STREET LIFE - b_l_o_g_s

Ngano man Ko ga Blog?

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 13:38:21 +0800

I read about Blogging in 2003 when every time I search from Goggle, entries from a blog will appear together with the other websites. In fact, the first Blog that I read in 2004 is from Wilson Ng: BIZDRIVEN LIFE. There were other blogs that I frequented then and one of my favorites is Jim Paredes: Writing On Air as well as SEPIK MOM, Far Eastern Asian Review (FEAR/Blog), BISAYABLOGGERS and Phil. Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ/Blog).

Since then, I’ve been wanting myself to join the blog-wagon if I can find the right Bog host that will satisfy my very limited knowledge in web designing and publishing. I learned about lay-outing and graphic design way back in the 80’s when computers can only be seen in James Bond movies. My artistic skill in lay outing was developed because of my participation in various school yearbooks. That is why I have a congenital attraction to computer graphics and web designing but lacks the patience to learn. Also, with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Communication, talking, writing, photography and having an inquisitive mind always makes me seize new techniques in communication. Thanks to my friend Jon Tolentino who encouraged me to finally blog.

So, Ngano man gyud ko ga Blog? So many reasons for a man who wants share his dreams, passion, aspirations, hopes, love, joys, belief, learnings, frustrations, fantasies, stress-release, pastime, etc. Blogging feeds my alter ego. This cultivates & satisfies my fertile mind. Blogging to me is being with friends and making new friends. It’s like your are invited to a cocktail party and if you leave early then its ok.

My first Blog is TAGAPUNTOD from Serendipity where I share about my hometown Cagayan de Oro as well as childhood experiences and friends but I found it too technical for a newbie like me, it eats up a lot of my free time. Then I learned about Blogspirit and started STREETLIFE in 2004 and still doing it now. I have connected a new blog called STREETLIFEEXTENSION a continuation to my search to a fuller life and not just a living. And, I have created another blog that is dedicated to my only daughter Inna from my previous marriage and I intend to give her the web-site on her 16^th birthday, that’s 4 years from now. I called it Inna’s Space because she grew up a very private lady and very comfortable with her own space. She is very selective in her friends and very choosy in taste. The space-blog I created for her will be her only link to me –her father, as she becomes a complete woman. Much of her questions regarding my absence will be found in this space I have made for us.

So if you want to learn more about Blogging and start doing it, just search Google for any free blogs. Better yet, get a blog subscription.

Blog-on!

WHAT IS MARKETING!

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 12:55:33 +0800

You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and say, "I am Dave and very rich. Marry me!"
That's Direct Marketing.

You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl.
One of your friends goes up to her and pointing at you says,
"He's Dave & very rich. Marry him."
That's Advertising.

You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and get her telephone number.
The next day you call and say, "Hi, remember I'm Dave the rich guy. Marry me."
That's Telemarketing.

You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl.
You get up and straighten your tie; you walk up to her
and compliment her hair. You open the door for her,
pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her a ride,
and then say, "By the way, I'm Dave & very rich "Will you marry me?"
That's Public Relations.

You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl.
She walks up to you and says, "You are Dave right..?"
That's Brand Recognition.

You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and say, "I'm Dave...."
She gives you a hard slap on your face.
That's Customer Feedback.

Street Revolution can't be rushed

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 12:34:37 +0800

The basic philosophical question is that if a tree falls in theforest and no one is there to listen will there be a tree?

Mounting a big push to mobilize People Power to try to topplea president on the strengths of recorded conversations (as revealed by a formerNBI Deputy Director) and stepping uppressure to force her to resign by demanding that she break her silence on theauthenticity of the tape in a rush is a sure failure. The demand seeks to placeher in a loosing corner no matter what she does. Damned if is she does anddamned if she does not!

Can you really force a horse toopen its mouth? So far, the President has remained mum, leaving it to her Press Secretary to explain: “We would goby the rule of law. We can’t just give in to what everybody wants even if it isagainst the law”. This statement was based on the context that it isimproper for a President to comment on allegations based on an allegedlyillegally obtained telephone conversation between her Election Commissioner.

