One of the Best Weekends in Pampanga

These photos were randomly taken during our trip to Pampanga. Had a three-day consecutive off then so I took the time to unwind. Thanks to my closest friend Fhadzralyn for the invitation, it was not really planned actually but it turned out to be one of the best weekends I ever had.

Outside Clark

At Nayon Pilipino riding the old-style Pilipino Jeepney

With Aeta, The old katutubo (also in Nayon Pilipino)

At Fontana Village

Stayed overnight in an affordable hotel

Had dinner in Gerry's Grill in SM Clark

A Movie to Remember

This film was referred to me by Jigz, our trainer in Dell. It's a Korean love story whom he said was really a tearjerker. Jigz said that he cried his heart out with this film. I don't really watch Korean film or any foreign films that much (aside from Hollywood movies of course) but because the review was really good I took time looking for it. So I looked for the film and searched it in torrent. Luckily, it was available and downloaded it completely after an overnight download (apparently, it got lesser seeds, and my connection was a bit slow, so it really took time).

The movie is about a young couple whose love was tested with the wife ended up having an Alzheimer disease. The plot was very simple, but it was how the story was presented in general that made the movie very sweet but really sad. Actors were really good, especially the husband. His different facial expressions from the part that he met her to the part of almost loosing her was really shown on his face. Most scenes towards the end would really make you cry from the inside. Though you would know somehow how the movie will end, there are still scenes that are unpredictable, especially the very last scene which will really make you sigh and would make you wipe your cheeks one more time.

I bet Nicholas Sparks is really envious about this film 'coz the movie shows what his The Notebook somehow missed. It was indeed a wonderful movie, worth remembering. A Moment To Remember film marks the fourth Asian film (excluding Pinoy Films) that I watched this year. So far none of them disappoints me. 'Til next great movie experience, have a great Sunday to everyone!

Slice n' Dice

Two weeks of training is over, four weeks more before we hit the production floor. I'm excited but nervous at the same time. I honestly don't feel so confident handling customer's issue yet, there are a lot of stuff that I have be acquainted with first. Hope everything will be covered in four remaining weeks.

While training, I still have time to relax, coz it's not much tiring. And besides we are on a day shift, so my life is normal for six weeks hehe. No more lack of sleep, the only drawback is there is no Night Differential, so my salary is 30% lower compare to what I normally receive. But it's ok, as long as I get to pay my rent and buy personal stuff. Anyway December bonus is just two months aways hehe.

Yesterday I skipped again the drinking session with my team. They know that I don't drink anyway, though it's awkward to always decline their invitation, I don't have much a choice but to turn it down, 'coz it involves my religion and they know it, so I'd rather handle the awkwardness. So me and my fellow agent who chose not to drink went ahead and I invited them instead to try the T-bone Steak in Slice n' Dice. And it was very satisfying. I also like the Stir Fry Kangkong with mushroom. I wish to be going back there sometime and try the other menu.

Me and Queenie with our order T-Bone Steak (with unlimited rice) for just Php 119.00

Bob with beer-float and T-Bone Steak

Stir Fry Kangkong. This has mushroom too, and it's very satisfying for just Php 95.00

I Love Sony

Got a new headset for myself finally after planning to buy one for almost a month. I got a Sony Headset which cost Php 2,500.00, the most expensive headset I have. It's pretty cool that I could put it on the whole day without feeling my ears. I don't even feel it on my head after wearing it for an hour. It really sounds great and works perfectly with my Sony Erickson Walkman phone.

I was planning to buy just a thousand-worth of headset and was eying for Pioneer or Philips. But when I tried the Sony, for some reason, all of a sudden, I decided to buy it, maybe because of my phone which is also under Sony. I feel so attached to Sony Brands now, maybe my next laptop is Sony and I will get a Sony HD TV and Blue-ray player in the future. Who knows?After all it's Sony, one of a reputable brands. We work hard to earn more and to improve the quality of our lives and that should manifest in everything we do, with everything we have. So there is no such thing as expensive, only 'quality'. Good night everyone!

There is nothing so exciting than doing what your heart really desires

I love my schedule this week (day time shift 7am to 4pm). I reached home earlier today 'coz Jigs (our trainer) sent us home 30 minutes earlier, since we finished the module ahead. I was able to skip the traffic and the peak hour for MRT. My head is not aching anymore like yesterday too. Maybe because I slept for more than ten hours last night.

We started with the training in Dell (did I already mention this?) last Monday and I'm really enjoying it. New people, new workplace, new stuff to do everyday, new learning, which means new adventure. It was easier for me to be at ease on training since I'm with some my colleagues from u-verse. The learning environment is comfortable and our trainer (Jigz) seems pretty cool.

Dell is really a tough account 'coz you need to do a hardcore troubleshooting with the customer over the phone, more than doing diagnostic on the problems, you really need to dismantle and reassemble the pc (both laptop and desktop). I honestly know a little about troubleshooting since I worked with old computer units before, but I'm confident that I will be able to learn a lot during the training. So far we were exposed to different computer models and peripheral that we will be supporting. It's really cool 'coz most computers are really new and highly advanced. And as what Jigz said, if you have worked for Dell, it's really a feather on your cup, since it's a big company, and if you do good, any Dell companies world wide can hire you and I'm looking forward to that.

