Simplicity is beauty

Things aren't really going well recently and apparently, this mayhem has affected me more that expected. If there's something beneficial I see, is to often find myself wanting to post an entry. Perhaps as means to release tension, an escape from this roller coaster ride mix of emotion.

However, if that post would only mean to whine and groan, I would rather discard it. So, I choose to revert on positive thoughts and pray at the same time. Later, I also realized that it's really useless and tiring to feel down on something that is beyond my control. So, why waste this precious time!

While at office, I was able to do blog hopping and fortunate to come across a blog which really encourage me. Like a journal as it is, but what captured me most is the way he shared his beautiful photos. I was really shocked how beautiful the Philippines is. That blogger indeed savor every minute of the places his been with.

Not bragging, but I've been to several countries already and had taken remarkable photos that I could keep as memento of such travels. But what I learned from him is photography. It strike a chord on me to always take the shot on those times that it had taken my breath away, as simple as the sunset, the silhouette, a flower, oh and so much more, much much more. Simple right, my happiness is really simple you know.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

PS. I hurriedly check the available photos on my computer. It may not be the best, but it's one of those moments, so glad that God created such beautiful sight for free.

Sunset at Chin Ching Lake, Taiwan

In working again

It's nearly 3 weeks after I came back and it appears to have that same smell of an old demanding career. Maybe more this time. Why? because apart from my original accounts, they added 3 more, plus 2 new released process by development team. WHAAAAA!!!! WHAAAAA!!! HELP!!! as if they don't know, my 3 months off was not for pleasure.

I had raised this concern to my leader and she said, it has been arranged. Meaning I don't have a choice but to follow. I see it thou as payback time and as much as I wanted to complain for the unfairness, I believe in due time everything will turn around. So for the meantime, I'll be still, keep my peace and have a positive attitude, because God is faithful and just, His promises will never fail.

I posted last time that I'm staying at the dormitory, but actually it didn't last as I transferred back to my old apartment after 3 days. Moving-out is not that easy, so I was having problem who can help me. But guess what, there's always helping hands when I need it at the time. At the same time, my landlord was so good having me back and so nice for re-installing the conveniences I had before. What a Blessing!!!

And so I'm back to what I'm used to everyday, only this time I don't have a housemate. So maybe spending extra time at work would be beneficial for exercise...talking and smiling...hehe...but need to watch the time not to miss my bus otherwise, it seems years of waiting...haha...imagine for another 45minutes. Got to go for now folks!

And this is life...

How time flies, it's now the fourth month of the year and shortly will just realize that another year is going to end, looking forward for the new year.

This recent break has allowed me to contemplate again on things and ask questions which most of the time I don't know the answer. Thoughts about the recent disappointment, about life and happiness, living differently and doing other things instead. Thoughts that I hoped to be asked or shared with someone who do knows me, or much better if it's someone who knows me more that I knew myself. And how I wish Ann was here, if only she was here.....

14th floor at 4PM, that is our usual meeting place. The place where will have our afternoon coffee break and chat about our never ending issues at work, people that hurted or influenced us, places where we wanted to go, our individual dreams and plans, our life existence, our beliefs. And when there's nothing to talk about, we just sit there quietly while drinking our coffe and watching the magnificient sunset. And though I see the sunset daily, it's like there's always something to be watched for, the scene is really wonderful and lovely just to be contained in a day from that floor. But something came up which made her to decide leaving and do something which she believes is the best for her. With a very promising career and talent, her decision is a total big NO for some, but for me, that decision was quite admirable, for it takes a lot of courage to do so.

With none so near trusted friend, I find it difficult to open with the family. In a way, I don't want them to be so worried about me or maybe there's just really things about ourselves which we feel more comfortable talking with a friend than family, because friends can relate more to the situation. But then at the end of the day, I'm still thankful to have a family who is with me at this depressing moment in life and for a God who is not letting go of me who promised that everything will come to pass.

I also wanted to share this text message sent by a friend, " Even though friends can be a help, only JESUS can reach beyond our tears and touch the dip hurts of our hearts. His comfort can carry us through the struggles of are lives until that day wen GOD himself wipes away every tear from our eyes."