The regime opponents have foundthe silence another issue to incite people to go to the streets to demand herresignation or to mobilize mass demonstration that might bring militaryintervention. However, the issue of the illegality of the tapes andauthenticity of the conversations are better left to the lawyers to argue overand for the courts to decide, since it is beyond any street smart person’scompetence to make authoritative judgment. So, where do these events lead us?

An enemy’s problem is how tosustain pressure from the spark that would ignite mass demonstration on thescale of the People Power in 1986 and 2001. Obviously, the plan fizzled out. Much to the disappointment ofthe coup plotters. The public who watched the incident on national TV sawpathetic demonstration of a few hundred people on the gates of a seminary thatthe whistle blower sought sanctuary. It is obvious that the time for anotherpeople uprising had not yet arrived. It may be argued that it takes more thanthe tape and a parade of whistleblowers to rouse millions of people to marchagain on the street of EDSA. The failure of the planned mass action to take off showed thatthe regime’s ambitious opponents had indulged in exuberant expectation andcalculations of the right momentum.

Critical elements that made EDSAuprisings in 1986 and 2001 successful are missing in the impulsive attempt tospark an uprising over the weekend.

1. Explosive brew ofcorruption against the Marcos and Estrada regimes that raised the degree ofanger to incendiary level.

Lesson: You cannot spark a forest fire during a rainy season. Thesituation is not dry enough for an ignition.

2. Choose the rightwhistle blower based on their background and popularity.

Lesson: Not many will rush to the streets on behalf of anambitious investigator and a bagman of illegal gambling called jueteng.

3. The rallyingpoint of the opposition is by virtue of a clear constitutional succession.

Lesson: Letthe dead bury the dead, There’s no use rallying for a dead actor.

4. An overarchingchurch leader with influence over the flock like Cardinal Sin who called themto march by millions in the streets.

Lesson: Archbishop Cruz and Bishop Iniguez et al. do not have themoral authority as a single voice. They can only fire scattered shots againstthe President.

5. Politicalexplosions have long gestation periods.It took more than 3-years after Aquino’s assassination for EDSA 1 to explodeand more than a year for the jueteng powder keg to explode after Singson’sexpose’ for EDSA 2.

Lesson: There is wisdom in patience.

One important lesson: Revolutionsof any type cannot be rushed because they take their own time and moment. Thisis a cold comfort for our President. She has to do something magnanimous morethan keeping quite and sacrificing her relatives to survive.

Going back to my philosophicalquestion basing on the events over the weekend, without the admission of anaggrieved party can there be a guilty verdict? Or was there a crime afterall?

Cont. form 100 Best in Pinoy!

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Fri, 13 May 2005 16:51:04 +0800

68. Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evokememories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shapedpackage.Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories offamily outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.

69. Unbridled optimism. Why we rank so low on the suicide scale.

70. Street food: Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD(chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here'scheap, tasty food with gritty ambience.

71. The siesta. Snoozing in the middle of the day orlunch-break is smart, not lazy.

72. Honorifics and courteous titles: Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy,Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these wordsconnote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.

73. Heroes and people who stood up for truthand freedom.Lapu-lapu started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: DiegoSilang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini,Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, FranciscoBalagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, RahaSuliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan andCorregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier, NinoyAquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up, honest cabbie EmilioAdvincula, Rona Mahilum, the women lawyers who didn't let Jalosjos get awaywith rape.

74. Flora and fauna. The sea cow (dugong), the tarsier,calamian deer, bearcat, Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia,pandan, the creatures that make our archipelago unique.

75. Pilipino songs, OPM and composers: "Ama Namin," "LupangHinirang," "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal," "Ngayon atKailanman," "Anak," "Handog,""Hindi Kita Malilimutan,""Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali,Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante--living examplesof our musical gift.

76. Metro Aides. They started out as Imelda Marcos' groupies,but have gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuouslyprove that cleanliness is next to godliness--especially now that those darnedcandidates' posters have to be scraped off the face all over the archipelago.