Transferring to Dell was a bit rough for me at first, I had to apply to other company thinking I won't be admitted. I really thought I was gonna be transferred to a Sales account, which I strongly disapproved ever since. But God is really good for me (Alhamdulillah!), He gave me to Dell 'coz He knew it's what my heart wants. That's why no matter how far my place to Libis - Eastwood is, I'm still excited to go to work everyday. There is nothing so exciting than doing what your heart really desires. And as long as you believe that you can do it, there is nothing impossible, just let your self out there and always keep the faith. 'Til next time, great Tuesday night to everyone!

Thank you Sitel - U-verse team.

The end had come. For the very last time, the at&t u-verse team spent time together for a farewell party. Though the last working day was last Thursday, Sitel organized a night for everyone to be together and celebrate the great job that the team accomplished for previous months. It was indeed a wonderful journey for everyone.

Though I don't hangout in a place like pub or bar (or whatever you call it) where everyone drinks alcohol and get drunk, I still joined the team, of course I didn't drink (Audhubillah!) and glad that my supervisors and the team respected that. Actually if there is one thing that I have gained from the team, aside from the skills and knowledge and the friendship, it's their respect for my religion as a Muslim. Though at first they were so surprised that someone like me don't really eat pork, drink at all or even smoke, which is really different from what most Manila people do (despite of their religion), they never made me feel unwelcome and different. Although there are times that there were jokes about me being terrorist or selling pirates dvds (lols), but that was it, I know those were jokes and you can feel that they didn't mean it and it's part of being comfortable to one another.

And during Ramadhan (I spent two Ramadhan in at&t u-verse) where I had to take my breaks so early and sometimes so late 'coz I need to follow a certain time to eat, I didn't need to explain myself much and they just let me observe Ramadhan without struggling, they really made it easy for me (Alhamdulillah). And there are a lot of instances where everyone gets to eat pizza and food for free, and of course it's natural for them to have pork in the menu (which I really understand), my bosses exerted their effort to have a separate food for me that I can eat, which is really very touching. I didn't expect them to do that, not at all, but to my surprised, they did and it was heartwarming, really a beautiful feeling.

There a lot of things that I'm always thankful for, but the above instances are the most important to me, it always has a great impact to me. To my coaches and trainers, from Nathan, my very first trainer, to Coach Melai, my very first coach and my real mentor, both inside and outside work, to Coach PV, to Candy (who always takes care of my locked password, and my trainer as well) down to my last Coach Luther, you guys really rock. To all the RTAs and to the rest of the at&t u-verse team that includes my teams and other agents, thanks to all of you guys. You made my very first call center job very meaningful and full of colors.

It's just so hard to say goodbye, but we say it anyway, not because we are ready to end things at once and put them in the box we call it "past", but because memories are best treasured and well-kept if it's in it and we always carry it with us through times.

Actual pictures during the Party will be posted here soon, enjoy these two photos during the last two days for the mean time

the very last u-verse call in Sitel, taken by Jaime

the whole team posed on the floor for the last time

Goodbye at&t u-verse

Last night was our last shift with at&t u-verse in Sitel. Everyone updated their Facebook status with goodbyes and farewell messages. Some kept on saying "Good luck" to one another. Most of us took the last pictures, packed our stuff, turned over the headset and our key lockers. It wasn't easy though, especially for some of us who started the call center career with at&t u-verse in Sitel. I, for example started the first call center job with at&t u-verse, and for more than a year with the company, I can say that I really learned a lot of things.

More than other jobs, being a call center agent takes a lot of patience and perseverance for you to succeed. It really takes a lot of extra effort. Just imagine you would stay awake the whole night and leave the house or reach home late or early dawn, you don't only put your health at risk but putting yourself in danger as well. Then the moment you put your headset on, calls start coming in and you would be grateful if you will just get a single irate customer that keeps on swearing at you, that no matter how you get used to it you still can't stop yourself from being upset or mad at them (though you don't really let them know that you really are). You hold on to your temper and keep on uplifting your spirit that they are not mad at you but at the service that your company you are working for. Well you represent the company so it's still the same, you deserve their yelling (at least according to them). You will also learn to multi-task, pulling up the customers account, checking their profile while talking to them understanding their concern while fighting your self to be awake. You tend to keep the work done precisely in a very timely manner.

A lot of people criticize our job 'coz it doesn't require a degree to make a career out of it. Yes it doesn't, but it's one hell of a job. A job that's even more rewarding than other professional jobs. It's saddening that here in our country, teachers, engineers and some professional jobs get lower salary that we do as call center agents. Well, maybe because we deserve it after all.

My Sitel at&t u-verse Family

Some of my teammates (LtoR) Coach Luther Mejia, Virginia, QA Brent, Chui and Me

Boring

Boring...don't know what else to do, I ate, watched new season of CSI but still feel so bored today. I only had one rest day and yet it feels like a week. It's not really my legal rest day, but my head was freaking aching last night so I informed my supervisor that I won't be going to work last night.

