 billion for Phase II (100-300 KWH consumption) with number of customers estimated at 2.3 million
Meralco also requested ERC for an extension of time for the submission of the proposed procedures for the implementation of Phases III and IV of the refund scheme, together with the total amount involved for each phase.

Meralco advertised both on TV and newspapers said to notify customers in their bills on the details of how and where to claim our refund and when I couldn't see anything in my bill for schedule, I contacted Meralco Refund Hotline (1622-8888) two weeks ago and I have learned from them that said refund was computed based on the total kWh consumption from February 1994 to May 2003 AND the reason there was no schedule yet is that I belong to Phase III. It's surprising that this electric company had been overcharging the entire Filipino people for more than 9 years without our knowledge!

I spent the whole day gathering my old bills and when some bills were missing, I called Meralco Hotline once again and I was told that they had my records. I was real worried 'What if I sold my house' and I have not received yet my refund?' They assured me not to worry about this because they will refund to me what is due under my name AND even the amount I deposited 15 years ago will be refunded to me should I vacate my property. When I asked the guy who accomodated my call how much refund am I entitled to, he could not give me yet any figures as the amount will be determined by the total KWH consumption for 9 years. However, they had one customer in Phase I who refunded as much as PHP13,000 (US$236.00)! WOW! I belong to Phase III -- this refund is something I am looking forward to in 2004!

Still, I am furious, they should start the Phase III as early as January 2004...

PHP10 M 2004 Budget for IDAF - Thanks but no thanks!

2003-11-18T13:30:00.000+08:00

The PHP10 million budget to increase the level of competence and capability of Filipino inventors is not enough to help our country to move forward. How come PGMA can afford US$1 million (PHP55 million) pledge to aid the reconstruction of Iraq and our scientists get less than 20 % - this country is going to nowhere, thanks JDV, but no thanks...

IT Matters: House Speaker Jose C. De Venecia is still pushing for the inclusion of PhP10 million (US$181,818.00) Inventors Development Assistance Fund (IDAF) in the 2004 budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) even as Congress is set to approve the PhP864-billion national budget for next year. The IDAF will be available to the Filipino inventors as an annual financial assistance for the development of their products. FULL STORY

Jointly passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and approved by the then President Corazon C. Aquino on February 7, 1992, Republic Act No. 7459, better known as the “Inventor and Incentives Act of the Philippines, has been declared to be the national policy giving priority to invention and its utilization on the country’s productive systems and national life. READ MORE

The supposed annual appropriation of P10,000,000 from the annual budget of DOST did not realized, and besides, what else can you do with PHP10 million?

I remember about 7 years ago, a scientist and his family rented the Saldanha house, adjacent to my house. We were surprised that after barely a year, they vacated the house. The reason? They had 7 months of unpaid rent. In one of our Homeowner's Meeting earlier, he promised to pay the association dues once he collected his money from the government. Now, I am thinking... how many scientists, bright inventors are neglected, because of red tape and lack of support from the government?

The Davide Impeachment

2003-11-17T13:18:00.000+08:00

Angered by the current situation, I always wanted to say something against the lawmakers and the Judges of the Supreme Court, but, because of technicality -- I need more time to do some research and go deeper into the subject. However, few days back, I found a very good site, which is also hosted by blogspot -- Dean Jorge Bocobo's Philippine Commentary on the Davide Impeachment -- his site is best viewed on Internet Explorer.

I highly recommend that you visit also his Monday Commentary which is published in Philippine Daily Inquirer. To DJB, keep up the good work!

"In a few hundred years, when the history of our time will be written from a long-term perspective, it is likely that the most important event historians will see is not technology, not the Internet, not e-commerce. It is an unprecedented change in the human condition. For the first time - literally - substantial and rapidly growing numbers of people have choices. For the first time, they will have to manage themselves. And society is totally unprepared for it."
-- Peter F. Drucker

An End to Pop-ups?

2003-11-16T13:27:00.000+08:00

Internet.com: Microsoft confirmed it intends to add pop-up blocking to Internet Explorer as part of its Service Pack 2 release, due the first half of 2004.

With Mozilla Firebird installed in my computer since May 27 this year, it has been my favorite browser since then. I do not understand why IExplorer browser users should wait until mid of 2004 to enjoy pop-up blocking which Mozilla Firebird offers, not to mention that tabbed browsing is more convenient and faster to navigate because you do not have to switch windows. Aside from that, Mozilla Firebird is more secure.

Here is a list of the most important reasons mentioned from Mozilla site:
It is not integrated with Windows, which helps prevent viruses and hackers from causing damage if they somehow manage to compromise Mozilla Firebird
There is no support for VBScript and ActiveX, two technologies which are the reasons for many IE security holes
No spyware/adware software can automatically install in Mozilla Firebird just by visiting a web site.
Mozilla Firebird doesn't use Microsoft's Java VM, which has a history of more flaws than other Java VMs.
You have complete control over cookies.

Netscape 7.1 offers the same tabbed-browsing and I liked its Mail composer -- it has added a junk mail feature to filter spam and unwanted mails without even reading its content. It is sad that AOL, the company that owns Netscape, would no longer develop Netscape. Is Netscape dead?

Meanwhile, Yahoo! on Wednesday started testing a tool for blocking pop-ups for its Companion Toolbar, a downloadable plug-in that allows people to search the Web directly from the browser.

To run Yahoo! Companion you will need:

Micro$oft Windows operating system. (95, 98, ME, 2000, XP)
Micro$oft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher. (Download Internet Explorer for Yahoo!)

May I ask what browser are you using? If you are a Micro$oft loyalist, have you thought lately of trying other faster and secure browser? To download, select your preference, Mozilla Firebird 0.7 OR Mozilla 1.5 -- voted by PC Magazine as "Best Browser of 2003".

By the way, I didn't like Opera, even it's my sons' favorite browser. I find it complicated...