Here it goes again

Just 2 weeks ago, I had written on my last post that I will try to avoid writing work related subjects. Apparently, it won't be the case as we encountered once more another strange case.


And so, I'm back to the same workaholic full-mode, a slave maybe the exact word. And thanks to that smooth sailing process one month break, mind you that we pinned down the last one. I was able to recharge, and now wanted to shout " Panahon na para ilabas muli ang isang daang porsiyentong kapangyarihan" (in English, "It's time to unleash my 100% power")...ha ha ha, funny as it sounds, but I like it, it's very appropriate. Hey do you still remember which famous cartoon show tag line it was? I already forgot, it's one of my fave back then.


Actually this one is more critical than the last one, considering the failing rate is quite low. Imagine, they will be flying back again next week. Oh well, maybe they just like me that much...ha ha ha


And you may say, hey it's kinda serious and should be taken seriously. Yes, I am, I really am taking that into that level. Obviously, I just wanted to use another approach and see what happens next.


I just learned from previous experience that, I usually put additional pressure on myself for motivation. Don't know why, maybe it's just my style in order not to loose momentum of what I'm doing. But realized at the same time that the more I put myself into pressure, the more I can't move. So this time, I would like to try like playing, but surely hitting the nail and I believed that it's more light and fun.


I'll end this post for now and let's see how my next entries goes, better watch for it...@_@


Have a nice weekend every all.

Three points shot

Finally, after four months of distress figuring out the root cause and resolution, we have seen light and fingered this one.

To pin down analysis straightway for a new failure was really difficult. I'm somehow helpless during initial stages of the experiment as our 1st leg matrix on two group samples showed different result.

It only made the problem worse and complicated plus the need to explain why is it so...argh!...considering that we issued instructions of ways to control it, don't tell me now that somebody didn't follow the exact sequence. In which we find no abnormality after investigating.

But with our 2nd leg still not able to simulate the same defect, has lead us to conclude that we're not hitting anything and thus made us to step back and re-check everything.

And so far, with the pilot lots showing promising results was a complete relief. There's not much to be done apart from continuous monitoring to establish confidence...TYL!!!

With that, I hope I can post as much as I could or say at least once in a week would be fair out of this mediocrity. And I hope I could post not only work matters but of personal stuffs as well...Actually, I don't have much idea what to share for a single like me. On the contrary, I think telling about one's child development and family affairs is kinda more interesting. It's just that there are lots of subject to be tackled about than just oneself, particularly myself....he he

Oh! did I just said I wanted to get married already? hmmp, can be, but not really. On the side, I'm still enjoying the benefits of single hood, but of course if God provide it soon, so be it, no objection. By then, I'm going to retire...he he, although I really can't figure out myself staying at home doing home stuffs, especially for a lazy one like me, it is my dream to be one when it's already my turn. You may say, let's see, but for now all I can say is read it right! ha ha

P.S

While thinking of a suitable title for this entry, I came to write it as "Three points shot". And just in case you wonder why? just spare my explanation. Life in general is ain't easy and there are times we need to step forward, make difficult decisions and take the risk. But once you shot the ball into the basket similar to shooting it from a three points lane, then it's a great achievement. A sure winning shot!

Will close this post for now, have a nice weekend to everyone.

Weekend thing

As much as I tried getting to bed early to catch more sleep during the weekend, my body clock was somewhat get used to sleeping late. Good thou that it's weekend and free to be lazy waking up the next day.

I should be now sleeping at my bed back home, had a taste of my fave dishes during dinner that is especially cooked by mom, obviously it's only a dream. Yes, I was actually flying back to the Philippines today, but need to postpone till end of August for some urgent responsibilities need to dealt with. Yeah, yeah, yeah, no other logical reason except than work matters as my biggest European customer will be coming over next week, meaning I need to endure a bit.