Tonight will be my last shift this week, the last shift with at&t account then it's my rest for three days. Don't have plans yet, don't know what to do, I got to have plans to entertain myself apart from watching a lot of movies 'coz it for three freaking days or I'll kill myself with boredom. Maybe I'll text Genie or Bien or Dats for whatever plans they have in mind hehehe..Good luck to me tomorrow..

Aftershock

Just done watching a Chinese film called "Aftershock". I came to know about the film when it was featured in one of the pages in my Facebook account. The movie was praised with positive feedback though I didn't read the whole review I already thought the film is a nice film to watch. I immediately looked for the movie online and found a copy of it and downloaded it and indeed, it's a good film. Your heart will cry to it from first to last.

The movie was based from a true story about the earthquake tragedy in China in 1970s. The story of a simple but happy family who got separated by the disastrous event. The aftershock made them suffer for almost their lifetime 'til one day, after 32 years, the same tragedy happened that brought these people together and were able to patch things up, healed the long overdue wounds and longing. "Aftershock" may not be the best tragedy-drama movie that you would ever see, but it's worth watching as it would inspire you to deal with you own aftershocks in life.

So far, this year there are two good foreign films that I have seen, the first one was an inspiring Indian film "My Name Is Khan" and this one. Too bad movies like these don't get a chance to be shown here in our place. I'm looking forward for more heart-warming and inspiring movies like these and I would always share it here. 'Til next time.

It's finally Dell

Relaxing at home while listening to Train's Save Me San Francisco album. I was not a fan at first, except for their old hits "Drop of Jupiter", but when I saw their album available online and downloaded it and started listening to it, darn it, i just can't stop listening anymore, their songs are really irresistible. "Parachute" and "It's Not Goodbye" are my favorite.

What have I been doing lately?Well, everything seems the same, normal week, nothing seems especial. Though still thinking about having another job next month, but I know too much thinking will just pass. I tried my luck in different companies, I made it in one company but the offer was not good. Though the basic is a bit higher than my previous job, you won't get the basic salary 'til you pass the training stage for a month, so I thought where will I get my money to pay my rent for the whole month. So I just decided to stay with Sitel with Dell account, it's a bit far (in Libis) but I'll give it a try, the account is pretty cool and for sure I will learn a lot. Training starts this Oct 4th and that would give me four days rest after our last day with at&t this month.

I'm ok with Sitel, but I still wanna know if there still better opportunities for me out there. I might apply in other centers and who knows I might just get the best one there is. Keeping fingers crossed, Inshallah!

Mall of Asia Escapade with Bien, Rex and Sweet

Had a great time with Bien, Rex, and Sweet (Alvin) in Mall of Asia tonight. We had a never ending stories about our new careers here in Manila and the past experiences in STI. It was our first bonding time since we moved to metro. Rex was our clinical instructor and Sweet was our math teacher while Bien and I were IT instructors in STI.

We talked things over roasted chicken and some menus in El Pollo Loco. After eating around 10pm, we decided not to go home yet and sung our lungs out in Timezone karaoke booth. I reached home around past 12 midnight already. Everyone enjoyed it, especially me, that's the only fun I have apart from watching movies in cinema.

Hope next time, other STI friends here in metro like Nikka, Genie, Anale and Amor can already join us. It would be a lot of fun, I could just imagine. After all life is not just moving on, there are things in the past that is always fun going back with. Out past experiences with STI may all not good that there were some frustrations and bitterness when we left, but meeting these people who I can consider friends is one of the reason to be thankful of, one of the beautiful things that happen to me in STI. Someone that you can always depend to freshen you up after the hard days work. I'm looking forward for another get-together and fun time with these people.

Here are some of our photos ....

Dell or Sears

Just had my late lunch for the day. Just took two scoops of rice and some hot sardines and since it's late afternoon, I ate it along with a cup of hot coffee (not much a perfect combination right? hehe). It was satisfying 'coz kinda miss having it for a meal and sardines always makes me remember my home town, Zamboanga City (most sardines factory can be found in Zamboanga City).

Speaking of 'missing', one thing that I will surely miss is my current account at&t u-verse. I will miss my teammates, the stuff we do, the people on the floor, the irate and nice customers, the troubleshooting steps that we do, the tools that we used, everything. So far we only got 1 more week together as we will be deployed to different account next week. Some of us will be staying in the same site, some will be transferred to different sites especially for technical account. Not sure yet for my status, but I have finally decided to take DELL (I passed the interview and training starts this 27th), a technical account, which I think will really help me develop my technical skills. It is a lot further from our place but it's really ok, though at first I was hesitant. Though not sure yet if SEARS will take me too 'coz I had my interview first with them but no result yet if I have made it or not. SEARS is a sales account and I couldn't really imagine myself doing sales. The only reason I tried applying because I wasn't sure then if I will make it in Dell, and SEARS is just in OJV too, so it's closer to our place. But now I have finally decided to take DELL, so my status is still floating 'till SEARS will submit the result on Monday. But I talked to OM and to my coach that I will take DELL but they said they are not sure yet since SEARS interviewed me first and if I made the assessment, I'll be counted in SEARS already....I don't know why it would be difficult for them to give us a chance to choose once we passed both accounts. I mean I wouldn't like it there so the tendency I might not perform.