77. Sari-sari store. There's one in every corner, offeringeverything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and Nike slippers.

78. Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS.Caritas. Fund drives.They help us help each other.

79. Favorite TV shows through the years: "Tawag ngTanghalan," "John and Marsha," "Champoy," "Ryan,Ryan Musikahan," "Kuwarta o Kahon," "PublicForum/Lives," "Student Canteen," "Eat Bulaga." In theage of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.

80. Quirks of language that can drive crazy any touristlistening in: "Bababa ba?" "Bababa!"

81. "Kadiri!" "Syet""Naks" "Pucha” “Anak Teteng” Expressions that defy translation but wring outfeelings genuinely Pinoy.

82. Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than theirwives (sometimes).

83. Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicineman, genius, athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover,samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.

84. Vilma Santos, Juday, Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, sheredefined our rigid concept of how leading ladies should look.

85. Noranian or Vilmanian. Defines the friendly rivalry between AteGuy Aunor and Ate Vi Santos and for many years, the only way to be for manyFilipino fans.

86. Filipino Christmas. The world's longest holiday season. Aperfect excuse to mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap itup with a touch of religion.

87. Relatives and kababayan abroad. The best refuge against loneliness,discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellowPinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phoneintroduction or referral.

88. Festivals: Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors,pagan frenzy and Christian overtones.

89. Folk dances. Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, kari?sa, kuratsa,itik-itik, alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm.

90. Native wear and costumes. Baro't saya, tapis, terno, saya,salakot, bakya. Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress.

91. Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never getsevered. You don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000relatives. Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's atits best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moralsupport materialize during a wake?

92. Calesa and karitela. The colorful and leisurely way tonegotiate narrow streets when loaded down with a year's provisions.

93. Quality of life. Where else can an ordinary employeeafford a stay-in helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, thelatest fashion (Baclaran nga lang), even Viagra in the black market?

94. All Saints' Day. In honoring our dead, we also prove thatwe know how to live.

95. Handicrafts. Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties,woodcarvings, banig placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portablememories of home. Hindi lang pang-turista, pang-balikbayan pa!

96. Pinoy greens. Sitaw. Okra. Ampalaya. Gabi. Munggo.Dahon ng Sili. Kangkong. Luya. Talong. Sigarillas. Bataw. Patani. Lutong bahaywill never be the same without them.

97. OCWs. The lengths (and miles) we'd go for a betterlife for our family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy.

98. The Filipino artist. From Luna's magnificent"Spoliarium" and Amorsolo's sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok'sjarring abstractions and Borlongan's haunting ghosts, and everybody else inbetween. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you're hanging one ofAsia's best.

99. Tagalog soap operas. From "Gulong ng Palad" and"Flor de Luna" to today's incarnations like "Mula saPuso"--they're the story of our lives, and we feel strongly for them,MariMar notwithstanding.

100.Midnight madness, weekends sales, bangketas andbaratillos. It's retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain.

100 things about being Pinoy!

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Thu, 12 May 2005 13:45:00 +0800

FROM the 1896Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSARevolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on. Thankfully, however,some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark usfor life. They're the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinitythat binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of ourculture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are soself-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon ordrool. Here, from all over this Centennial-crazed country and in no particularorder, are a hundred of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.

1. Merienda. Where else is it normal to eat fivetimes a day including Midnight-snack?

2. Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedomof choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diversetastes. Favorites: toyo't calamansi, suka at sili, patis. You can also seethese markings on the dinning table.

3. Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these andmarvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want.

4. Pinoy humor andirreverence.If you're api and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.

5. Tingi. Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs.Where else can we buy cigarettes, soap, condiments and life's essentials insmall affordable amounts? Try powdered Tawas.

6. Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnictribes had their own anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to astrong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be.

7. Po, opo, mano po. Speech suffixes that define courtesy,deference, filial respect--a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.

8. Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrillsand delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customaryguilt.

