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It's Alive
2009-01-06 16:29:00
After a long hiatus, I finally came plunging on this keyboard with lots of things running around my mind. Had tons of work the last half of the year, In other words-busy. Hey that's no excuse for a blogger! Yep its not. But truly I was.The tale starts with me now being the father of an adorable fourteen month old son, and a husband of a very caring wife. Life turns around a 180 degrees when the void in life is filled. You get inspired, assertive, and at times nervous. I'm also struggling to bring back to life the magazine I started, Graphikapinoymag, but it's really a lot of work to handle all alone. Naah, the commitments will always be the same. But I'm still setting my eyes publishing stuff that would benefit even the most common person. I've got a few ideas in the bag. And if any one's interested to do the funding we could sit and talk.Enough biz talk and let's see what's in stored this 2009 at Hazy Reality.I'd be discussing personal growth, philosophers, art and design,...

PECHA KUCHA NIGHT IN MANILA!
2008-06-03 03:14:00
Pecha Kucha Night is coming to Manila ! Hosted by Idea!s Creatives, Inc., a social enterprise design team for non-profit organizations. PKN Manila shall showcase different ideas from designers, graphic artists, writers, and other individuals with interesting images to share, in a series of four events this year. (Visit http://www.pecha-kucha.org/manila )Pecha Kucha, pronounced (peh-chak-cha) and meaning ‘the sound of conversation’ in Japanese, works in a 20x20 format. You take a group of speakers and give each of them 6 minutes and 40 seconds to present their topic in 20 slides – that means 20 seconds to discuss each slide! (Studies have shown that a person’s average attention span is 7 minutes, and the 20x20 format makes sure not only that each presenter is able to say everything they want but also that the audience is able to absorb everything they need.) Topics can be anything from one’s collection of insects and action figures to paintings of your 4-year-old daughter to...

Graphikapinoymag is now available!
2008-04-29 10:33:00
I've recently published Graphikapinoymag. A free downloadable graphic design magazine in support of the Filipino creative. On this first issue, we featured Inksurge, Dan Matutina, and Camille del Rosario. It was a tedious job, but worth the cause. Expect the next issue to be as wicked as the first! Issues are published every second week of the month. So see you there!

1st Annual FindYourArtSchool.com Competition
2008-04-03 02:51:00
The 1st Annual FindYourArtSchool.com Young Adult Art Competition isgeared towards helping current and prospective art students gainmarket exposure through the competition, as well as rewarding theiroutstanding talents with financial support. There is no constraintregarding topic or media. Artists are given the full stage to show offtheir talent and we are anticipating that thousands of visitors willbe coming daily to see their works.Everyone is welcomed to submit art works, only those age 16-35 areeligible to win prizes. Even some artists might be outside of the agerange, it still worth the 2 min to submit the artworks since it is anexcellent platform for them to show off their talents! (Watermark theartwork with contact information could be a good practice, butabsolutely not required.) Artists are welcomed to submit multiple artworks to enhance your chance of wining. They can also invite yourfriends to help vote for them. It is not cheating, since everybodyneeds the initial push to...

Learning Advanced Adobe Photoshop CS2 Online for FREE
2008-03-04 09:54:00
In this advanced class in Adobe Photoshop CS2, you'll learn to create complex images and learn some special techniques in the areas of image creation, editing, selection and correction. You'll also explore layer masks in depth then you'll apply your wide range of skills and knowledge of Photoshop to create composite images ranging from the simple to complex. Finally a FREE online course for Adobe Photoshop CS2. Offered by HP Learning Center, it's really exciting to learn advanced things from them. Though  CS3 is already available for sometime, it's always great to stumble upon a few tips and tricks from the masters. Instructed by Joanne Watkins, who has more than 15 years of experience as a training specialist and professional graphic designer. She has expertise in the major image editing, illustration, electronic prepress, and web software. Joanne is a training specialist for a major Fortune 500 company, where she develops e-learning courses and teach...
More About: Free , Online