The truth is I was gear to be back on December, but I think I do need this break to unleash myself from being compounded. At the same time, it would be great if I could celebrate my birthday with family. For 3yrs in a row, I have spent it here and I think it's payment time, imagine I miss my gifts thrice and surely can't happen for the 4th time. Just kidding thou, I am actually so excited for this vacation and have done my itinerary to maximize this break.

So while pondering on these thoughts and because I can't sleep, I played one CD of this series which I have watched for the nth time. It's my sort of temporary escape from reality after a hard day at work, just makes me feel good after watching it everytime. Rain & Hye-Kyo's tandem in this romantic comedy Koreanovela was a blast, even ranked as one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. The most adorable pair I have seen so far (yeah, they have surpass my likeness with Meg & Tom from You've Got Mail). Oh! how cute these two look especially when one is jealous over the other (both tagged as chicken...ha ha).

Anyhow, allow me to post some pictures in remembrance and I do hope you loved the series as much as I do. I'm planning also to attach YouTube's OST , but don't know how. So, if you can provide inputs and I'll post next time. Along with my collection of videos.

Have a nice weekend everyone....^^

TV game shows

It's been 2 days in a row that I ate my lunch on some Filipino restaurants just outside the processing zone. A good get-away from the usual pentang meal at our buildings basement cafeteria, plus a relief of that ever fishy smell after which...ha ha...Nothing really beats our own taste of Filipino dish. Yesterday, I have Embutido (grounded pork with egg, carrot, raisin, etc) and today Adobong Pusit (onion fried squid sauteed in soy sauce and vinegar) as viand, so delicious.

While savoring the moment of that break, the store was also equipped with air-condition to be free from the outside heat. At the same time, they had satellite to show Filipino channels on the TV screen. It's been a while that I haven't watched any, aside of course from the help of the Internet, so thanks to the computer geeks who discovered it.

Anyway, it was Game Ka Na Ba of Channel2 that was on air, now hosted by Edu Manzano. In fairness, his a good host, a capable replacement of Kris Aquino. On the side, I can't help to laugh realizing that he needs to do some dancing move to please the viewer's...ha ha, it might be call of duty. The shows motif has also changed from the one I've seen couple of years ago, so this is like my first time watching it again. Yesterday, I've only seen some part and today is like the continuation of it.

So the winner yesterday is Vannie from Los Banos and there are 2 challengers to get that position. The final round was naming the latest 12 senatorial electorates, so Vannie started and rest follows. The winner should be able to answer when it's his/her turn which is under time pressure. The 2nd person miss the 3rd round, while Vannie lost the 4th round and the winner is the boy whose qualifying answer to the final round was the question: Imbey was short term for gays which actually means: Imbyerna, with matching raising his eyebrow with one hand...oh oh! it seems like his one of the federation...ha ha. Anyway, it just make me think at some point because when Vannie lost her turn, there was a pause when it's the boy's turn to answer the question. It actually adds to his time to collect thoughts and answer the question. Not mean anything here, it's just plain observation for my 25cents worth.

Anyway, the show is entertaining and informative to sum-up.

Times of Reflection (part2)

Good that my browser is now functioning properly and can key-in the title text field. So, this post is supposed to be the continuation of my previous post entitled "Times of Reflection", and as much as I wanted to write part2 there was a delay.

Life is really ain't easy, but I'm sure I'm not the only one that is having difficulty at the time. It maybe much more harder for other people.

So, the following days was a struggle of holding on and letting go. Setting my priorities straight has been a work in-process. It's like trying to meet east from the west, a total no no. But I got no choice, I have to change my perspective, otherwise it will eat me alive.

The discussion I had with my boss was an eye-opener and I hoped you could also get something from it. It was more than a 2 hrs discussion and truly you can't see yourself clearly unless from another peoples point of view. And this is what I've learned about me: He told me that I'm someone who does & tries everything to make the work polished. And because the supposed collaborative effort is not working, I put the pressure on myself and thus left me so frustrated because it's still not working.

