Pamanhikan!

        Baguio by day is starting to look very much like Metro Manila nowadays, especially in the downtown area.  This mountain city now has its own share of traffic, pullution, crowded streets, garbage, and even those unkind mandurukots and snatchers.

        But wait 'til 5:00PM and you will see Baguio gradually transform itself into its rustic old self.  The fog starts to slowly come in, cooling the air with its dewdrops.  The raindrops could start to fall in a drizzle or in torrents, depending on its mood, cleaning the air of smog and dirt.  The air temperature drops dramatically.  The transformation completes itself once the sun has set and you begin to feel the crisp cold air kissing your face and biting your arms if by chance you forgot to bring your jacket or sweater with you. 

        Ahhh... there's still no place like Baguio!

        I hied off to Baguio yesterday trying to escape the hot, humid weather in Metro Manila.  It was really so hot and humid in Manila the past few days that I had to take along a spare shirt each time because the one I wear in the morning gets drenched with sweat by  noontime; I could even wring my shirt dry and fill a half a cup with my sweat.  Yikes!  Grabe! 

        Refreshing drink, anyone?  ;-)

        And wow did I get a treat when I got to Baguio yesterday!  The mountain city welcomed me with a very crisp rainshower, falling down in torrents and splaterring down on the tin roof with so loud a noise that I could hardly hear the stereo blaring out its music.  After the rain had washed down everything in its path, everything looked so clean and shiny and the air smelled so fresh and clean. 

        Of course I was in Baguio for a reason...  There's this ritual that every soon-to-be-married couple will have to undergo before they can tie the knot... the PAMANHIKAN.

        And before you get to thinking about anything else...  NO, it's NOT my pamanhikan. 

        Too bad, eh?  ;-)

        It's actually my sister's pamanhikan. 

        Or more accurately... my sister's fiance's pamanhikan. 

        Or most accurately, my sister's fiance's family's pamanhikan.

        I still don't know what my role will be in this event.  But I reckon that I would have to play the host for this night.  Mom and Dad are already stressed out with all the events happening so quickly that they really don't have any time to sit back and think things over.  It didn't help that sis was in SIngapore when she announced their wedding plans.  Kakatuwa nga.  It's been a rush of activities from the time sis announced the news that they're getting married. I even had to play the role of a pacifier and a mediator at one time... but all in good stead.  And by the way she's not preggy ha.  They just want to get married -- for love.  That's all. 

        Ain't that sweet?  :-)

        So here's a TOAST to Sis and Carlo... 

        Congratulations and Best Wishes to both of you! 

        Although the wedding is still a few weeks from now, I pray to God for both of you to be blessed with a wonderful life together, with Christ Jesus leading you both in your hearts and in your lives, and the Holy Spirit guiding you as you grow in your relationship with each other.

        As for me... don't ask me yet when I intend to get hitched ha. 

        Not yet, anyway <wink>

Ang Saya-Saya (Part II)

        One month ago I recall being so busy and so worried while traversing back and forth along C5 Road and along the West Service Road in South Superhighway trying to look for a small bag that must have fallen off my motorbike (assuming that no one snatched the bag while I was stopped in traffic).  I must have travelled back and forth four times before I decided to call it off and resign myself to the fact that I had lost my bag.  Inside my bag were my three cellphones, my passport, my ID, my house keys and some not-so-important documents.  Hay naku!  Like I said in an earlier blog post, "Ang Saya-Saya" talaga!

        While I experienced a sense of grief over the loss of my phones, my life took a very quick turn towards "simplification".  I no longer had an electronic planner to dictate what my schedule should be.  I don't have a digital notepad to write down thoughts and ideas.  And I don't have a digital organizer to keep people's contact numbers and addresses.  I also do not have my electronic Bible anymore -- it's an application on my XDA that contains all the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  I would often bring out my XDA, do a quick browse through the chapters and verses, and record my thoughts on the phone's notepad.  I just hope the person who has my phones now will take time to read through my notes...  I'm sure he/she will learn much from them. :)

        So now, with only my Nokia 6150 by my side, my schedule is relatively freed up.  I still maintain a notebook planner to remind me of meetings and other activities but I am now more flexible with my time.  I am now rid of that electronic gadget that keeps beeping incessantly to remind me of upcoming appointments, as if it was running my life.  Whew!  These small devices can be a source of stress sometimes.  I also have a journal now (a real notebook) where I write down thoughts and ideas.  My list of contact numbers is still maintained in my cellphone for quick and handy reference.  As for my Bible, I bring my leather bound New International Version English Bible with me now. 