Future plans
2008-01-25 09:37:00
I happen to stumble upon an inspiring speech by John L. Gokongwei, Jr., a Filipino business tycoon, which I would like to share to you guys.************************************ **************Commencement AddressAteneo de Manila UniversityMarch 27, 2004John L. Gokongwei, Jr.I wish I were one of you today, instead of a 77-year-old man, givinga speech you will probably forget when you wake up from your hangovertomorrow.You may be surprised I feel this way. Many of you are feeling fearfuland apprehensive about your future.You are thinking that, perhaps, your Ateneo diploma will not mean awhole lot in the future in a country with too many problems. And youare probably right.You are thinking that our country is slipping, no - sliding. Again,you may be right.Twenty years ago, we were at par with countries like Thailand,Malaysia, and Singapore. Today, we are left way behind.You know the facts.Twenty years ago, the per capita income of the Filipino was 1,000 USdollars. Today, it's 1,100 doll...
More About: Future , Plans

Rich Dad, Poor Dad
2008-01-07 10:07:00
I just purchased a book entitled Rich Dad, Poor Dad at the turn of the year. A must have book for everyone who wishes to start the year right. The book is more than its worth by giving inspiration and knowledge to its readers. My hats off to Robert T. Kiyosaki, a Japanese-American salesman, for shedding the light and making me excited to get off the rat race. Giving great tips on how to handle your cashflow and managing one's risks. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But, hey, it's worth a try. "Remember the Alamo?"

President Arroyo holds my work
2007-12-04 02:56:00
I've been tasked to do a booklet to be presented to Malacañang a week ago for the National Innovation Summit and was proud that President Gloria Arroyo held my work in front of the press. Though I'm not a big fan of her, it just felt like a sort of achievement that a president holds my work.Kudos! Hahaha.Here is the actual artwork...Hmmm...I think the color is too biased in blue. Oh well...
More About: Work , Holds

Nirvana
2007-09-25 09:16:00
Isn't it great just to relax and forget about everything that bothers you? We need it once in awhile just to keep life's balance. I sketched this hoping to do it one day.
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Friends
2007-09-14 13:02:00
Whew! It's been a month of hectic personal things to attend to so it's been quite awhile since my last post. I've got three new officemates who are personally great and happy people. The kind that's great to hang out with. Work has been never this exciting since my former colleagues resigned. But I'm starting to adjust to my new officemates. A group of young, jolly and energetic guys who are often optimistic with work. We often have our cigarette break and talk about anything to lighten the mood. I love it! On the other hand, I also miss my former officemates who were there to listen to my heartaches. They will forever stay in my heart my kapatid (sisters/brothers) as I call them. Melancholy serves its sweet turnaround when friends are there to give a hand.
More About: Friends

Noooookia!
2007-08-17 03:48:00
On my recent blog regarding the recall of mattel products in the market, Nokia too began to recall dangerous cellphone batteries (BL-5C series) for some of their models. One of the stories is about a housewife charging her new expensive cellphone when it suddenly exploded. Quickly she took pictures and documented what happened then sent it to Nokia.Overcharging of battery is not new to Nokia products as we consumers know. It may cause short circuit for some phones. When you overcharge a Nokia cellphone and got it damaged along the process, sure as hell your friendly neighborhood store won't replace the product (this is common in the Philippines). My hunch is that, Nokia knew it all along but didn't mind it until a case might be filed to them. Swell! Their sales could surely feed a starving third world and they can't even perform their obligations for their consumers' safety. C'mon guys admit it.

mattel's kiss of death
2007-08-03 01:26:00
Is playing with Elmo from Sesame Street safe?In my recent blog regarding a Greener Apple, never would have it crossed my mind that even an established and trusted company such as mattel would also be a hazard to our child's health. But in fairness to mattel, they quickly made recalls from some of their hazardous products made by their contractors from China(complete list of recalled products). The toys containing-approved paint pigment with lead has long been banned in the market for a long time and to such surprise went under the eyes of the company. Recalling their products may be a kiss-of-death to mattel, however we should also praise their dedication to their costumers. On the other hand, I still feel that mattel should do more than just recalling their products, better yet replace the ones they sold with a safer product, if your child is still willing to part ways with the original toy. For the full text from mattel click here.
More About: Kiss , Death