Initially I don't know if I'll get upset or encourage hearing that criticism. But soon I bursted out my complains which I rarely do so to be honest. It's not my style to whine, if I can do it, I'll try and I will really try hard. So, don't tell me now as if it's my fault, hello, I'm already brain drained here coz of this issue, can't you see there is problem in our system that's why I need to do this & that...blah blah blah. I cried so hard and I don't care if it's right whining at the time, but I wanted him to know how I feel, how hard I'm pushing myself just to close this issue and tell you what a relief, refreshing afterwhich.

For a fast paced working environment such as mine, time is crucial especially this case I'm handling is our leading customer, which only means there are plenty of eyes on me. Theoretically, subordinates should always deliver a good job to their respective bosses and I may have overestimate this assumption, that I also raised high expectation. The fact that I'm a foreigner with define communication gap and quite different paradigm among locals are sure pressure adder.

So does it mean I'll just be lax and wait everything to fall on my lap, definitely not. But rather to extend my horizon of understanding that I can't expect things to appear just like how I want it to be. But the best I've learned is not to put that pressure or burden only on myself. I'm not saying that I could handle it now more wisely, but I'm sure I won't dwell on it just like before. In the first place I have put so much attention on it.

Neglecting the Bible's reminder: "Where your treasure is, there your heart as well". So this time, I will start to pay attention and use that time and energy to the things that are critical to my happiness which are: my loved ones, my dreams, my faith, doing things that I love, time for myself, mentoring others and taking care of my health. To be a good steward of the talents and blessing that God has entrusted to me. Afterall, where not working only for ourselves but for the One who has made us.

Times of Reflection

My daily routine has turned back once again of working till midnight, skipping dinner on time and if have luck, eat finger foods at my desk just to use that extra time and for what, for working as usual. So absorb attending to work issues, that I failed to recognize that I'm forgetting to take care of myself.

I do love my job, no doubt on that and it's the main reason why I am working so hard. Always a team player, always doing my best in resolving process issues. But this time, it's different, it hit me so hard, so hard to consider giving up and leave everything behind, the things that I have worked so hard building. It's the time that I felt so down at the wire.

I have come to the point of giving up, yes, not because it is too hard, too difficult, I wanted to get out, I can't do it anymore, maybe, just maybe...but, the main reason I believed I have come to this thinking is because I realized that what I'm doing is not the bottom line of everything.

What's the use of being able to buy things that you want if your going to loose your health. What's the use of getting recognition if your going to loose valuable time with family, losing time on the things that will make you happy. What's the use of being up in the ladder if your going to be all alone.

Those thoughts has struck me more that I ever imagine. I am putting myself on unnecessary stress and pressure that I'm forgetting the things that will really make me happy.

To be continued....

p.s. If you've notice, I put the title inside of this post as my browser can't key-in the title bar. Not sure though what's wrong. Appreciate if anyone can advise how to fix it...thanks

Memoirs of June

This is my first blog entry for the month of June and despite the fact that the past days had been one of a hectic week at work where several topic can be a subject for posting, I never come out to anything in particular to share with or maybe, I just don't want to go over on work matters again. Hence, I choose instead to reminisce on the D-day's this month. Those events that my memory will serve me well and try figuring out plans of making it more worthwhile.

1. June15 is my twin kuya's (older brother's) b-day and just this afternoon, I chatted with sister and learned that they will have a small gathering. A typical pinoy style b-day which is usually composed of the immediate family members plus nearby brothers friends or repapips. Thankful though that I won't be seeing the drinking session, plus the singing as if concert Ala king...ha ha, I can't help not to have that wistful thinking that I won't be celebrating with them. My family is one of the ordinary class and though our b-days are not celebrated with grandiose, we make sure that this day was spent as always as one of the most important days in our lives.
   Well, as the occasion means gift giving, I just hoped that my brothers won't ask too much...ha ha, actually they are not that bilmoko nun type, sound good for me right and even hesitant telling what they really like. So this time I just left them buy for them selves. Happy B-day to you my Bros...^^


2. June15 is also the end of my working contract and I should be going back home a week before this day. But then I was blessed as the company renewed my contract. Yeah, will be here for another 3 more years. We had done the contract signing last week and my residence permit and visa are on-process at the embassy. I could actually now avail my yearly vacation, but I prefer to use it instead on December for the holiday season.