Father explaining the war to his daughter...

2003-11-16T06:55:00.000+08:00

Q: Daddy, why did we have to attack Iraq?
A: Because they had weapons of mass destruction, honey.

Q: But the inspectors didn't find any weapons of mass destruction.
A: That's because the Iraqis were hiding them.

Q: And that's why we invaded Iraq?
A: Yep. Invasions always work better than inspections.

Q: But after we invaded them, we STILL didn't find any weapons of mass destruction, did we?
A: That's because the weapons are so well hidden. Don't worry, we'll find something, probably right before the 2004 election.

Q: Why did Iraq want all those weapons of mass destruction?
A: To use them in a war, silly.

Q: I'm confused. If they had all those weapons that they planned to use in a war, then why didn't they use any of those weapons when we went to war with them?
A: Well, obviously they didn't want anyone to know they had those weapons, so they chose to die by the thousands rather than defend themselves.

Q: That doesn't make sense Daddy. Why would they choose to die if they had all those big weapons to fight us back with?
A: It's a different culture. It's not supposed to make sense.

Q: I don't know about you, but I don't think they had any of those weapons our government said they did.
A: Well, you know, it doesn't matter whether or not they had those weapons. We had another good reason to invade them anyway.

Q: And what was that?
A: Even if Iraq didn't have weapons of mass destruction, Saddam Hussein was a cruel dictator, which is another good reason to invade another country.

Q: Why? What does a cruel dictator do that makes it OK to invade his country?
A: Well, for one thing, he tortured his own people.

Q: Kind of like what they do in China?
A: Don't go comparing China to Iraq. China is a good economic competitor, where millions of people work for slave wages in sweatshops to make U.S. corporations richer.

Q: So if a country lets its people be exploited for American corporate gain, it's a good country, even if that country tortures people?
A: Right.

Q: Why were people in Iraq being tortured?
A: For political crimes, mostly, like criticizing the government. People who criticized the government in Iraq were sent to prison and tortured.

Q: Isn't that exactly what happens in China?
A: I told you, China is different.

Q: What's the difference between China and Iraq?
A: Well, for one thing, Iraq was ruled by the Ba'ath party, while China is Communist.

Q: Didn't you once tell me Communists were bad?
A: No, just Cuban Communists are bad.

Q: How are the Cuban Communists bad?
A: Well, for one thing, people who criticize the government in Cuba are sent to prison and tortured.

Q: Like in Iraq?
A: Exactly.

Q: And like in China, too?
A: I told you, China's a good economic competitor. Cuba, on the other hand, is not.

Q: How come Cuba isn't a good economic competitor?
A: Well, you see, back in the early 1960s, our government passed some laws that made it illegal for Americans to trade or do any business with Cuba until they stopped being Communists and started being capitalists like us.

Q: But if we got rid of those laws, opened up trade with Cuba, and started doing business with them, wouldn't that help the Cubans become capitalists?
A: Don't be a smart-ass.

Q: I didn't think I was being one.
A: Well, anyway, they also don't have freedom of religion in Cuba.

Q: Kind of like China.
A: I told you, stop saying bad things about China. Anyway, Saddam Hussein came to power through a military coup, so he's not really a legitimate leader anyway.

Q: What's a military coup?
A: That's when a military general takes over the government of a country by force, instead of holding free elections like we do in the United States.

Q: Didn't the ruler of Pakistan come to power by a military coup?
A: You mean General Pervez Musharraf? Uh, yeah, he did, but Pakistan is our friend.

Q: Why is Pakistan our friend if their leader is illegitimate?
A: I never said Pervez Musharraf was illegitimate.

Q: Didn't you just say a military general who comes to power by forcibly overthrowing the legitimate government of a nation is an illegitimate leader?
A: Only Saddam Hussein. Pervez Musharraf is our friend, because he helped us invade Afghanistan.

Q: Why did we invade Afghanistan?
A: Because of what they did to us on September 11th.

Q: What did Afghanistan do to us on September 11th?
A: Well, on September 11th, nineteen men? Fifteen of them Saudi Arabians? Hijacked four airplanes and flew three of them into buildings, killing over 3,000 Americans.

Q: So how did Afghanistan figure into all that?
A: Afghanistan was where those bad men trained, under the oppressive rule of the Taliban.

Q: Aren't the Taliban those bad radical Islamics who chopped off people's heads and hands?
A: Yes, that's exactly who they were. Not only did they chop off people's heads and hands, but they oppressed women, too.

Q: Didn't the Bush administration give the Taliban 43 million dollars back in May of 2001?
A: Yes, but that money was a reward because they did such a good job fighting drugs.

Q: Fighting drugs?
A: Yes, the Taliban were very helpful in stopping people from growing opium poppies.

Q: How did they do such a good job?
A: Simple. If people were caught growing opium poppies, the Taliban would have their hands and heads cut off.

Q: So, when the Taliban cut off people's heads and hands for growing a flower, that was OK, but not if they cut people's heads and hands off for other reasons?
A: Yes. It's OK with us if radical Islamic fundamentalists cut off people's hands for growing flowers, but it's cruel if they cut off people's hands for stealing bread.

Q: Don't they also cut off people's hands and heads in Saudi Arabia?
A: That's different. Afghanistan was ruled by a tyrannical patriarchy that oppressed women and forced them to wear burqas whenever they were in public, with death by stoning as the penalty for women who did not comply.

Q: Don't Saudi women have to wear burqas in public, too?
A: No, Saudi women merely wear a traditional Islamic body covering.

Q: What's the difference?
A: The traditional Islamic covering worn by Saudi women is a modest yet fashionable garment that covers all of a woman's body except for her eyes and fingers. The burqa, on the other hand, is an evil tool of patriarchal oppression that covers all of a woman's body except for her eyes and fingers.