9. Beaches! With 7,000 plus islands, we have milesand miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters,and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to theemerald isles of Palawan--over here, life is truly a beach.

10. Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish orshrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustinglyunhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.

11. Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally-renowned dancecompany, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities.Just have that cold beer and some pulutan ready for the troops. For the best ofmeals try to chip-in for food or “Kurambos”.

12. The Balikbayan box. Another way of sharing life's bounty, nomatter if it seems like we're fleeing Pol Pot every time we head home fromanywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not,the contents are carted home to be distributed.

13. Pilipino komiks. Not to mention "Hiwaga,""Aliwan," "Tagalog Classics," "Liwayway"and"Bulaklak" magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna,Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Dyesebel, Darna characters of atime both innocent and worldly.

14. Folk songs. They come unbidden and spring, fullblown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereoof a passing jeepney or tricycle.

15. Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow isjust another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saintwith this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It's a Pinoy celebration at itspious and riotous best. Check the group called “BUNTAKAPI”.

16. Aswang, manananggal,kapre, Tiyanak, Engkato.The whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls our uniquely bizarrechildhood, that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their richadventures pepper our storytelling.

17. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle ofpostwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman's communal cadillac makes for a cheap,interesting ride. If the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on toyour seat, Katas ng Saudi is coming.

18. Dinuguan. Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, untilyou try it with puto. Best when mined with peppers. Messy but delicious.Caucasians call this D’ Black thing.

19. Santacruzan. More than just a beauty contest, thisone has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena's and Constantine's searchfor the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it'sthe perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies--and the most beautifulgowns.

20. Balut. Unhatched duck's embryo, anotherunspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures!Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup, with gusto.

21. Pakidala. A personalized door-to-door remittanceand delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don't trust the bankingsystem, and who expect a family update from the courier, as well.

22. Choc-nut, Tira-tira,Kagang-kang, Pilipit, Shakoy. Crumbly bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M &M's and Hershey's.

23. Kamayan style. (Usually enjoyed with Puso’) To eat withone's hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners--ah, heaven.

24. Chicharon. Pork, fish or chicken crackling. Thereis in the crunch a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian.Perfect with vinegar, sublime with beer.

25. Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty"Kain tayo!" invitation to break bread with whoever has food toshare, no matter how skimpy or austere it is. If you don’t invite, don’t expectto be invited either.

26. Adobo, kare-kare,sinigang and other lutong bahay stuff. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp ofapproval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secretsand family recipes.

27. Lola Basyang, KuyaCesar, Dra. Rosaroso, Tiya Deli. The voices wehear spinning tales over the radio, before movies and television curtailedimagination and defined grown-up tastes.

28. Pambahay. Home is where one can let it all hangout, where clothes do not make a man or woman but rather define their level ofcomfort.

29. Tricycle and trisikad, the poor Pinoy's taxicab that deliversyou at your doorstep for as little as Pesos 5.00, with a complimentary dustingof polluted air.

30. Dirty ice cream. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for therisk: munggo, langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there's the colorful cartthat recalls jeepney art.

31. Yayas. The trusted Filipino nanny who,ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers.A good one is almost like a surrogate parent--if you don't mind the accent andthe predilection for afternoon soap and movie stars.

32. ChocoVim, Pop Cola,Sarsi.Pinoy rootbeer, the enduring taste of childhood. Our grandfathers had them withan egg beaten in.

33. Pinoy fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones,durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, papaya,singkamas--the possibilities!

34. Filipino celebrities. Movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens,Talk-show hosts, Military, Basketball stars, all-around controversial figuresturned politicians

35. World class Pinoys who put us on the global map: LeaSalonga, Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia deVega-Mercado, Jocelyn Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren"Bata" Reyes, Lilia Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, JosieNatori. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

36. Pinoy tastes. A dietitian's nightmare: too sweet, toosalty, too fatty, as in burong talangka, itlog na maalat, crab fat (aligue),bokayo, kutchinta, sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon,longganisa, tuyo, ensaymada, ube haleya, sweetened macapuno and garbanzos.Remember, we're the guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum!