Heads will roll (literally)
2007-07-12 01:58:00
After the tedious unsuccessful efforts of the marines in finding kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, the rain began to pour, and so did bullets between the marines and presumably the AbuSayyaf. Read the full story here, msnbc story14 soldiers were killed amongst them 10 were beheaded. It just breaks my heart realising that people could be so cruel to beheaded another human being. Can't find any reason for any person to stomach and engage to such heinous act. Is it religious?Cultural? Whatever the reasons are, it's definitely a slap on the face not only for the Philippine government but to the whole nation as well. Whoever funds and supports this group should think twice and trace back the roots on what they are fighting for. There's just no excuse in being so barbaric and inhumane.My condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this incident. Free Fr. Giancarlo Bossi!Now!
More About: Roll , Literally , Tera , Heads , Ally

Am I out of my mind?
2007-07-10 08:39:00
A few recent blogs I made makes me ask the question " am I out of my mind?" Recent blogs I made were products of me being tired, angry, or in a different frame of mind from what I usually am. I'm not retracting any words from it, more so, it made me learn a few more things about myself. Something I could look back at and claim to learn something from it. With each passing day we sometimes forget to reflect on what lessons we gained in life that could help us be a better person...Ok enough with the guru crap! See you.
More About: Mind

Questions as of this moment
2007-07-04 10:43:00
I scanned my recent blogs and noticed that I was tired when I made those posts. There's still no difference up to now having this new job. Would money compensate the deterioration of my health? Of my social life? Of my relationship with my family? Little by little it feels like hell just heading to the office. And I know this is one of the few signs that I may need to find a new job. Distressed that even my blogs are getting shorter and shorter.Give my life back, Corporate pricks!
More About: Questions , Moment

Got my design uploaded at Greenpeace
2007-06-16 16:05:00
After partially being successful with the greener mac campaign by Greenpeace , I found my work included as one of the best designs sent on their updated site. Check it out.In case you've got no idea on what I'm talking about[go>>>>.Wow, modesty aside, I'm really proud.
More About: Design , Upload , Loaded , Uploaded

Got my design uploaded at Greenpeace
2007-06-16 16:05:00
After partially being successful with the greener mac campaign by Greenpeace , I found my work included as one of the best designs sent on their updated site. Check it out.In case you've got no idea on what I'm talking about[go>>>>.Wow, modesty aside, I'm really proud.
More About: Design , Upload , Loaded , Uploaded

Soooo tired
2007-06-06 04:57:00
I've spent 12-14 hours of my life this past few weeks at the office due to various events. My mind feels like a boxer beaten up by Mike Tyson at the end of each day. Whew! Occasions such as this frequently happens especially to professions such as mine( I'm a graphic designer BTW). But after seeing everything that I've done and achieved ( my banners are scattered along the business district of the country, and my logo splashed in every collateral imaginable) it's worth it. It makes me more thankful for choosing this profession where I can play and work at the same time. Aside from sex, this is one of those moments where you feel tired but satisfied at the same time. It's life and am thankful for it. So should most of us. But most of all lets not forget our faith that gives us the right direction in every decisions that we make.
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Can't take it much longer
2007-05-29 02:09:00
Are you above the law?On my recent blog about Tony Leviste being imprisoned for killing a long time friend was recently released. Click here to read the full story. He was welcomed with cheers and yellow ribbons tied to the doors of the LPL building where he went after being dischanged. Leviste claimed that politics was behind the murder charged against him. Whatever the case may be, he's free and can return to his usual things in life. Alas! All the money can buy in a third world country such as ours. But it's nothing new to Filipinos. We're so used to it doesn't matter anymore if it's right or wrong. We need to enforce our justice system and be vigilant citizens! I'm posting a shoutout from this blog as a sign of appeal to all to be better citizens of this tormented country.