        Since my work requires that I meet with a lot of people, I just noticed that the people I talk to relate with me better now that I don't have those hi-tech gadgets.  Many people are intimidated whenever I bring out my phones and lay them on the table like it was a gun or something.  Now they see me with my notebook planner with its handwritten entries, they see my journal and a glimpse of the notes I've written down, they see my Bible with the verses I've underlined and the notes I've written along its margins.  They also see my old 6150 phone with its worn-out keypad and a piece of rubber band wrapped around it to hold the battery in place.  When I meet with new people, they instantly relate with me when they see what I have, perhaps because they also have their own planners and journals or perhaps because it could be something that they can easily do and duplicate.

        I would not have discovered this "secret" if I still had my phones with me.

        And so after a month of doing my new "routine", I am suddenly blessed with some surprises.  I didn't have to spend a cent at all, yet I am now faced with a happy problem of what to do with three additional cellphones: a slightly used Nokia 6680 (similar to the one I lost) and two sparkling new Nokia N70 phones (a beige/brown unit and a silver/black unit). 

        Ayayayayay!  Salamat po, Lord!  Ang bait-bait naman ninyo talaga.  One month ago I lost three phones.  Now I have three phones again.  Hmmm... What does He want me to learn from this experience kaya? 

        For now, I am really just so thankful and happy.  :-)

        Having said that, I plan on using just one phone only, perhaps one of the N70 phones (which color, I still don't know... it's another happy problem, hehehe).  I will still maintain my trusty Nokia 6150 and use it with a Sun SIM card. 

        So now, I have a spare 6680 and a spare N70 that I can sell or give away to two lucky persons.  Anyone wanna treat me for some coffee at Seattle's Best?  ;-)

        I remember posting in my previous blog: "The Lord is able to give thee much more than this."

        How true!  Ang saya-saya talaga!

--------------------------------
"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." (Psalm 50:15)

~florent flora

A Diamond in the Making

        Have you ever wondered why life seems to be an endless stream of tests, trials and hardships?  Try to get over one trial and almost immediately another one (or two) takes its place.

        Last Monday in the weekly group session I've been attending in Globe Telecom to study Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" (Chapter 5), our group discussed about different metaphors to answer the question "How do you see your life?"

        Here are some answers we got from the group:

• Life is a circus


• Life is a puzzle


• Life is a symphony


• Life is a journey


• Life is an adventure


• Life is a battle


• Life is a race


• Life is like climbing a mountain


• Life is like a game of cards


• Life is life a roller coaster that goes up and down


• Life is like a "Gulong ng Palad", sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, and sometimes you just go round and round

        In the same chapter, Rick Warren pointed out that "Life on earth is a Test".

        These tests are given to us for a reason:

1. To develop character


2. To reveal weaknesses


3. To prepare us for more responsibilities

        Tests can come in many forms: major changes (i.e. relocating our office), delayed promises (delayed revenues for the company), seemingly impossible problems (we lost our biggest client last December), unanswered prayers (lovelife-less dexter?), undeserved criticism (hanggang diyan ka na lang) and even senseless tragedies (oh my cellphones, my cellphones!)

        Having realized that God, in His infinite wisdom, allows these tests and trials to happen, I have come to welcome and accept these with an open heart.  Instead of complaining and asking "Why me, Lord? Why do I have to undergo all these tests?", I have learned to ask "Lord, what do you want me to learn from these tests?"

        Each test was a growth opportunity to deepen my character, to demonstrate Love, or to depend on Him.  God's answer was simple...  "Simply Trust Me." 

         Some tests seemed so overwhelming while others I didn't even notice at all.  The good news is that God wants me to pass all the tests of life.  I can always rely on what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says in the Bible: "God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out."

        Tests in our lives are like the heat and extreme pressure experienced by a lump of coal trapped underneath a mountain.  Over time, the extreme heat and pressure transforms the lump of coal into a hard lump of rough diamond.  Once unearthed, with careful chisel strokes, a jeweler makes big and small cuts to give the stone just the right facets to reflect the light.  This is true of us human beings too.  We don't have to love the painful chisel cuts that God subjects us to.  But it is crucial to remember that if God seems to allow pains in our lives, it is not to destroy us, but rather "to make us perfect."

        Diamonds don't glow on their own.  They don't have luminescence of their own.  But put these diamonds in light and they sparkle with fiery luminousity.  In the same way, God created us for the express purpose of reflecting into this world His very glory, the radiance of His character and the beauty of his transforming power.  This reflection happens only if we remain in His Light.