Anyway, I know everything's gonna be find, I know they will let me take Dell over Sears, 'coz if they won't, I may just attend the training and will still apply to different center. I can't do things that I don't like, especially if I have a lot of choices and chances of doing what I really like.

For now, I'm firm with my decision to take Dell and can't wait to start with the training this 27th Inshallah (If God wills)!

Hereafter - Official Trailer [HD]

After working together successfully with the inspiring bio-film last year in 'Invictus', Director Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon team up again for another film that might earn them another Oscar nominations. Though empty handed from last year Oscar, 'Invictus' was nominated for two major acting awards, Best Actor for Morgan Freeman and Best Supporting Actor for Matt Damon. Clint Eastwood has a total of four Oscar Best Picture films and won two for Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004). He was also nominated for Best Actor in lead role for both films. Other nominations include Best Films for Mystic River (2003) and Letters from Iwo Jima (2006). Matt Damon also has three nominations and won one for Best in Screenplay shared with best friend Ben Affleck in "Good Will Hunting". Other nominations include Best Actor for Good Will Hunting and Best Supporting role for Invictus.

Hereafter is a supernatural thriller film that centers in three different people that experience death in so many ways (imdb.com). Also starred by Bryce Dallas Howard (Eclipse, Terminator Salvation, The Village). "Hereafter" will be coming out in cinemas this October 22, 2010.

Disturbed - "Another Way To Die" Official Music Video

Just watched this music video from Channel V this morning, didn't know that an official music video has already been released. The group was not featured in the video but its theme is very meaningful as it talks about pollution that kills the environment and possibly the entire human race if its totally neglected, thus explains the title of the song "Another way to die". Their album is called "Asylum" which debuted at No.1 in Billboard 200 Albums and this is their first single. Searched it in Youtube today and wanna share it to you guys, enjoy!

Eid'l Fitri

Still full with bread and hot coffee that I just took for the Iftar. Still thinking of eating rice later or will just have some noodles and juice with a glass of milk. Tonight could be the last night of Ramadan, if the Islamic leaders world wide declare the last day of fasting tonight, prayer for Eid'l Fitri will be tomorrow morning Inshallah (in God's will). I'm happy and sad at the same time. Happy because it's Eid'l Fitri and every Muslim should celebrate but sad because Ramadan is over.

Glad that my supervisor allowed me to take my rest day on Friday morning so I can pray the Eid'l Fitri prayer, it's also my off on Wednesday 'til Thurday afternoon so I got a two-day off. Currently I'm just waiting for a text message from my cousin so I can go to Taguig tonight or tomorrow night and pray the next morning. It would be my second Eid'l Fitri here in Metro Manila, it's difficult and it made me miss home more. Anyway, I know there is nothing permanent, who knows the next Eid, I'll be back with my family in Zamboanga City Inshallah! Advance Happy Eid'l Fitri to everyone!

An eye-opener to every Filipino

The world witnessed the hostage drama that just ended an hour ago in a tourist bus in Quirino Grandstand, Manila. It took more than 10 hours and left 4 tourists from Hong kong dead along with the hostage taker, who was a former police officer. He was shot in the head by the SWAT who took over the rescue after hearing series of gunshots while on negotiations with policemen. It was really saddening, most especially the people involved are foreigners. I could just imagine how foreign people are thinking about our country now. Nine months ago, Philippines was on every news channel worldwide because of the massacre in Maguindanao that left lot of innocent people dead. Now another incident just happened which sent message to the world that our country is one of the non-peaceful places to live in, maybe next to countries nearby in middle east.

I still do not know the details on why the hostage taker did it, though it was mentioned that he was dismissed from service because of the involvement in serious cases and wanted some demands. But whatever the reason is, end doesn't justify the means, a basic rule. A basic rule that most of us forget to obey. The hostage taker might have wanted a better life for him and his family or may want to send positive message to his superior or to government because of possible neglect of their responsibilities that resulted to his dismissal. He might have wanted to clear his name for whatever reasons. And somewhere along the way, these positive ends that he wanted to achieve was taken to a bloody and gruesome act that took away innocent lives and hurt not just his family but the entire Filipino nation. This is really a challenge for the new government. Hope this would serve as an eye-opener for every one of us. We can't change what just happened a few hours ago, but starting today moving forward, we can always make things better by always doing the right thing. A good act will never turn out bad no matter how tough the consequences are. In the end, good always prevails and God is always with those who do good deeds.

We've been experiencing low volume calls for more than two weeks now. The average avail time is 30 minutes which is really a long wait for us compare to last months which calls on que are atleast 5 calls. We almost had no time to take our breaks and some of us were forced to render overtime for atleast an hour more.Our team is so far on top, passing all the major metrics.

My scorecard is looking good too.Passing all major metrics except for one, which is just corresponding to just 1 point in our scorecard. With the perfect score of 20 points, my score so far is at 17.5 points. And I just need to get at least 8 points to pass.

We really need to keep an eye on our scorecards as it determines our job with at&t. Once you failed the scorecard three times consecutive or not, you will be removed from the account (at&t). Though there are possibilities that you will be transferred to another account, you will be lucky if you will be starting right away. And most of the time it takes a few months before another account would be available for you, so the chances are, either you take a long vacation first (that is if you have a lot of savings) or you take your chance applying to another company. And most of time, it's always the last option that works best.

