How to Save a Life?

If someone is falling down the unsteady road, would you try to save a life? Perhaps it will depend if he’s willing to be helped. But if you try to reach out in a way or another, his response shall answer if he needs your help. It’s a matter of choice—to help, be helped, get help. Somebody told me we should help each other for we are one. My delight is also yours, so as my failure. If I see you lose your way and do nothing, the fault will also be mine. For most of the time, I will be your shepherd. For as long as you are willing to be my sheep. I only give instructions to save a life but still it is a choice to get the chance to be saved. This is brotherhood. Life’s a game.

Gold to Dig

What’s the work for? To earn money for living? To buy things you want? To sustain a lifestyle you ever dreamed of? I didn’t get what’s the point of earning money. I feel that there’s a reason beyond the money from the hours spent at the workplace. Perhaps material things you bought are mere rewards for hardships but more than that is the appreciation of little things money just couldn’t provide. Like a good cheer from your boss, an applause from a crowd, the laughter during office hours, a greeting from an old friend you just met. How about a compliment from people who thought you were a loser. For wherever workplace, in cities, roads, office or shop, I know how earning means. Living for others and living for a living.

Taking Back Sunday 2

Here I am again over the desk busy working on stuffs that I should work on a beautiful Sunday where everyone rest. I guess this is my life. No Weekends, no Sundays and definitely no playtime. But I still do enjoy being busy right now. I guess this is how life goes on with me. I still thank Him that he provided such opportunities for me. An architect wouldn’t move without projects that’s why I’m lucky to be here. Sacrifices are to be made if you really want to succeed. It’hard but the price worth it. In life, sometimes you have to leave some to gain some. In the end you’ll find out what you’re really looking for and that’s what I’m glad to find out. At this point, I’m clueless about life. It’s a cycle of what’s going on and what will go on. Tomorrow is a new day. Just be thankful.

Alay Sa Nagkamalay Noong Dekada Nobenta

"Book Launch at Fully Booked - The Fort"

One of my influences in writing is Sir Jay. AKA Batjay. Ang batang kaning-lamig. We've met sometime at the Konyo Bookstore in Taguig. It's been an honor to meet such kind of person. A symbol of a Filipino in Blog history. A creative non-fiction writer that illustrate the strugles and success of most OFW in all corners of the world, from different walks of life. Rendering every word with essences you commonly disregard. Futile facts yet affecting the personality and culture of Filipinos. His unique use of slang words describes his sensitivity. Sarcastic and insulting for most but true and realistic. His style in writing did very well in communicating to the public that made his books taken by storm. As a matter of fact, my copy wasn't still in my hand. Borrowed by a friend cause out of stock in Powerbooks. This is to commemorate a good inspiration. Sir Batjay.

"Bwakanginangyan!!I hate this camera!

Dear Uncle Sam

Masaya bang tumira sa inyo? Balita ko maraming mga kamag-anak naming ang patay na patay makatapak sa lugar niyo. Ginawa ang lahat para lang makakuha ng VISA. Maraming akong kakilala na nagpunta sa inyo na yumaman. May mga properyunal, skilled workers at kung sinu-sino pa. Iniwan nila ang pamilya nila sa bahay para puntahan ka at para na rin sa pamilyang iniwan nila. Kahit na mahusay at bihasa pa sila, ikaw pa rin ang nilapitan. Di nagtatagal, isasama rin nila ang buong pamilya nila sa iyo. Masaya nga bang tumira sa iyo? Sino ka ba talaga sa palagay mo? Ikaw ba ang sagot sa problema ng pangangailangan ko? Matutulungan mo nga ba talaga ako? Parang ang simple lang ng tanong ko pero ang hirap intindihin. Siguro kapag sinulatan mo ako may linaw na ang gumugulo sa isipan ko.

Nagmamahal,
Anak ng OFW

Taking Back Sunday

I’ve been so busy with my work since the day I was employed. This is exhilarating at first and quite annoying in the long run. But the bottom line is you get the money, you pay taxes and you become a productive member of the society. I’ve been counting the days until weekend comes, day after day, the office become more of a home to me that it suddenly become my life. Everyday is a working day. No weekends. No time for other necessities of man. Does this life really becoming productive? I can’t even remember the last time I attended a mass or say a prayer at night. Seriously there’s something wrong. I hope I could take back Sundays. A lunch with the family, watch movie with friends, play basketball with younger cousins. How about reading a good book, play with my dog or sit and watch TV all day. I miss weekend.

I Design...

"I Will Keep You Safe and Warm"

_Architect

I am an architect. Not by law but by the power vested in me to create structures that will protect people from harm, to show beauty of nature, to implement movement of people, to appreciate nature, to reminisce the history and therefore create it.
This is my work. This is my job. To design more than what a man could see. More than what man could think. I am concerned of health more than money, dignity more than profit, beauty more than eyes could see.