        Tests and trials are God's way of transforming us into perfect diamonds, so that when we are put into His Light we are able to reflect His glorious radiance.

        James 1:12 puts it so nicely: "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested.  When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

        And what a crown it will be! 

        Ain't God wonderful?  :-)

~florent flora

Ten Guidelines From God

Here's a very interesting piece I received in my e-mail inbox:

Effective Immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST

Something needs to be done or taken cared of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME

Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE

Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME

I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH

I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me.

 

Don't ever forget......

Touch someone with your love.
Rather than focus upon the thorns of life,
smell the roses and count your blessings!   

Star Wars Episode 0.5

        A long time ago

        In a galaxy far, far away

        When DOS was still "IN"

        This was how Jedi Geeks had fun...

        Featuring...  Star Wars in ASCII art format, using telnet.

        (Telnet was how jedi geeks connected to other computers and servers, during the time when Internet Explorer wasn't even in the mind of Bill Gates.  The other methods they used to connect to other computers were known via jedi geek acronyms such as FTP, SLIP, PPP, etc.)

        If you have time to spare, telnet to the server towel.blinkenlights.nl port 23 and enjoy the movie.

        Don't know how to telnet?

        Duh?

        On Windows, click on Start -> Run -> and type in "telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl" without the quotes.

        If by chance you're still using Windows 98 and telnet doesn't run, too bad.  You're out of luck.

        Live long and prosper!

        Oops, "May the force be with you!" pala :-)

~florent flora

Ang Teleponiko

CELLPHONE:

• 
  

  An electronic telecommunications device.

  
  


• 
  

  The term used currently in the United States, Canada and in other countries to refer to most mobile phones. It technically applies specifically to mobile phones which use a cellular network. (Source: Wikipedia)

  
  

        Finally, I am able to get some breathing space from my very hectic activities this month.  It seemed as if six months had passed by instead of just one month, what with all the things that I had done.

        Whew! 

        Amazingly, despite the very hectic schedule I was still able to accomplish many things... with God's grace of course.  Waking up each morning and dedicating the day to Him eases up the burden of having to do so many things at the same time.  Even my friends who notice how busy I am comment that it seems I don't have any problems at all.

         Well, that's true.  I really don't have any problems at all because I give them all to God, and I trust and put my faith in Him that He will take care of these problems for me.  Psalm 55:22 says "Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."  How true it is!

        And so it's not surprising that I didn't even have time to think about my cellphones that I lost less than a month ago.  I was fortunate enough to have a spare Nokia 6150 stashed away in the house to use for my telecommunications needs.  The phone has proved itself trusty and dependable in many situations.  I can even take it out of my pocket and answer a call while riding a jeepney without worrying that it might attract the attention of a cellphone snatcher or holdupper. 

        The phone is perfect to use when making a call since the microphone sits exactly in front of my mouth when I'm talking to it, thus I don't have to talk as loud and I don't have to use my other hand to "bridge" the microphone to my mouth in a noisy environment.

        The only drawback is that the keys are stone hard!  As in!  My thumb hurts everytime I use the phone to text.  I had resorted to using my right thumb, and then my left thumb, and than back to my right.  Now I don't text as often as before... once in a while na lang.  So those who are "nakukulitan" to my text messages now have a (temporary) respite. ;-)

        Last Sunday I was going through my things at home and I discovered another phone!  It was actually my very first GSM phone (and I think the very first GSM phone produced by Nokia)... the Nokia 1610!

        The phone is made in Finland, produced sometime in the mid-90s, it only has 2 text lines on the screen and can send text messages in ALL CAPS ONLY.  The phone has 5 ringing tones with volume control.  The battery has a standby time of 20 hours and a charging time of 5 hours.  It's also has a 4-cm. fixed antenna and weighs in at 250 grams (or 1/4 kilo).  It's absolutely GIGANTIC! 

        The phone still works and it is definitely an authentic vintage piece of phone now.

        Hmmmm... maybe I should bring this phone along to the next party that I get invited to.  It will make a very "nice" conversation piece (and also a very nice whack-you-in-the-head device to anyone who tries to ridicule the phone)

---------------------------------------
Here's my phone wish list:

1. Something not too fancy or expensive so that I won't cry if I lose the phone again.


2. Preferably with a camera so that I can take instant pictures for my blog.


3. A big memory card to contain all those photos (and mp3 files also)


4. Optional: FM radio to tune in to Love Radio all the time everytime ;-)


5. Calendar (to organize my schedule)


6. Notepad (to record some blog ideas while on the move)

Hmmm... another 6680 would do just fine.  Or the newer N70 perhaps?  The N90 would be too much of an overkill for me.