I'm so happy that I'm still with Sitel - at&t for more than a year now and I really love the job, though it's difficult sometimes and the salary is a bit lower compare to other company, I still like it here. It's more challenging and i'm enjoying the company of my co-workers. And I think that's what matters most. As of now, don't know yet 'til when I'll be staying here, I couldn't really tell, but I'm pretty sure, as long as there is no better opportunity for work abroad, I would still be with Sitel, Inshallah!

Wish things would go back to the way it was before

Just had a hot choco-milk and cheese bread for Iftar today. Woke up almost late and wasn't able to prepare the curry noodles with egg that I was thinking off having for Iftar. Though I was still planning to cook it, the bread and milk made me full and I realized that I still have rice from last night suhoor and couldn't just waste it. So I just ate it with corned beef and sardines along with cold mango juice. Though it's my second Ramadaan here in Manila, this is the first time that I'm eating Iftar alone. Last year I was with my cousins in Taguig and it was never boring during Iftar time. You can prepare your own choice of food without as wet market is accessible. Mosque is just fronting the house so I can always pray Tarawee. I really miss it, I feel so guilty fasting without praying. Hope time comes that I could go back to the way it was before, where praying five times a day is my only hobby Inshallah! This is not the life that I always ask for, but I know this is just temporary.I hope I would already have a job abroad in Saudi or Malaysia whereI can be freely do my responsibility as a Muslim Inshallah!

Salt - Movie Review

Watched this film after the trip to Malaysia. Though this was shown before my flight I didn't have the time to watch it on the first day. I was planning to watch it in Malaysia but didn't have time either. So I waited to come home and watched it the next day after arriving to Manila.

Though the film got mixed reviews from the critics, most viewers (the ordinary people who watched the film and not the professional movie critics) liked it. I didn't expect a lot from the film, 'coz as a movie geek, I really trust the critics, but of course even them got their own views, and getting 50+% from rottentomatoes is already something, it means more than half of the critics like it.

The movie started with Evelyn Salt as an CIA agent (starred by my female action favorite Ms. Angelina Jolie) being tortured as mistaken to be a spy, she was rescued by Mike who later became her husband. While working as CIA agent again and living her marriage life with Mike, her reputation as CIA agent put at risk again when an interrogated Russian suspected her to be a spy and is planning to kill the Russian President. She ran for her life and tried to save her husband.

The plot may seem to be known and has been used in several movies but Salt offers more than we we have seen before. Twists were unpredictable and actions were breath taking and even made more intense by Jolie's effortless acting. Aside from the action thrills, movie is also filled with drama and romance for viewers' takeaway. With powerful support cast from Liev Schreiber (X-Men Origin: Wolverine) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (2012) the movie is one of the best spy films that I have seen. The movie somewhat ended telling the viewers that Evelyn Salt is coming back soon, and if its true hopefully it would be as good as this one.

Visited Malaysia at last

Just got the chance to write again here. Lot of things that I wanted to write about, many things that I wanted to share. Like for instance my trip going to Malaysia. It was the best vacation so far. I was able to meet my sister again after almost five years of not seeing each other. I finally meet my brother whom I never met, 'coz he left the country before I was born. Played with my very cute niece Putri, and met some relatives who really made me feel so at home. Almost everyday we went out and visited the center of trade of Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu and ate Malaysian food. The food was really amazing, and the people were nice. The place was not polluted, it was clean and peaceful. They don't even get stormed there, just mild rain shower but sunny and windy most of the time despite the strong storm here in our country. Food is cheap and most employed people have cars so just imagine the economic status of the country. Salary is higher and no taxes for most employed both government and private workers. I really want to work in Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur, hopefully there would be opportunity for me soon, inshallah!

I really miss everything, more than the food, I really miss my sister, my brother and their families, especially Putri. Hope I can find work there so I would have more time to spend with them. Inshallah!

Some of the photos taken in Sandakan and Kota Kinabaluh Malaysia

Kah Bong and Me

My sister Indah Lai and my niece Putri

With Kah Joe and his wife Inda Saripa at the airport in Malaysia

the last two shots taken in one of the parks in Kota Kinabaluh

Can't wait for Friday

It's the start of my ten-day leave from work. Though my flight for Malaysia is on 30th, I filed my leave started from July 29th to August 6th and since I got my rest day on every Wednesday and Sunday, I got a total of 10 days of time-off from work. So cool right?

So far, I haven't done anything today but to sleep and and started sorting some clothes to bring. But tomorrow I'll buy some stuff, maybe a shirt or a cap for Utoh Jul and Kabs (brother and brother-in-law). I want to buy a doll or stuff-toy for Putri but I'm worried that the people from the airport will ask me to deposit it since I have only a light ticket with no baggage free. So maybe I'll get one for her in Kota Kinabalo instead.

I'm gonna pass by Star Mall tomorrow to see a dentist and a barber to get a hair cut before that. I also need to wash the pair of shoes that I'll be using before living the house tomorrow. And I hope I won't forget the Munchkins that Inda Lai asked me to buy for her. Haay, can't wait for Friday. So excited for my first international flight, hope everything will be ok Inshallah!Ameen!