37. The sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol'sChocolate Hills, Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the LasPiñas Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano,Boracay, Ma. Christina Falls. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.

38. Gayuma, agimat andanting-anting.Love potions and amulets. How the socially disadvantaged Pinoy copes. Checkthis out in the island of Siquijor in Visayas.

39. Barangay Ginebra,Jaworski, PBA, MBA, Fil-shams. How the verticaly-challenged Pinoy compensates, via anational sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights.

40. People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changedPhilippine history overnight. Lately, EDSA III just toppled a president throughtexting (SMS messaging).

41. San Miguel Beer andpulutan."Isa pa nga!" and the Philippines' most popular, world-renowned beergoes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa, chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and allmanner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol-rich chasers.

42. Resiliency. We've survived 400 years of Spanishrule, the 100 years US bases, Marcos, the 1990 earthquake, lahar, annualtyphoons, sea, air & road accidents, bombings & kidnappings, Sunog!

43. Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this huntingtool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to "walkthe dog" and "rock the baby," using just a piece of string.

44. Pinoy games: Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. Afew basic rules make individual cunning and persistence a premium, andguarantee a good time for all.

45. Ninoy Aquino. For saying that "the Filipino isworth dying for,'' and proving it.

46. Balagtasan. The verbal joust that brings out rhyme,reason and passion on a public stage.

47. Tabo. All-powerful, ever-useful,hygienically-triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket _ and help thetrue Pinoy answer nature's call. Helps maintain our famously stringent toilethabits.

48. Pandesal. Despite its shrinking size, still a goodbuy. Goes well with any filling, best when hot.

49. Jollibee. Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility,and a corporate icon that we can be quite proud of. Do you know that it'sinvaded the Middle East, as well?

50. The butanding, thedolphins and other creatures in our blessed waters. They're Pinoys, too, and they're here tostay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into daing.

51. Pakikisama. It's what makes people stay longer at parties,have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunkand still make it home.

52. Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God alot of us do it well! Forget “My Way”.

53. Kayumanggi. Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone isbeautifully healthy, the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growingtowards the sun.

54. Handwoven cloth andnative weaves.Colorful, environment-friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillfulworkmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread. From thepinukpok of the north to the malong of the south, it's the fiber of who we are.

55. Movies, Tele-Novelas,Tele-Korean, F4, Tele-Fantasia, Reality Pinoy. Still the cheapest form of entertainment,especially if you watch them several times.

56. Bahala na. We cope with uncertainty by embracingit, and are thus enabled to play life by ear.

57. Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile,admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to our national ability to acquire ataste for almost anything.

58. English. Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, Taglish, Silliman-English, MTV-VJ diction. Itdoubles our chances in the global marketplace.

59. The Press. Irresponsible, sensational, ofteninaccurate, but still the liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we'd all be glued toTV.

60. DivisoriaIf she doesn't, she never was....

According to a-
Pessimist:
If you love someone,
Set her free ...
If she ever comes back, she's yours,
If she doesn't, as expected, she never was

Optimist:
If you love someone,
Set her free ...
Don't worry, she will come back.

Suspicious:
If you love someone,
Set her free ...
If she ever comes back, ask her why.

Impatient:
If you love someone,
Set her free ..
If she doesn't come back within some time forget her.

Patient:
If you love someone,
Set her free ...
If she doesn't come back,
continue to wait until she comes back ...

Playful
If you love someone,
Set her free ...
If she comes back, and if you love her still,
set her free again, repeat ....

Finance expert :
If you love someone
set her free
If she comes back, its time to look for fresh loans
If she doesn't, write her off as an asset gone bad.

C++ Programmer:
if(you-love(m_she))
m_she.free()
if(m_she == NULL)
m_she = new CShe;

Animal-Rights Activist:
If you love someone,
Set her free,
In fact, all living creatures deserve to be free!!