Tongue-tied
2007-05-24 01:44:00
Aside from adjusting with my new job and the election fever is slowly turning cold, I've got not much to say. However, a lot of things is going through my life personally which I won't write about yet ( I fear I might jinx it), though I assure I'd write about it in a few more months.**************I'm sure it's not only me who adjusts, but my colleagues as well. I noticed they perceive me as a serious type of person that doesn't enjoy life. LOL. I don't care. In fact I enjoy it. It's like a mask that gives me a different perception towards myself and others. Maybe they think of me ala-Cho Seung-Hui. LOL. The only bullets that may hit them sometime is probably my sharp words!**************Before I park my pen (mouse or whatever,) I'd like to thank you guys for adding me to your links and reading this blog of sorts. Wish more power to, Danielle! Bless us all.
More About: Tongue , Tong

Gotta leave
2007-05-17 07:54:00
Sorry for not being able to post the past week. A week ago, I decided to leave my previous employer, and boy, was it so hard parting ways with established friends whom I treated as my second family. I miss those cigarette breaks and slumbering during break time. My friends were always there through thick and thin. And I can't thank them enough, especially my boss and his wife. Thinking of those fond memories and not seeing them anymore felt like I broke up from a relationship. The only thing that makes me happy is I certainly know that I got friends. Money has its own price to pay indeed. Thank you QDP, Apple, Marathon. Good luck to all of us. Adios!
More About: Leave , Gott , Gotta

Countdown to extinction
2007-05-03 04:31:00
"One hour from nowAnother species of life formWill disappear off the face of the planet foreverAnd the rate is accelerating"This has nothing to do with Dave Mustaine's song. Sorry if the title mislead you in any way. I'd be leaving my job soon and as of this moment am turning over my tasks to my peers. Leaving this job seems harder than I expected. After years in my job, I already established good relationship with my boss, more so, my fellow employees. But I need to move on with my career and grow further on. Writing the resignation letter wasn't half as hard as staring at your friends eyes and thinking if ever you'd see them again. All those questions they ask me blatantly makes my heart heavier and heavier. I could never forget these supportive fellows. All of them would always be a part of my life and have a space in my heart. Good luck to us all!*******************Steve Jobs finally gave way to our green my apple campaign and directed new policies to adhere to our "requests...
More About: Down , Count , Extinct , Countdown , Extinction

Greener Apple
2007-04-24 11:32:00
Conceptualized a poster for greenpeace for their greener Apple campaign. A little help matters.Concept 1:Concept 2:Download the zip file here.For more details click me. :)
More About: Greene

Bang bang, Baby!
2007-04-19 01:52:00
A tragedy shocked and brought grief to the hearts of the world as Cho Seung-Hui, 23, a South Korean student of Virginia Tech, open fired at the Norris Hall, ending 33 lives including his own. Before the tragedy, few students even joked around that one day this guy may come to school packed with guns and shoot them one after the other. It turned out to be not a laughing matter anymore as the incident occured. Her teacher even stated that Cho Seung-Hui's writings and plays[Richard McBeef, Mr. Brownstone] were violent in nature. If she noticed that, did she in anyway seek guidance for this student? According to those who survived, all they remember was the bursts of fire aimed at them. Upon the magazine emptying, he just reached to his pocket and fired again. We should condone such and fight such incidents! The school should be a place of peace and learning. It should be the second home for these kids yearning to learn and achieve a better future thru education. My condolences to the...
More About: Baby , Bang , Bang Bang

Seasonal smiles
2007-04-12 02:04:00
Philippine FG Mike Arroyo recently underwent a heart surgery and is currently recovering. Dialysis will be performed in the future.Campaign season really brings out the best and the worst to most of us. PGMA even gave a hearty smile even while his husband was admitted to the hospital to what once was thought as a gastrointestinal problem turned out to be complications of the heart. How could you smile when someone close to your heart is at the ER? What's surprising is that after all the allegations of the oppositionists, they even had the nerve to show up at the hospital. For what? Maybe to strangle the guy while he can't defent himself. Hahaha(just kidding!).So let's all try to give the best smiles on empty stomachs and thin wallets. Adios!
More About: Miles , Season , Seasonal , Smile , Mile