Pissed with insensitive people

Totally turned off. I can't believe that she is so insensitive. I thought I liked her, I just realized something that pursuing her is not really a good idea. I thought religion was never an issue for me in a relationship as long as you respect each other. But when that person somehow shows hatred or a bit of unwillingness to what you believe?You can't just help but to be offended. I understand people who are non-Muslims that are asking about my religion, like why we don't eat pork and all that. It's fine by me. I'm more than glad to explain to them. But what I can't tolerate is when someone mock your religion, spreading bad things about what you believe based from what they read online or watched from the internet. This is a big issue for me. Though it doesn't involve me directly, there still pointing to Islam in general. They are so insensitive that even you try to explain to them what's really going on, still they don't stop. You wanted to tell them "hey, it's my religion, please have some respect". Do I really need to say the exact words to them. Simply by opposing to what they said should really mean to them that I'm hurt, 'coz they are talking about Muslims and Islam as my religion. But she didn't get the message. I was trying to stop her at least to save the friendship or for sake of being teammates. But there was no apology or anything. I was really pissed. I can't believe that she's that too insensitive, of all the people.

It's not really easy to belong to a place where people are different from what you usually get along with. I'm not talking about people who are non-Muslims, 'coz I got a lot of friends who are Christians, Catholics and others with different religious beliefs, but they don't judge, they respect. Not like some people here in Metro Manila, well not really all, so far there is one person who just pissed me off, and the worst part is, I liked her a lot and now because of it I realized that I'm not into her, at least not anymore. I was just blinded 'coz she is a decent woman, at least that's what I know about her. I'm glad that It wasn't too late for me to know her Alhamdulillah!

The Sorcerer's Apprentice Review

I watched this film without having too much expectations because of the mixed reviews from the critics and some viewers. Since the trailer came out, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is really on the list of my summer movie guide. I got the chance to watch it last Thursday, I even chose watching it over "The Last Airbender". I sat in the middle seat and there were few viewers since I watched it on the second week.

The movie started with the narration on how magic and sorcery and the battle of good and evil begun which common for movies with similar genre

The story begun with Baltazar (Nicholas Cage), Veronica (Monica Belluci), Horvath (Alfred Molina) as apprentices of Merlin, a good and powerful sorcerer. When Horvath along with Morgana, an evil sorcerer who turned against Merlin in order to user their powers and planned to awaken all the deads to bring havoc to people on earth. Baltazar and Veronica must stop them and should look for the apprentice that is destined to defeat Morgana. The apprentice turned out to be the science-geek Dave (Jay Baruchel). As Dave thorned between his personal life and his responsibilities as an apprentice, he should focus and believe in himself that he can fulfill his destiny to become a great sorcerer to save mankind.

Nicholas Cage and Jon Turtletaub seem to be comfortable working together since National Treasure 1 and 2. The comedic scenes though sometimes not funny at least with Cage, Jay Baruchel regulates it. He fills the boring side of the film. And Jay doesn't need to exert effort, he is really funny by nature. Sorcerer's Apprentice is not Nicholas Cage' best adventure film I've watched since National Treasure films have been phenomenon, but surely is entertaining and worth the admission ticket (3 out 5 stars).

"An Oscar-worthy Thriller" - 'Inception' Movie Review

Christopher Nolan just gave us his another masterpiece after 'The Dark Knight' last 2008. This time it's a breath taking and mind-blowing thriller with great special effects that challenges your imagination or even your dreams. The film centered on a man named Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who specializes in extracting ideas from a dream. He does it too well that he makes money out of it working for biggest corporations all over the world. When offered for one last task that would allow him to get back home where his kids are waiting for him, Cobb didn't think twice, without thinking how tough the job would turn out to be. Accompanied by Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer, G.I. Joe), Ariadne (Ellen Page, Juno, X-Men: The Last Stand), Saito, Eames and Yusuf, Cobb has to free his mind from the dreams he created that keeps on haunting him and focuses on the dream or even dreams that he is in. The job this time is not the usual way of stealing ideas from one person but planting one instead.

The film goes from one dream to another dream to another dream which makes the movie unique compare to similar movies created before (like Matrix). The scoring, though sounds like similar to which was used in 'The Dark Knight' it really plays well that intensifies all the scenes, not to mention the mind-bending visuals which really perfectly visible in Digital Screens. What I really like about the film is that, though its a fiction, it never deviates itself from reality. Like for instance, what Cobb says "You don't remember how it all begun when you are dreaming" which is really true, you don't know how everything begins in a dream. It just started with you in such situation. And in a dream you will feel everything is real. "When you are in dreams, everything is real while you are in it, you will only feel strange when you wake up" as Cobb explains. And lastly, when you are in dreams, subconsciously, your thoughts wander, and it mostly depicts your worries and conscience. In the case of Cobb's dreams, his dead wife, their children and with all the memories haunt him in every dream he created. Not just in this type of genre that the film has to be based from reality, the reason why most movies are not successful in making the film meaningful is that they stuck with their too wide imagination and forgot about their reality.