Lawyers:
If you love someone,
Set her free,
Clause 1a of Paragraph 13a-1 in the Second
Amendment of the Matrimonial Freedom

Biologist :
If you love someone,
Set her free,
She'll evolve.

Statisticians :
If you love someone,
Set her free,
If she loves you, the probability of her coming
back is high
If she doesn't, your relation was improbable
anyway.

Schwarzenegger's fans:
If you love someone,
Set her free,
SHE'LL BE BACK!

Over possessive person :
If you love someone
don't set her free.

MBA :
If you love someone set her free instantaneously
and look for others simultaneously

Psychologist :
If you love someone
set her free
If she comes back her super ego is dominant
If she doesn't come back her id is supreme
If she doesn't go, she must be crazy.

Somnabulist :
If you love someone
set her free
If she comes back it's a nightmare
If she doesn't, you must be dreaming.

ERP functional expert :
If you love someone
set her free
If she comes back, map her into your system
If she doesn't, carry out a gap-fit analysis

Marketing Specialist :
If you love someone
set her free
If she comes back she has brand loyalty
If she doesn't, reposition the brand in new market

A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee...

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 16:25:00 +0800

Here’s a story I wish my daughter INNA will learn from:

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. Ayoung woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things wereso hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted togive up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that as soon asone problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three potswith water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In thefirst she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last sheplaced ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. Inabout twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out andplaced them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Thenshe ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, sheasked, Tell me, what do you see?

Carrots, eggs, and coffee, she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel thecarrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked thedaughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observedthe hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked, What does it mean, mother?

Her mother explained that each of these objects had facedthe same adversity ... boiling water. But each reacted differently. The carrot wentin strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boilingwater, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outershell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boilingwater, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique,however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

Which are you? she asked her daughter.

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Areyou a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seemsstrong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose mystrength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with theheat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financialhardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shelllook the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit andhardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes thehot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot,it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst,you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is thedarkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to anotherlevel?

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or acoffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials tomake you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they justmake the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgottenpast; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.Cheers to life!

GIVING

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 16:05:00 +0800

By Zig Ziglar

Marian Anderson got her start by scrubbing floors for ten cents an hour so that she could buy a pawnshop violin. The church she attended recognized her rare talent and raised money for a professional voice teacher to work with her. When the teacher pronounced her ready, she went to New York where critics crucified her. She returned home to regroup. Her mother and her church encouraged her and paid for more lessons.

Because of the intense racial prejudice in America, she went to Europe and took the continent by storm. She came back to America and sang at the Lincoln Memorial with more than 60,000 people in attendance. She sang "O Mia Fernando," "Ave Maria," "Gospel Train," and "My Soul Is Anchored in the Lord," among other songs...

One day a reporter asked Marian what the most satisfying moment in her life was. Without hesitation, she responded that (it was) when she was able to tell her mother that she did not have to take in any more washing. The reporter asked, "What did your mother give you?"

Marian Anderson responded, "Everything she had."

That's greatness, and giving everything we have is our key to greatness.

3 Very Interesting Blog-sites!

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Tue, 22 Feb 2005 14:10:00 +0800

I justadded three Blog-sites on my FENCESITTER (my favorites) today: JimParedes’ Writing on Air, Leon Kilatand Sepik Mom. Thanks to Bizdrivenlife’s Blog, he led me to these three very interestingsites. Check them out!

And bythe way, I’ll be using a themed color to my blogs starting today . . .

Women are like apples on tree!

noreply@blogspirit.com (Dave ACENAS) — Mon, 07 Feb 2005 14:45:00 +0800

The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want toreach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt.Instead, they just get the rotten apples from the ground that aren't as good,but easy.........So the apples at the top think something is wrong with them,when in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man tocome along, the one who's brave enough to climb all the way to the top of thetree. Share this with other women who are good apples, even those who havealready been picked!

And . . . . Men? Men are like a fine wine. They start out asgrapes, and it's up to women to stomp the shit out of them until they turn intosomething acceptable to have dinner with. Agree or Not?