Q: It sounds like the same thing with a different name.
A: Now, don't go comparing Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are our friends.

Q: But I thought you said 15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11th were from Saudi Arabia.
A: Yes, but they trained in Afghanistan.

Q: Who trained them?
A: A very bad man named Osama bin Laden.

Q: Was he from Afghanistan?
A: Uh, no, he was from Saudi Arabia too. But he was a bad man, a very bad man.

Q: I seem to recall he was our friend once.
A: Only when we helped him and the mujahadeen repel the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan back in the 1980s.

Q: Who are the Soviets? Was that the Evil Communist Empire Ronald Reagan talked about?
A: There are no more Soviets. The Soviet Union broke up in 1990 or thereabouts, and now they have elections and capitalism like us. We call them Russians now.

Q: So the Soviets, I mean, the Russians are now our friends?
A: Well, not really. You see, they were our friends for many years after they stopped being Soviets, but then they decided not to support our invasion of Iraq, so we're mad at them now. We're also mad at the French and the Germans because they didn't help us invade Iraq either.

Q: So the French and Germans are evil, too?
A: Not exactly evil, but just bad enough that we had to rename French fries and French toast to Freedom Fries and Freedom Toast.

Q: Do we always rename foods whenever another country doesn't do what we want them to do?
A: No, we just do that to our friends. Our enemies, we invade.

Q: But wasn't Iraq one of our friends back in the 1980s?
A: Well, yeah. For a while.

Q: Was Saddam Hussein ruler of Iraq back then?
A: Yes, but at the time he was fighting against Iran, which made him our friend, temporarily.

Q: Why did that make him our friend?
A: Because at that time, Iran was our enemy.

Q: Isn't that when he gassed the Kurds?
A: Yeah, but since he was fighting against Iran at the time, we looked the other way, to show him we were his friend.

Q: So anyone who fights against one of our enemies automatically becomes our friend?
A: Most of the time, yes.

Q: And anyone who fights against one of our friends is automatically an enemy?
A: Sometimes that's true, too. However, if American corporations can profit by selling weapons to both sides at the same time, all the better.

Q: Why?
A: Because war is good for the economy, which means war is good for America. Also, since God is on America's side, anyone who opposes war is a godless un-American Communist. Do you understand now why we attacked Iraq?

Q: I think so. We attacked them because God wanted us to, right?
A: Yes.

Q: But how did we know God wanted us to attack Iraq?
A: Well, you see, God personally speaks to George W. Bush and tells him what to do.

Q: So basically, what you're saying is that we attacked Iraq because George W. Bush hears voices in his head?
A: Yes! You finally understand how the world works. Now close your eyes, make yourself comfortable, and go to sleep. Good night.

Q: Good night, Daddy...

[Many thanks to Bilal Al Basit for sharing this 'Gen X bedtime story'.]
This message was posted by jjhale at Yahoo Groups: War_On_Terror

WISH LIST: Sony Ericsson P900

2003-11-15T15:38:00.000+08:00

Sony Ericsson's long-anticipated P900 wireless handheld will start shipping to EMEA and APAC markets in the fourth quarter of 2003 while U.S. and China residents will be able to purchase the device some time in the first quarter of 2004.

The P900 is a combined PDA and phone that's state-of-the-art smartphone

Some of its features are:

5-way Jog Dial
polyphonic ringtones
48 mb Flash memory
music player
SMS/MMS/email
instant messaging
Bluetooth™-enabled
built-in speaker phone
fully featured PDA with pen/stylus
16 hours of talk time (up to 20 days' standby)
embedded P900 browser supports HTML, WAP 2.0 and cHTML
Symbian OS 7.0 which powers the UIQ platform
integrated digital camera with VGA resolution
tri-band GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 MHz connectivity
video recording at QCIF resolution with MPEG4 video compression
support J2ME and the Mophun gaming platform
32 mb Memory Stick Duo™ to transfer large files, pictures, video and music

More details at Sony Ericsson P900 - Asia Pacific/Philippines

Breakfast Invitation

2003-11-14T23:29:00.000+08:00

My EX called up this afternoon and invited me for breakfast at Fahad's place. I was not able to discuss with him the 'formal separation' because he was a little bit ill and depressed. As usual, we reminisced with Fahad our travelling experiences. He surprised me that he had perfect memories of the past which myself can barely remember anymore - am I getting old?

Understanding Our PC's Internet Connection Security

2003-11-14T20:38:00.000+08:00

Has any one ever told you that your own personal computer may now be functioning as an Internet Server AND that it may be serving up all or many of your personal files for reading, writing, modification and even deletion by anyone, anywhere, with neither your knowledge nor your permission on the Internet? READ MORE

My awareness on my PC's Port Security heightened when a friend sent me an offline message from Yahoo! messenger something like this: nude_virgin.pif. Although I am computer literate, I had no idea what effect it would caused my PC. Instead of waiting 'til my PC stopped running or all of my saved usernames/passwords is e-mailed to the source without my consent, I started browsing for answers...

What is .pif file extension, anyway?

PIF = Macintosh : Compressed file archive
PIF = OS/2 : Graphics metafile
PIF = Vector image GDF format (IBM mainframe computers)
PIF = Program Information File for MS-DOS

.pif and .lnk (shortcut) are two popular file extension for viruses, according to FoxGlove Site.

While known products like Symantec's Norton Internet Security provides products for essential protection from viruses, hackers, and privacy threats, we can avail of their online security check AND virus detection FOR FREE to determine our online exposure.

Here is the result after Norton scan my PC:

I normally use Shields UP! every now and then, in checking my computer's Internet connection security and I just mentioned Norton as alternative...

For precautionary measures, here are some useful links I visited:

Believing that my trust had been abused, I added that person (you know who you are) under ignored list.