Also starred by Academy Award Winners Marion Cotilliard and Michael Caine, Christopher Nolan's Inception is really one of the best films created this year, it's original, thought-provoking and the cast performances are really outstanding. Unless there would be greater movies out this year, Inception will surely be one of the nominated films in Oscar Best Picture and performances of DiCaprio and Cotilliard might score an acting nominations too. Inception, is the type of film that lingers with you for a long time even after leaving the cinema. In fact I don't know if I am even over it. I'm thinking of watching the film again though in regular screen this time (5 out of 5 stars).

"A piece of crap" - 'Predators' Movie Review

What would you expect from a remake of this thriller film?Bloody, more violence, and more actions as what it shown on the trailer .Well sorry to disappoint everyone that the movie is not as what it appears to be. If you enjoyed the old film with Arnold Schwarzenegger this time you might just want to skip watching it 'coz it was nothing but a piece of crap. Forgive me, it was too disappointing. It is more dramatic than what expected to be as action-thriller film.

The movie focuses on the story of eight different people who were trapped in a woods after falling from the sky on a parachute. None of them remembered anything. They later found out that they were trapped with unknown creatures in the forest. With no way out, they should stick together as they struggle to fight for their own survival. With the help of one survivor who came before them they must learn to fight and face their predators to live. Starred by Adriene Brody (The Pianist, King Kong) with Alice Braga (Repo Men, Crossing Over) and Laurence Fisburne (The Matrix).

The movie is lack of action and thrill. It started just fine but got worst and worst as it continues especially when the actual predators showed up. Though the acting is not that bad, the story is really dull (1.5 out of 5 stars).

Just watched Inception

Just came home from watching 'Inception'. I really waited for the film since it came out on the 15th. Just got the chance to watch it, had to wait Sunday off. Christopher Nolan (director of the film) really brilliant as the movie as what I expected is really really cool. With great especial effect, great performances, unique and mind-blowing plot, Inception is one of the best films released this year. It's not a surprise if the movie would be nominated for Oscar. Starred by Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer, G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra), Ellen Page (Juno, X-men: The Last Stand), Marion Cotilliard (Public Enemy, Nine) and Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins, Dark Knight).

Off course I didn't watch the film in a regular cinema, but can't afford the IMAX so I watched it in Digital HD screen in SM Megamall. It was just for Php200 compare to Php160 for a regular streaming. It was really worth it. Next week Sunday or Wednesday (my next rest day) it would be Nicholas Cage's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." A week after that is M.Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender" and Angelina Jolie's "Salt" a week after. Cool!I'm not really into movies am I?

"Not outstanding but better than the first two films" - 'Twilight Saga Eclipse' Movie Review

Let me start with the review by saying that "Eclipse is the best Twilight film so far". With the direction from David Slade (who also directed the vampire film '30 Days of NIght' last 2007) the movie went a bit further from a traditional Twilight dilemma where it suffers from reaching to audience as the movie viewers and not as fans of the book who have read it several times. What I'm saying is, only those who have the read the books who can understand what's going on the film, if you are not a reader then just feel sorry for yourself as everything goes to oblivion and wait for the next film to come up to put the puzzle together. Or wait for twiligh-geek friends to tell you what's really going on which is a bit annoying (for some).

The film didn't pick up from the boring ending of the last film where Edward said "Will you marry me?" (don't know the exact line though). But instead it started decently with a young man missing who eventually became the leader of the new group of vampires, New Born. Meanwhile, Victoria (which starred by another actor for the third time) was still the main villain of the movie as revealed later in the film using the New Born to avenge her lover James (who died in the first film). Of course the film didn't forget about the Edward-Bella-Jacob love triangle. It is all about themm all the time, and this time competition almost became even (although we all know Edward would win in the end).

Acting didn't much improve, especially for Taylor Lautner, no one can blame him anyway,he is really a newbie. But the supporting cast is really superb. Charlie is pretty much convincing as Bella's father, Dakota Fanning as always delivers the best of the character of Jane. Jasper who has more exposure in this film has shown more enthusiastic when it comes to acting, it won't be surprising if he lands on bigger roles soon apart from Twilight series. Anna Kendrick just started to become my favorite, though with little role as Jessica, still managed to deliver a not-forgetful performance when she delivers a speech on a graduation scene.

What I really like about the movie is that there was an improvement in making the audience thrilled as they added extra violence, which is really the main ingredient in vampire-werewolves theme movie.Plus scoring is really better. I can't just spoil the whole movie. It is not really one of best movies released this year but at least it's better compare to its first two films. This might be the beginning of the Twilight series to be critically acclaimed as reviews are getting better. We'll hope and see what they have installed for us in 'Breaking Dawn' next year which will be released in two parts. (2.5 out of 5)

Blackout, Predators, and Basyang

Power in whole Metro Manila and provinces nearby was out yesterday for more than 24 hours because of the typhoon 'Basyang'. It wasn't as strong as 'Ondoy' last year and the strong rain lasted for a night but it did manage to cut the power source of the whole Metro. And unluckily it was my off, so I spent my rest day without internet connection, wasn't able to play my new addiction 'Planst vs. Zombies' (not much into playing games, but this one made me so addicted to it). There was no MRT and LRT so the buses were all standing ovation and not to mention the traffic.