Children in a bus hostaged
2007-03-29 02:14:00
Will idealism kill?Armando "Jun" Ducat Jr., owner of a day-care center and entrepeneur, hostaged 26 kids and 4 tutors in a bus during a field trip [read the full story]. A magical mystery tour as he packed his UZI, a 45- caliber pistol, and a grenade. What's ironic was that the hostages didn't seem to fear Armando. His neighbors supported his cause and even held a short protest rally. What's the demand?"Ducat had demanded support for the education of at least 145 school children of the Musmos Daycare and improved housing for them and their families."A pathetic cause for a hostage undertaking. However, in a third world country such as the Philippines, attaining a "higher education" is a privilege. Some might percieve Armando's actions to be worthy. But come to think of it, most Filipinos, graduates or undergraduates alike, resort working abroad due to low employment options, but that's another story. He requested Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla (in the hero costume in the picture)...
More About: Children , Host , Child , Stage , Hostage

Ma Mon Luk this time
2007-03-21 04:18:00
METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES- I had a chance to eat again at one of my fave restos in the city, Ma Mon Luk Restaurant. Their remaining brach is at Banawe, Quezon Avenue. And I can't help but reminisce on my childhood.Before the boom of the fastfood industry, our family used to dine frequently at Ma Mon Luk Restaurant after shopping at Cubao (which was the in place during the 80's) . I could still see myself sitting on the high chair anticipating for my siopao and enjoying the aroma of the place. While the waiters and bus boys swiftly pass by the aisles to accomodate more diners. How large are the glasses I thought they were but its the other way around. I got small hands that's what it is. When I came back there during my teens, they are still the same people who served me when I was younger. Probably the owner has a good heart for his people to stick with him.Countless times have Ma Mon Luk been featured by the media. In their walls you'd find ancient articles about the restaurant...
More About: Time , This

Women. How many ways I love thee...
2007-03-08 01:30:00
It's now International Women s Day and what's better way to celebrate than throwing few tidbits.*******************As of this writing, TV-host Kris Aquino, is in the hospital due to reasons I don't care about. Happily married to James Yap(professional basketball player) they flooded the boob-tube with countless endorsements, the streets with humongous billboards among a few. The irony is with the TV ad wherein she proudly claims, she's got nothing to ask for in her life. After a few days, at her televised birthday celebration, she gives her husband a cold shoulder. Rumors of infidelity by her husband. And so we witness the new form of sarswela.*******************On August 31, 1920, Marie Ruoff Byrum was the first woman to cast a vote in Missouri.*******************Newsbreak online editor Gemma Bagauaya was arrested after a subpoena was filed against her and five other colleagues. A 10 million libel suit filedby senatorial candidate, Luis "Chavit" Singson, due to her article T...
More About: Love , Men , How Many

Please mister spare us some change
2007-02-25 14:30:00
Beggars are a common scene the metro. But as I was strolling amidst the hustle and bustle at the City Hall in Manila, two dogs caught my attention. Mongrels as they are, but they pretty well know how to serve their master. According to few some, they are pets of an old man who has no capacity to feed them no longer. An outreach reality TV show even featured these dogs and the old man.Is it cruelty to animals?
More About: Change , Mist , Please , Lease , Ease

The true measure of beauty
2007-02-19 05:11:00
Beauty depends on size as well as symmetry. No very small animal can be beautiful, for looking at it takes so small a portion of time that the impression of it will be confused. Nor can any very large one, for a whole view of it cannot be had at once, and so there will be no unity and completeness. AristotleI've been working extra efforts to reduce the size of my beer belly. What a struggle to perform sit-ups and crunches. Wait I'd just probably lend the machine a friend bought at a shopping network.How much time and money do we spend to look good and conform to the standards of beauty? We're immersed in this dog-eat-dog society where we are constantly measured by impressions. And once ruined, there's no chance in taking it back.Each of us has our own standards on what we may brand as beautiful. But what the media feeds us, is the likes of Anna Nicole-Smith, Barbie, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, etc. From magazines to billboards, everything. However, a local beauty pagent in the Phil...
More About: Beauty , True , Beau , Sure