PGMA wants TOTAL RECONCILIATION

2003-11-13T12:37:00.000+08:00

President seeks peace with Estrada, Cojuangco, Marcoses
Juliet Javellana of Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that

"The President wanted by 2004 and "beyond," to mend fences with the Marcos family, deposed President Joseph Estrada, business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People's Army, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, putschist elements of the military, and opposition personalities. " READ MORE

Even this is what all Filipinos are looking forward to -- to have TOTAL RECONCILIATION and REAL PEACE in our country -- hey, BUT, wait, look who is talking AND (with brows raised so high), who will initiate it?

People can't help but speculate what's PGMA motive for asking Total Reconciliation AFTER failure to resolve many incidents that kept dividing the Filipino people. Threat of anarchy is rising, where the elites and the influential people joined hands to cover up colleague in the guise of constitutional order. I wonder where and what are the intelligent people in our country are doing?

May God bless the Philippines!

Mom Finds Out About Blog

2003-11-13T08:55:00.000+08:00

I have read this local article, Mom Finds Out About Blog, involving Kevin Widmar and his mother Lilian, from The Onion which BIZ linked on Blogger. This article reminded me of my sister who discovered my blog six days ago. She accidentally discovered about my blog when her friend asked her if she knows me. Since then, I received Yahoo! messages from her friends...

Yahoo FTP is working!

2003-11-12T14:17:00.000+08:00

I found some errors in my blogspot template but, I'm glad that it is working perfectly now PLUS I can synchonize my blog entries once again to my Geo Blog.

Many thanks to Kimmy of Blogger Support for guiding me through...

Ideal Body Weight

2003-11-12T10:02:00.000+08:00

Vincent Iannelli of About.com says in his article:

There are a lot of different ways to think about a person's ideal body weight. Some people would consider it to be the weight that was directly proportional to a person's height, so that you wouldn't have people who are short and fat or tall and thin...

M.D.A 'better' way to think about a person's ideal body weight is as what is a 'healthy' weight for their age and height using their body mass index.

I was intrigued to try Ideal Body Weight Calculator and this is the result I got:

An adult who is 145 pounds and is 5 feet 5 inches tall has a body mass index of 24.2.

That's great! An adult with a body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered to have a healthy bmi and so you are likely already at your ideal body weight.

I'ts unfortunate that my bmi is .8 away to overweight. Depression and stress are not valid reasons to keep gaining weight now that my bathroom scale is giving unwelcomed figures...

For adults, a body mass index (bmi):

over 30 is considered obese.
between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy bmi.
under 18.5 is consider underweight.

To get your bmi, click here to try Ideal Body Weight Calculator... good luck!

Today is my eldest son's birthday...

2003-11-09T11:41:00.000+08:00

We made an agreement to watch Matrix Revolution this afternoon but, my second son was a kill-joy and he prefers to watch the movie with his GF. After heated debates, I am happy that we spent quality time together watching a Filipino-American movie "Debut" in the privacy of our home after we had a small dinner party...

Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this!

2003-11-09T09:49:00.000+08:00

BILL GATES' SPEECH TO MT. WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL in Visalia, California.

To anyone with kids of ANY age, here's some advice. Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping -- they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in
real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. If you agree, pass it on.

[Many thanks to Tito for sharing this to us.]

Opppsss!

2003-11-07T20:42:00.000+08:00

My sister and some of her friends discovered my blog today... WHEW! Hey, Ate Neth, whatever you read in here, please don't tell anyone -- it's my top secret, you know :-)

Halloween 2003

2003-10-31T21:12:00.000+08:00

It's Halloween time once again, however, this day is merely the day before the big observance. Normally, Filipinos use this day to clean up the graves, give tombs a new coat of white paint, and perhaps put in a few lights but bringing knives and deadly weapons are strictly prohibited this time. For Metro Manilans who make a yearly pilgrimage to their hometowns, spent mostly this day on the road to the provinces.

Tomorrow, November 1, is the day when we pay respects to our departed family members by visiting cemeteries and praying for the dead. READ MORE

We're not going anywhere nor will visit any family members. It is safe and peaceful to stay home, watch TV how PGMA will handle the possible Constitutional Crisis should the Davide Impeachment will push through:

I have been addicted lately watching GMA 7 Unang Hirit aired over Channel 7 (Channel 12 on Destiny) early morning from Mondays thru Fridays until 8:00 o'clock in the morning and will switch to Net-25's Liwanagin Natin ni Ka Totoy over Destiny Channel 86 (previously Channel 41). If you are news hungry, these channels are best to start your day.

Prayer works

2003-10-30T21:22:00.000+08:00

Keys of Bustamante's Townhouse unit were returned upon retrieval of 10 Allied Bank PDCs. Although I am entitled for a refund, I leave everything in the hands of God. I was thankful my lessor didn't use my October check as a sign of goodwill on her part.

Whatever is the reason why things didn't work as planned, God probably has a better place for me and the kids. At least, I tried many ways to reverse the current situation YET fate seems stronger than my choices.

SMS Service VS Cell Phone Snatchers

2003-10-30T19:31:00.000+08:00

Good news to cell phone users: The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), together with local cellular service providers, launched the Text 682 service on Thursday that would allow owners of stolen phones to have their handsets blocked via text messaging.

Owners can register their handsets to 682 (containing their mobile phone number, PIN code and their handset's international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) number) so they can block these in case of theft. The user can report (the theft) using another phone. READ MORE.

To Pursue or Not?

2003-10-28T19:47:00.000+08:00

Count down begins whether to cancel the Townhouse or keep it... How I wish everything will run favorably...

Miss Asia-Pacific Quest 2003

2003-10-27T21:00:00.000+08:00

We watched Miss Asia-Pacific Quest 2003 last night, aired over GMA 7, the 26th, and Miss Russia Tatiana Nikitina was crowned this year’s Miss Asia-Pacific in ceremonies at Teatro Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines.