Oh well, dream on dexter.  For now I'm still happy with my trusty little 6150.  :-)

The Return of the Comeback

        I'm back online once again in our new office!  After moving from Ortigas Center to our temporary office in Makati last November, we're back again in good ol' Pasig City this merry month of March.  This time, our office is right along the edge of Ortigas Center, away from the maddening call center crowd in Emerald Avenue and very near the upscale crowd of the University of Asia and the Pacific, where the very first Hotshots Flame Grilled Burger outlet was born.

        It took Smart WiFi almost two weeks to complete the transfer and installation of the WiFI antenna in our new office.  We were all suffering from Internet withdrawal symptoms already and everyone chorused "haay salamat" almost all at the same time when the Smart WiFi installers arrived at our doorstep.

        So all's well that ends well once again.  Our office is at the fourth floor of a five story, brand new condo building, with lots of light and fresh air.  The building has ample parking space at the ground floor, a secure, guarded entry and our very own dedicated mailbox with a cute key.  We even have free use of the penthouse roofdesk for parties, meetings and conventions, or just plain star gazing at night to capture that inspiring moment. 

        As for food, there's lots of places to eat in the area.  Just give me a buzz whenever you wander by our friendly neighborhood and let's try out some tasty and juicy Hotshots flame grilled burgers.

        So on with the fun...  Here's something I got from my friendster e-mail that's worth passing on... I think everyone has already received this in their inboxes:

15 Things You Probably Never Knew or Thought About

1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.


2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.


3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.


4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.


5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.


6. You mean the world to someone.


7. If not for you, someone may not be living.


8. You are special and unique.


9. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.


10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.


11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.


12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.


13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.


14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.


15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

        Of course, the message comes with the obligatory instruction: "Send this letter to all the people you care about, Including the person who sent this to you.  If you do so, You will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their perspective on life, for the better."

Un-wired

        I'm still waiting for some good soul to call me up or contact me if ever they have gotten hold of the bag that I lost.  So far, no one's contacted me so it seems that my phones are gone for good.  Also inside that bag is my company ID, my house keys, a T-shirt, some billing statements and brochures, and, just recently, I just remembered that I had my Passport inside the bag also!  Ayayayay!  What on earth was that Passport doing there???  Looks like I will have to file a police report so that I can apply for a new passport with DFA.  Grrrr... 

        Anyway, I got my replacement SIM from Smart last Monday afternoon, the same day that I lost my phones.  The customer service officer who assisted me must have noted that I lost another phone (a Nokia 3650) less than a year ago and so she was kind enough to provide me with a spare SIM (in addition to my replacement SIM) so that in case I would lose my phone again, I would have my spare SIM handy and ready for activation.  Wow, how considerate of her! 

        As for Globe, I still don't have my replacement SIM.  Tsk, tsk, too bad for them.  My Sun SIM is a prepaid one so I would have to buy another prepaid SIM (and that would mean a change in my Sun Cellular number).

        I was told to wait 24 hours for my Smart SIM to be activated.

        I searched for my old phone that was stashed away somewhere at home and when I found it I quickly put in the new SIM card.  As expected I didn't get any signal since the SIM card has not been activated yet.

        Wednesday, 48 hours later, I still was not getting a signal on my phone.  How come?  Has the SIM card not been activated yet?  I remembered that I still had my prepaid Talk'NText SIm card with me.  I inserted the Talk'NText SIM card into the phone but I didn't get any signal either.  Hmmm, maybe that SIM card has been deactivated already from prolonged non-use.  So I put in another Sun Cellular SIM card (dami kong SIM cards, noh?) and presto, instant signal for me!  However when I put back the Smart or Talk'NText SIM cards the phone didn't get any signal.  Hmmm, what gives?

        So I took another phone to test the SIM cards with (dami kong phones, noh?  Actually these are just bits and pieces of phones, I had to assemble and mix-and-match the components together to get a working unit, hehe).  I found out there was something wrong with my original phone and it wouldn't accept hi-memory SIM cards.  I was about to call up Smart Customer Service and complain that my SIM card still was not activated.  Ay mali pala si dexter  :-)

        I'm rebuilding my phonebook again.

        So Friends, Filipinos and countrymen, just message to me your contact information (mobile numbers and landline numbers) along with your birthdays also so that I would not forget them.  My smart number is still the name, 0918-888-0617, so you can text to me your numbers also (no business cards pls.)

        Ciao!  Happy texting!