I have experienced Christmas in Taiwan once and though most of them are either Bud dist or Atheist, they were already westernized in many ways. And during this time, decorations can be seen everywhere to join Christians all over the world in celebrating this glorious event. But truly, I could say that there is no other place to spend Christmas among us pinoys than in the Philippines and I'm sure that most of the pinoy expats will agree to me on this matter regardless of the potential cost.


I've been in Taiwan for 4yrs and honestly, there are only a few places that I have visited so far. And so I said to myself, these next 3 years should be a breakthrough for that delay in exploring the country. The fact that my mandarin skills is still on phase1 (basic) should not be anymore my long time reason for fear of being lost. Also, the courage to travel alone though it would be better to have companions sharing the experience should not be anymore an excuse. So, I decided and determined to take that risk. And well, in life we need to have some right...Aja Aja fighting...^^

3. Lastly, after being a colony of Spain, Japan and Americans, the Philippines will be celebrating it's 109th Yr of Independence this coming June12th. Now I'm not surprised why upon seeing the natives of Taiwan just make me think that they look very similar with pinoys. Why you may ask? because majority of our ancestors came from the Austronesian from Taiwan. If you don't believe me, then you can check Wikipedia and hit Philippines as key word. And now, I'm also not surprised why J.Rizal has Chinese blood...ha ha, small world isn't.

Now more that ever, I realized how important learning mandarin. How many times I tried, really, but my tongue just goes nowhere. Oh well, it may not be too late. I still had my 3 years in the row...Aja Aja fighting...^^

Recent viewed et al

It was more than a week after my last post and just in case your wondering where am I, not sure though who you are but thanks anyway. I've got pre-occupied watching a Korean Telenovela...ha ha, yep, pathetic it may seem or jologs, whatever, I don't care. For me, it was blissful.

Contrary to the usual happy endings of Filipino Telenovelas, the Korean Telenovela I just saw ended up with lovers separating their ways. The girl died due to a terminal disease leaving the boy...her husband...her childhood sweetheart.

I believed that stories, especially love stories are usually ideal and dialogues are well scripted and edited which will made you long for to be heard or said to someone. Anyhow, I know that everyone has a romantic side and need to be tapped once in a while. Otherwise, life will be so dull and boring, right? So allow me to rate this love story as remarkable, because one of the lead roles give up his life in order to let others live happily even if it'll mean for just a short period of time. Isn't it awesome? a one of a kind love. OK, I think that will be enough for now and I don't want to be mock further...ha ha

P.S If you wanted to know the title of that Korean telenovela , just let me know...^^

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Moving forward...last Monday was our country's National election and since it's a relevant topic, thought to add it on my post.

Aside from the stagnant voting system of the country, I assumed that the latest absentee voting of pinoy expats is an added opportunity for the parasite officials to delude. I actually received an electoral mail from COMELEC couple of weeks ago, but I rather choose to ignore my right to exercise.

I stopped voting even when I was still in the Philippines and for sure one vote will not have a significant impact as winners may have been defined long before the actual election. So, why waste time filling-up the ballot and go to the post office, it was also not a payed to envelope. Paying the stamp is not the matter OK, it's a just a small amount, the point is was there an assurance that my vote will be used correctly? Apologies for being cynical, I stopped believing this system for quite a long time and hoping for a time to regain back my trust on the government. When will it come? I just don't know...maybe if the total outcome of this election winner turns good, it will be soon, all hopes!

Random thoughts of leaving alone

It was already 4AM when my eyes got heavy and fell asleep. Knowing that I'll be a tug of war event getting me to work shortly, I decided to take the whole day-off as I also feel the urgency of this break in order for me to think things over. Can't settle later on and pretend everything is OK.

After calling my boss at 8:30AM to inform of such absence, I headed back to bed to get more sleep. Unfortunately, all of my senses are wide awake and so, I decided to start the day with no plans in mind. Thought that it's good...just letting it flow, or where ever my feet will bring me.