For Miss Asia Pacific,
LOVE comes before career

MISS Russia (Winner, APQ 2003) and Miss India (First Runner-up) gave similar answers to the final question about "what women really want," but the former's two major special awards (best in swimsuit and evening gown) helped her edge out the latter to become Miss Asia-Pacific Quest 2003.

Andrea Ovares of Costa Rica was second runner-up, Tracy Freundt of Peru was third runner-up, and Wong Wye Yeng of Malaysia fourth runner-up. Miss Philippines Jamie Liz Castillo won the People’s Choice award. READ MORE.

Fasting Season Begins for the Muslim World

2003-10-27T11:49:00.000+08:00

The arrival of the holy month of Ramadan starts today, as the 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide welcome it with fasting.

May this month of fasting help our Filipino Muslim brothers nationwide be enlightened towards social stability and economic prosperity without patronizing terrorism directly or indirectly...

Philippines elected to UN Security Council

2003-10-25T22:02:00.000+08:00

THE PHILIPPINES, together with four other countries, Algeria, Benin, Brazil and Romania, has been elected Thursday as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council AND will assume their seats on January 1, 2004, replacing Bulgaria, Cameroon, Guinea, Mexico, and Syria, which ended their two-year terms. The five nations will serve on the Council until the end of 2005. READ MORE.

Exclusively For My Personal Use

2003-10-25T11:46:00.000+08:00

Competing and sharing with my kids my PC made me wish to buy a new computer, probably a laptop that incorporates the latest Intel Centrino mobile technology. They are still very expensive but hopefully I will find a good brand that fits to my budget.

The supposed relocation caused me some inconveniences and I temporarily access the net using dialup connection. However, if you are my friend and you wish to VoIP with me using SKYPE, a program which you can make perfect quality free phone calls to your friends in no time, my ID is lady_laila. Please review system requirements before downloading this program.

Where to get the Philippines $1m Pledge to Help Build Iraq?

2003-10-24T10:29:00.000+08:00

WHILE THE PHILIPPINES' foreign debt rose to 56.1 billion dollars at the end of June 2003, making every Filipinos have outstanding debt of P38,000 or US$700 each AND with the country's budget deficit reached 144 billion pesos in August this year, it is ironic that the Philippines pledge $1 million aid for Iraq's reconstruction.

Survey shows about 72% of Filipinos believe to reach the poverty level or are now living below poverty line and 1 out of 4 Filipinos would like to migrate to other countries to find job opportunities abroad. During Bush State Visit to the Philippines, a lot of poor families were relocated and ejected from their shanties, are now homeless and do not have access to water and electricity.

With the $1M pledge to help build Iraq, the Arroyo government should practice "CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME" before helping other countries...

DEJA VU

2003-10-22T21:38:00.000+08:00

No matter how much I wanted to find a way out, the past is haunting me over and over again...

I attended a farewell dinner party last night, upon my EX's invitation, after 20 long months since the last meeting we had. It was in February 2002, when we had lunch together in an Indian restaurant with some of his friends...

The party was held at Fraser Place Hotel, many people were invited. A gorgeous belly dancer made everyone alive and happy. I was shy and uncomfortable, but since I knew most of his friends since over ten years ago, the party went well. It was, indeed, a reunion...

Everyone knows that he's there for us (even we had zero communication), he has a special way of extending his support to the kids. His friends praised him and talk beautiful words about him. Known to his friends as a real gentleman, he's well loved and appreciated, not to mention that he's a generous man as well.

Since 1985, I think he's the only man who never give up on me...

George W. Bush in Manila!

2003-10-18T23:10:00.000+08:00

Bush hails RP as top ally of US
State dinner caps Bush charm offensive
Laura Bush, school kids swap stories, affections

George W. Bush in Manila!

BUSH ADDRESSES PHILIPPINE CONGRESS:

Stresses historic ties between U.S. and Philippines.
U.S. has promised more military aid to help fight Abu Sayyaf.
Praises the Philippine Pres. Arroyo for support in war with Iraq.
"Nation that chose to support terror are complicit in terrorism."
"We will bring Abu Sayyaf to justice."
"Democracy only form of government fully compatible with human dignity."
"There can be no compromise with terror."
"We were right to end the regime of Saddam Hussein."
"Let no one doubt the power of democracy."
"The U.S. and the Philippines have a proud history."

Looking for way out...

2003-10-16T14:07:00.000+08:00

Life is great in spite of the fact that about 72% of the entire Filipino people believe that we already reached the poverty level, ouch!

We keep holding on, who knows? There might be a twist of fortune real soon...

Confused

2003-10-07T23:28:00.000+08:00

So confused, I'd like to cancel the contract to lease the 3-storey townhouse after things didn't realized based on my expectations. To my disappointment, the lessor refused to refund my money and she would like to forfeit not only my 3 months advance payment but will take also the October PDC for October rent.

This is terrible...

A Motivational Letter From Tito

2003-10-06T00:29:00.000+08:00

Tito: "Dear Laila, I often think of you whenever I come across a well written thought. I just finished reading a book " Never Change" something my son picked up. It is a well written book, simple and profound."

NEVER CHANGE

As though it were a choice.
As though one of our greatest lessons isn't that change is the only constant.
The seasons tell us, everything in organic life tells us,
that there is no holding on; still we try to do just that.
Sometimes, though, we learn the kind of wisdom
that celebrates the open hand.

Then we know that letting go of everything
is the only way to keep the things that matter most.

[Lines from Never Change by Elizabeth Berg]

Abstracts are real and time is a lie,
it can not be measured when one moment can expand
to hold everything.
You want to live and end up choosing death;
you can want to die and end up living.
What keeps us here, really?
A thread that breaks in a breeze.
And yet a thread that cannot bebroken...
I hope for everything, now.

Tito: I have always wondered why you have not attempted to write a book, it is a talent that you have and the world would be better if you shared your inner most thoughts. Hope you are doing well and whatever you are going through, I am confident that you shall overcome it with your wisdom."