But despite of all these. My day went well as Lecel and I had time together. I just accompanied her to SSS in East Ave, not really a date though but I had fun. I came to know her more. I'm so fascinated by her personalities. She is so simple and I really like her humor. There is no boredom moment when she is around. We went home after eating in Mang Inasal around 11a m since both of us came from night shift and didn't have sleep yet. It was short but worth it. I'm looking for ward to spending time again soon

When I arrived home the power was not back on yet. So I slept for couple of hours went out around 5pm and buy my grocery in Robinson Galleria. I had dinner in KFC and waited til 8 PM for the light to come back up. When my roommate texted my that it was still out I decide to watch the new film 'Predators' and I wasn't much satisfied with the film. I expected too much from it. Should have picked 'Knight and Day' or just stayed at home. But anyway, I arrived home almost 12 midnight and the light was on. Internet was a bit f****ed up so I just played 'Plants vs. Zombies' 'til 8am. I only slept for two hours but it was a very satisfying sleep (don't know why exactly hehe). That's it for now, I'm really hoping for another good day. I got a shift tonight again 'til Saturday and can't wait to see her again.

missing my family

Glad that I was able to talk to my sisters in Zamboanga on the phone. I really miss all of them. Despite being pissed with the internet connection (again) my morning went just so fine when they called me. Although somehow I frustrate them of not working abroad just yet I know they understand, especially Kah Ming. After all, they are the only reason why I am working hard here in this big metro. If there is only a better opportunity to work abroad, why not?so far my job is ok, here, I'm enjoying it and most of all I provide them more than I used to give them when I was in Zamboanga.

While on the phone, our younger sister Queng, who is supposedly leaving for Dubai to work as midwife sadly informed me that she couldn't leave yet due to some health problem and she needs to undergo a therapy. It really pains me hearing her so frustrated. She really wants to help to realize all our dreams for our family with Kah Ming. We have this goal of making our lives easier for kah ming and of course to everyone in the family. We want to get the house renovated 'coz it doesn't look decent anymore, get her a small business and of course help her and Kah Tanz (her husband) sending our nephews and nieces to finish college. With all of these plans, Queng thought she would be able to help us with it, that's why she is really frustrated of not leaving. So for now, she just needs to go on therapy for a few months and at least we can see each other in Malaysia.

Inda Lai, my sister in Malaysia phoned me yesterday about the trip this July 30th. She is excited for me and for Munchkins (from Dunkin Donuts). She also asked for Cheese Bread from our sister in Zamboanga. We were laughing on the phone when she told me she just wants food as 'pasalubong' and nothing else. I really miss my sister. She even joked me about wanting to come to Manila. She hasn't been here yet and she wants to see how big the Metro is. I told her I can always book her and Putri (her daughter) and they are planning to come by November or December. I just can't wait to see them this 30th Inshallah!

Blessed June and More blessings this July

Alhamdulillah (All praises and thanks belong to Allah)! I didn't not just pass all the metrics last June but exceeded all 5 major metrics in it. I've been consistently passing my scorecard but this is the first that I have exceeded it. After getting a very disappointing survey of 'Very Dissatisfied' from a wrong respondent I was still able to pass the NetSat (survey average). God is really Great!.

Meanwhile the rumor about moving to a British account is so far remains as rumor as we just renewed our contract 'til September. It was really a good news, honestly I'm not ready yet to say good bye to at&t u-verse, I'm really enjoying my work and the account. I'm already familiar with the tools and the services and so far not getting sick and bored with it.

I'm looking forward for another great and blessed month this July, Inshallah (In God's Will). Plus, I'm leaving for Malaysia this 30th and coming back on 6th of August (really glad they approved my leave, off course with paid).

Eminem - Recovery

Just downloaded 'Recovery' the latest album of my alltime favorite rapper, Marshall Bruce Mathers III a.k.a. 'Eminem'. Started to like his music with his first popular songs "Slim Shady", "The Way I am", "Stan" and "Cleaning out my Closet". Since then I have become an avid fan. He has 6 albums debuted at number 1 in Billboard Hot 200 (all album went to number one except his first one "The Slim Shady LP" which peaked at No. 2 in 1999.) To date he has 3 number one singles (two of it debuted at No. 1); 'Loose Yourself', 'Crack the Bottle' and his latest single from Recovery album 'Not at Afraid'

His first movie "8 Mile" was a box-office success and won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Also watched him in Adam Sandler's "Funny People" and he is going to appear in cinemas again along side Paul Walker in a horror film to be released sometime this year.

The following are the songs in Eminem's Recovery Album which features artists like Rihanna, Pink, Lil Wayne and others: (wikipedia.org)

Eminem's 'Recovery' Album

1. "Cold Wind Blows"
2. "Talkin' 2 Myself" (featuring Kobe)
3. "On Fire"
4. "Won't Back Down" (featuring Pink)
5. "W.T.P."
6. "Going Through Changes"
7. "Not Afraid"
8. "Seduction"
9. "No Love" (featuring Lil Wayne)
10. "Space Bound"
11. "Cinderella Man"
12. "25 to Life"
13. "So Bad"
14. "Almost Famous"
15. "Love the Way You Lie" (featuring Rihanna)
16. "You're Never Over"
17. "Untitled" (hidden track)