As I took my breakfast and looking in the house, I can't help not to feel sad. I'm leaving now all alone in a place so big for a single person. While pondering the reasons of not getting enough sleep, the thoughts of being alone or was the milk tea I drink late afternoon the day before flashed thru my mind. Oh boy, both of which are potential root causes, the last one is a sure item than can be avoided, but the first is something that needs fixing real soon...sabi nga nila dibah " No man is an island " . Although, friends are coming sometime for dinner & launch, having someone to live with is really different.

Working abroad is my first time to experience being away from my family. For some, going abroad, is a time of independence , but for most, it is a time to seek brighter pasture for one's love one. Although mine is the second, I really don't know if I can to stay long, just the thought of longing for the next couple of years is something unbearable, and now, as I look back, wow, it's already 4 years since then.

They say that the 1st three months are crucial, it's where you'll be homesick and everything, but honestly, I never felt that way and all I could say is that I have been blessed to lived with people which become my good friends and family.

Nothing is constant as defined and people move on overtime, some of this friends went home, while others are leaving in different parts of the country, keeping in touch once in a while. And so, this time, I considered as my very first time leaving alone in a foreign land. The truth and challenge I need to face valiantly...one that is easier said than done.

Too blessed to be stressed

My housemate is moving out, she's been in the house for a year and tomorrow will be her last day. It was a very sudden decision, leaving me and our landlord both shocked, and what could be the reason? matter's of the heart. Speaking love from an amateur I would say is inappropriate, but then, if it concerns the interest of a friend, it's a different thing. After that conversation, it's just sad to know that she still choose the wrong choice and so, what else can I say, well, I'm just a phone call a way.

I wasn't prepared for this and with the accompanying payments to be consider, I started to look for a new apartment for the past 2 days. Unfortunately, most that I saw are all flats which need fellow friends to be with, others are dormitory type, which are too small to accommodate all my stuff. But within this time, I was also praying that my landlord will give a reasonable rent even if I'll be staying alone so that I can keep it. It's been my home since the first day that I came and I'm so get used to everything that's in it.

The Lord is good, this afternoon meeting with my landlord was very positive and he agree that I will pay the exact amount that I was praying all along. Graveh!!! Lord ang bait mo talaga. After dinner, my sister called, she doesn't call often and I know that the call is of need, it's like this eveytime anyway. It was a short talk and then the line was disconnected. Can't help di magtampo, eh kasi naman parang naalala lang niya ko in times like this. Just the same, it's still not enough reason not to bless other just like how God blesses me and so, I called mother. I told her about the good news that I can keep the house and at the other line, I can hear her teary voice sharing the same happiness with me. It was an answered prayer, both of us agree. Then told her that my sister called, she was a firstborn on mother's first husband and got widowed after only a year of marriage. I learned that she called earlier because of the need for my sick uncle&auntie, the persons who took care of her and her family during their healthy years. I told mother that I will send money immediately and give to them not as borrow, but merely a gift and it's always a fulfilment to give out of love, expecting nothing in return.

Beginners post

This is my first entry in a much anticipated long journey of blogging. A journal where I could find myself contemplating later on and having said that, you'll find this page having all with " a touch of me" and so, let's get started.

When I came across the word "Blogs", I really dunno what is it and what for...ha ha, I may sound out from this world for some, considering that I'm working in a very fast paced industry of technology...yes, not ashamed to admit tho, and well here I am now trying to explore my potential and possibilities. You may ask, " so how did you discover it finally?" lucky me that it's not that hard and tiring just like how Magellan discover the island of the Philippines...c",) rather it's thru my tukayo, a former college classmate and friend now leaving in France and so, I would like to thank you my friend.

Never knew that I will be encourage to write and express freely what I think and feels inside...lalo pat' na ho-homesick ka sa pinas o naghahanap ng kausap, ah basta yun na yun. And who knows that I could use my newly bought laptop for blogging aside from chatting and surfing veoh...haha...yes, not ashamed to admit again, dahil pag ala talagang magawa, yun ang gawa ko just to let the time past and this one is much better, way, way much better spending time with...