Thank you Tito for these motivational words. God bless...

Celebrating My Father's Birthday

2003-09-27T23:12:00.000+08:00

We held a simple birthday celebration for my father. Unfortunately, not all of our sisters were able to make it due to some family misunderstanding. Seeing my weak and sick father made me feel guilty - I wish I could do something to make him feel better...

My brother, Nasser, who is leaving next week back to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, introduced to us his new specialty, which he learned from a chef who works for a Royal Blood Family. The food he served was delicious and mouth-watering. I might probably try it at home one of these days.

Keeping my Fingers Crossed

2003-09-26T22:45:00.000+08:00

Today is my father's 69th birthday but we're planning to make a small party for him tomorrow.

Situation today has been a bit tough but, I am keeping my fingers crossed...

New Neighborhood

2003-09-23T22:07:00.000+08:00

Today, I entered into a contract to lease a nice 3 storey townhouse with 3 BR and 3 T&B. It is located in a commercial area and I like the place because it is close to Mary Help of Christians Parish...

Selling My House

2003-09-20T22:25:00.000+08:00

After my failure to get a job abroad, I decided to give up something that might help us move on. A couple placed some amount as earnest money for the sale of my 300SQM LA 200SQM FA property.

A Motivational Letter From Tito

2003-08-23T22:04:00.000+08:00

Tito: "A reading that I wish to share with you. At times, little good things come to us without seeking."

LEARN HOW TO STOOP

Is it possible to be both humble and emotionally healthy?

One young man acquired a job in a grocery store. On the first day of work, the manager handed him a broom and said, "I want you to sweep the floor."

Stunned, the new employee said, "But I'm a college graduate!"

"Oh, I'm sorry," replied the boss, "I didn't know. Here then, give me the broom and I'll show you how."

He wouldn't stoop that low! He had risen above sweeping. But one of life's peculiar lessons is that in occasionally lowering ourselves we find true contentment. We sometimes believe that if we can only rise to a particular standard of living, or if we can rise above a certain income level, or ascend to a certain educational level that we will be happy. But we are never all that happy until we learn the values of simplicity and service. It's a matter also of lowering ourselves -- learning how to stoop!

It is as if life's gifts are all on shelves, one above the other. But the greatest gifts are on the lowest shelves, one beneath the other. So it is by stooping lower, always going down, that we get the best gifts!

This reading is found in Steve Goodier's popular book
ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE

Tito: "Accepting where we are in life has given a new meaning to what living is all about. I may not have the wisdom to understand everything but the little that I have is much appreciated and it goes a long way, more than I can imagine. Take care and keep in touch."

PRAYER #886

2003-08-21T10:54:00.000+08:00

I received prayer #885 from Celia, who was my school mate in Judge Juan Luna High School Class 1974-1978. She was our CAT (Citizens Army Training) Batallion Officer AND I was her EX-O and a Training Officer, at the same time. She's currently in the States and having some difficulty with her pregnancy after she got married last year. Wherever you are right now, Celia, whatever you are doing, I hope that you will keep holding on to God, and you will be fine in everything you do -- just like us!

Let us pray...

Dear Lord,

I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for I have sinned. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Keep me safe from all danger and harm. Let me start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day and give my best in all that is put before me.

Clear my mind that I can hear from You. Broaden my mind that I can accept all things that are of You. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.

Let me continue to see sin through Your eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray out loud, You listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do Thy Will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak and unsaved.

Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who refuse to share a word from You. I pray for those who don't know You intimately.

I pray for those that who will read this and not speak this aloud in their own lives. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those that don't believe... But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that You change people, and I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than You, Lord. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.

This is my prayer.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Many thanks to Celia Manliclic for this prayer

When praises go up, blessings come down!!! Please change your prayer number in the subject line should you want to forward a copy to your friends - Friends That Pray together, Stay Together...

I never lose HOPE

2003-08-13T16:14:00.000+08:00

I wish to be financially and emotionally independent... and I never lose hope...

I am still in the Philippines!

2003-08-09T11:31:00.000+08:00

Just to let everyone knows that I am still in the country resolving some difficult situations..... hope all is well to all who still remember me...

God bless!

I am fine

2003-07-29T13:28:00.000+08:00

I may not be online regularly like before but, the kids and I are doing fine...

I would like to take this opportunity to blog my admiration for Lieutenant Antonio Trillanes (and his group), a leader of Sunday's mutiny, (Philippine Military Academy graduate, class of 1995) for bravely airing his sentiments against the current authorities running the Philippine government. As the 'military mutiny' glued Filipinos to TV and radio, I was sad to know that the Arroyo government prevented those 'supporters' to rally in the Metropolis by closing major roads and North expressway. How many Filipinos are really concerned about the real issues and are willing to step forward to expose powerful and influential people who were killing and selling our fellow Filipinos to justify terrorism does exists in the country (a conspiracy only God knows).

God is watching all of us, I believe what Capt. Trilliantes did was a modern heroic stance... And I personally believe the legitimate President of the country, duly elected by the Filipino people, none other than Pres. Estrada, has nothing to do with this 'rebellion'. This is an internal problem within the military and ranks.

Quote from Trillanes: "The Filipino people deserve the government that they now have."

See related topics:
70 officers, 226 soldiers return to barracks
Macapagal, Reyes, Corpus accused

The accusations of these young military soldiers were not new to me, I feel the Senate should look into this...

Well, I have limited time online, so, I just want to blog that I am fine and well and I have gained some weight :-)

Like a Puzzle...

2003-07-24T12:03:00.000+08:00

Although I love to blog my daily thoughts, there are things that I need to do offline that require full concentration. Life is like a puzzle. We need to find those pieces, connect them to where they belong to and, create a magnificent outcome.

I am picking up some remaining pieces now. Unfortunately, they're not available online...

Many thanks to those who kept visiting this blog! I missed reading your blogs, too, but, I have limited time right now, just sneaking actually to blog where I am...

I hope you, too, find the missing pieces in your life. Enjoy every moment of your existence, we are all here for a reason!

May God bless us all...

NTC: Outdoor applications of Wi-Fi open to all

2003-07-19T08:10:00.000+08:00

The Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has opposed proposals of telecommunication companies (such as Globe Telecom, Bayantel, and even utility firm Manila Electric Co.) to limit the use of "outdoor" wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) equipment to authorized public telecommunications entities.

According to NTC deputy commissioner Jorge Sarmiento, private organizations should have equal access to such technologies. Full Details at Inq7.com

How To Take The Offense On Identity Theft

2003-07-18T09:25:00.000+08:00

The risk of identity theft has soared as companies and users send more personal data over the Internet. The FTC reports that as many as 700,000 consumers may be victims of identity theft this year, costing each person an average of $1,000. Full Details at ComputerWorld

On Masturbation Issues

2003-07-17T22:04:00.000+08:00

Masturbating Lowers Prostate Cancer Risk - Study says.

What threat to the Bush administration are you?

2003-07-17T13:41:00.000+08:00

Threat rating: High.
The Bush administration is concerned that it may not get a second term.
Therefore, we are going to change the rules
so that each Democrat vote only counts as 0.2 votes
because Democrat is a shorter word than Republican..

What threat to the Bush administration are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

The Most Controversial Resume of the 21st Century

2003-07-17T08:11:00.000+08:00

GEORGE W. BUSH
The White House
U. S. A.

PAST WORK EXPERIENCE:
I ran for congress and lost.
I produced a Hollywood slasher B movie.
I bought an oil company, but couldn't find any oil in Texas; company went bankrupt shortly after I sold all my stock.
I bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took land using taxpayer money. Biggest move: Traded Sammy Sosa to the Chicago White Sox.
With my father's help (and his name) was elected Governor of Texas.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
I changed pollution laws for power and oil companies and made Texas the most polluted state in the Union.
I replaced Los Angeles with Houston as the most smog-ridden city in America.
I cut taxes and bankrupted the Texas government to the tune of billions in borrowed money.
I set the record for most executions by any Governor in American history.
I became President of the United States of America after losing the popular vote by over 500,000 votes, with the help of my father's appointments to the Supreme Court.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT:
I attacked two countries.
I spent the surplus and bankrupted the treasury.
I shattered the record for biggest annual deficit in history.
I set the economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period.
I set the all-time record for biggest drop in the history of the stock market.
I am the first president in decades to execute a federal prisoner.
I am the first president in US history to enter office with a criminal record.
In the first year in office I set the all-time record for most days on vacation by any president in US history.
After taking the entire month of August off for vacation, I presided over the worst security failure in US history.
I set the record for most campaign fund-raising trips than any other president in US history.
In my first two years in office over 2 million Americans lost their jobs.
I cut unemployment benefits for more out-of-work Americans than any president in US history.
I signed more laws and executive orders amending the Constitution than any president in US history.
I presided over the biggest energy crises in US history and refused to intervene when corruption was revealed.
I presided over the highest gasoline prices in US history and refused to use the national reserves as past presidents have.
I cut healthcare benefits for war veterans.
I set the all-time record for the most people worldwide to simultaneously take to the streets to protest me (15 million people), shattering the record for protest against any person in the history of mankind.
I dissolved more international treaties than any president in US history.
Members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in US history. (The 'poorest' multimillionaire, Condoleeza Rice, has a Chevron oil tanker named after her).
I am the first president in US history to order a US attack and military occupation of a sovereign nation, and I did so against the will of the United Nations and the world community.
I created the largest government department bureaucracy in the history of the United States.
I set the all-time record for biggest annual budget spending increases, more than any president in US history.
I am the first president in US history to have the United Nations remove the US from the human rights commission.
I am the first president in US history to have the United Nations remove the US from the elections monitoring board.
I removed more checks and balances, and have the least amount of congressional oversight than any presidential administration in US history.
I refused to allow inspectors access to US prisoners of war and by default no longer abide by the Geneva Conventions.
I am the first president in US history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 US elections).
I am the all-time US (and world) record holder for most corporate campaign donations.
My biggest lifetime campaign contributor, who is also one of my best friends, presided over one of the largest cor porate bankruptcy frauds in world history (Kenneth Lay, former CEO of Enron Corporation).
I, with a policy of "disengagement," created the most hostile Israeli-Palestine relations in at least 30 years.
I am the first US president in history to have a majority of the people of Europe (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and stability.
I am the first US president in history to have the people of South Korea more threatened by the US than their immediate neighbor, North Korea.
I failed to fulfill my pledge to get Osama Bin Laden "dead or alive."
I failed to capture the anthrax killer who tried to murder the leaders of our country at the United States Capitol building. After 18 months, I have no leads and zero suspects.
In the 18 months following the 9/11 attacks, I have successfully prevented any public investigation into the biggest security failure in the history of the United States.
I removed more freedoms and civil liberties for Americans than any other president in US history.
In a little over two years, I created the most divided country in decades, possibly the most divided the US has ever been since the civil war.
I entered office with the strongest economy in US history and in less than two years turned every single economic category heading straight down.

RECORDS AND REFERENCES:
I have at least one conviction for drunk driving in Maine (Texas driving record has been erased and is not available).
I was AWOL from National Guard and deserted the military during a time of war.
I refuse to take a drug test or even answer any questions about drug use.
All records of my tenure as Governor of Texas have been spirited away to my father's library, sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view.
All records of any SEC investigations into my insider trading or bankrupt companies are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view.
All minutes of meetings for any public corporation I served on the board are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view.
Any records or minutes from meetings I (or my VP) attended regarding public energy policy are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public review.
For personal references please speak to my daddy or uncle James Baker. (They can be reached at their offices of the Carlyle Group for war-profiteering.)

[Many thanks to Julie for sharing in this resume.]

Busy Life

2003-07-17T08:01:00.000+08:00

If you do not see any new post here, that means, I was busy blogging with my JS profile. Life is good, thanks to God, and hopefully, I could get the fruits of my efforts before this month ends [with my fingers crossed]. Although bills are piling up and I am a bit worried my DSL connection would be discontinued too ( just like my phone), we're not losing hope to get through all these difficulties real soon...

To all my sincere friends who offered me prayers, I thank you, and God knows how much you cared for me.

May God bless us all and keep in touch...

ATM users beware, scams abound

2003-07-14T16:40:00.000+08:00

For the benefit of thousands of ATM cardholders in the Philippines, please read here the full reprint of the victim's letter.

If in case you encounter any of these incidents, please be forewarned that you might be the next target of ATM machine syndicate:

If the button for balance inquiry was hard and was not following the command;
The card did not eject. It was stuck;
In the middle of your troubles and someone came and asked if the machine was on line.

Whatever happens, never ever enter your PIN code infront of them! Just run and leave your ATM card, machine will take it in after three failed attempts, anyway... The Mighty Bond Gang might be nearby watching you. They vandalize ATM machines by putting glue on the buttons which cause cards to get stuck. Once a client enters the ATM booth, they strike as they did to the letter sender. Source: Philstar.com

Poll registration call to Filipinos Abroad

2003-07-14T16:24:00.000+08:00

Filipino voters are being urged to register with their embassy to be able to take part in the country's elections on May 10 next year. For the first time in Philippine history, we (Filipinos abroad) will be able to exercise our political right to vote outside the country.

To register, Filipinos are urged to bring their passports or any other identification, such as their CPRs, that proves they are Filipinos.
Filipinos aged 18 years and above are eligible to vote.
Employers are also urged to encourage their Filipino employees to register.

An estimated six million Filipinos all over the world are expected to vote. Source: Gulf Daily News

Feeling Lost amd Disoriented

2003-07-13T07:03:00.000+08:00

Although I was feeling so lost and disoriented for the past few days, God is always there for us. And, I know I should not continue feeling lost like this. In fact, there's so many things I enjoy which enough to thank God for. Maybe I am just feeling so impatient waiting for my visa and get tha job that would help me start with... I know some of you do pray for me and thank you for doing so, I need more of your spiritual support!

Thank you very much, Lord God, for the blessings and please bless those people also who care about me, a thousand fold!

Make your voice be heard

2003-07-12T09:38:00.000+08:00

Five days from now, a hearing is set for Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) on July 17, 2 p.m. at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Here is an opportunity to get a glimpse how the eventual 2.4GHz frequency will happen and all Wi-Fi enthusiasts are invited who want to make a stand against any form of NTC regulation...

Be there...

Secrets to the best passwords

2003-07-11T12:24:00.000+08:00

Use keywords related to a theme. Choose a common, significant event: a honeymoon, the birth of a child, a new car, a new job.

Substitute numbers for letters based upon their appearance. With a little imagination, you can visualize numbers that bear resemblance to letters.

When you create a password, substitute a number where a letter would appear, according to the chart above. Some examples:

scuba becomes 5cu8a
water becomes w4t3r
icecream becomes 1c3cr34m

Consistently capitalize the nth letter(s) of your password. Some systems require that at least one character be uppercase.

Avoid predictable week-to-week or month-to-month changes. One example of a predictable pattern to avoid: eyesJan01, eyesFeb02, eyesMar03, etc.

Substitute numbers for letters based upon their appearance. With a little imagination, you can visualize numbers that bear resemblance to letters.

So when you create a password, carry out the substitution from the chart. Some examples:

scuba becomes sc7ba
purple becomes 07r0l3
rocket becomes 49ck35

Full details are here at ComputerWorld.

Good Fortune made family flees home

2003-07-10T06:54:00.000+08:00

What will you do if you won over $1 million dollars in a lottery? A chorizo (native sausage) maker and his wife realized that money cannot buy you peace of mind after winning the jackpot prize of more than 54 million pesos in the Superlotto draw on Sunday, according to Inq7.net Newsletter.

The couple and their five children have decided to go on vacation to have peace of mind, even for few days due to a lot of pressure since Sunday after their neighbors learned about their good fortune.

Several people had been flocking to their house to ask for balato (tip or winning's share)...

They could not sleep. They could not eat. They are faced with a lot of pressure. They don't know how to manage and what to do with their winnings... Read more

Although it came to my thoughts last night while washing dishes what if I won in a lottery? What would I do with the money? And then my imaginations went on and on and just sighed ater that. In what way I will win in any lotteries? I do not buy nor bet to have the opportunity to win one great prize? And then here comes the news this morning about the $1 million lotto winner.

I could imagined how they are feeling right now. When I have some money before, I was scared all the time. I even didn't know who to trust and I always kept the door of my room and also the gate of my house always closed. I was scared to walk down the streets, fearing someone would just grabbed my jewelries and hurt me.

So, you see, we cannot blame the family who fled away for few days just to have peace of mind. I may not have (a lot of) money this time but, at least, I can sleep peacefully and never run away from any one for my safety. Hey! I am damn lucky, don't you think so? It's called FREEDOM...

God has many ways to return to us what we have lost in the past. In fact, on April 29, the new millionaire's family's house was among those destroyed during the fire that hit Barangay Ermita, an urban poor community in Cebu City. The family was able to partially rebuild its two-bedroom house. Earlier, their eldest son was in second year college when he was forced to drop out because his parents did not have the money for tuition while the rest of the children were enrolled at a public school.

I am not losing faith that our great opportunity is just... uhmmmm... wish, it's like a mouse-click away...