I am an architect. I build homes for a family, Offices for real professionals, Places for recreation. Elevating heights of building, Churches for sanctuary of spirit, Schools for effective learning. Cities for happy living and a good community. I will secure homes more than before the guard, I will find a way before the road, I will find a view more than an artist, I will give shelter more than a builder. With my hands you are safe, clean, happy and satisfied. More than that I will show you how good the Creator is.

I am an architect and this is my plan. Soaring humanity. This is my way of commanding people. This is my life.

Wet Shoes

I was sitting at the window side of the bus on my way home after a long day of work. It was raining. I was reminded again of my childhood blues. When I was a kid, I always dream of wearing comfortable shoes. I consider it more than a need but a luxury since we can’t afford to buy good ones. Many times happened that I got my feet wet from a wrecked pair of shoes. I accept the mere fact because we’re empty handed most of the time. Since then I said to myself “when I grow up I will have the best pair ever”. I consider my feet so important more than a symbol for the walk I make in life. I think that people are characterized somehow of the shoes they have. Some have white, black, clean and simple. Some are sleek and do have diamonds and some are dirty and worn out. It really depends on how it was used and the places it has stepped. I remembered a line from a tv series said “It is important to have good shoes. It shall bring you to places”. Suddenly I was disturbed by the call of the bus conductor. I’m already on the terminal.
Reaching home, I slowly removed my shoes one after another noticing that it was wet. Now and still wet.

Full Battle Gear

"Teacher Enemy Number One"

When I was a Freshman in the College Years, I had a terror professor. He was capable of eating flesh of student (that’s the way I can describe his teaching strategy) I learned from him the Term Full Battle Gear. Since he was my instructor in Drafting and Design, by the time he says that we should be in Full Battle gear tomorrow, that means that we have to bring complete drafting instruments and materials which includes all the technical pens, triangles, scale, rulers, protractor, pencil and most importantly the T-Square. When you fail to bring the T-square, it means that you’re in hot water. But there are still two options, “GO HOME OR BE DIPPED IN BOILING OIL” (I find it hard to translate I-gisa) But then it was more embarrassing if that teacher caught you drawing without T-square. My classmates had some cool experiences that Architect is a half man half monster teacher. This time they had their drawing instruments ready. The problem is that they weren’t doing the assigned drawing exercise at the moment they get caught. After a minute or two, they were happily asked by our professor what are they doing after seeing them doing some moves of chess facing each other comfortably seated at the drafting table. Suddenly, I heard a deep roaring of thunder when the Professor architect responded and asked them to bring their drawings in front. What happens next is a series of shredded paper constantly blowing at the faces of my two dear classmates. It was a relaxing scene after.

Techie

Time to embrace the future. The innovation reinvented in terms of presentation and graphic imaging. So what's next?

Why A Country So Blessed Starving?

Government Employee: It’s ok. It wouldn’t amount that much. There’s a lot of supplies in the office. I’ll take this home.

Jeepney Driver: “Thank You sir” after giving then gave money to the MMDA officer after getting caught from a traffic violation.

OFW: “there’s no place like America”

Neighbor of an OFW: Liza has a nice car. Perhaps I can also have that when I go abroad.

Board Topnotcher of Medicine: I will take nursing anyway.

Elementary student: “Ma’am shall I have a passing grade?”

Teacher: “of course you should.” Buy more of my special bibingka.

Businessman: “Shall the bill pass? What do you think?”

Mr. Senator: “At the right price sir. No questions asked.”

"Oh My Gas!"

When I was riding on a jeep going on my way back home, I noticed the driver talking to a man in the front seat. We were on a stop to refuel. “Magtataas na naman ang gasolina.” As he gave his payment to the gasoline boy. He mentioned that the gas is increasing rapidly and it kills. He doesn’t have any more money to bring home for his family. One round of his route from Quiapo to North EDSA would consume nearly six liters or 300 pesos of gas. That’s pretty hard and it gets even tougher when oil price hike continue. I can see in his eyes that he was threatened by this. “Kapag nagtaas ulit ang gas, hindi na ko babyahe. If fare would still rise, he would just end up with nothing left for his family to eat because the boundary will complement the fare increase” he added. It was alarming in the sense that people would suffer from starvation. I don’t have any idea on how to put things on the right track. The only thing I can do is to sympathize with his lonely ride hoping that this country will soon make up in the future….

Walk Like You Talk and Talk Like You Walk

In Construction Industry, it is inevitable to meet different people. Architects, engineers, marketing and corporate people. It is very challenging to encounter a conversation with them especially when you’re talking business. On the otherhand, what counts most is that you know what you are talking and what you say speak for yourself. It’s just a matter of how carry things on. Nevertheless, you should have an idea on how to work things out. I really have a fear of talking to people but once you know that you can get his idea, it just run smoothly. I was overwhelmed that I got the opportunity to talk and walk with them. It pushed me a bit to challenge myself to take the Architecture Board Exam in the coming years. But for now, I’m still under observation of my so called niche.

Boston Drama

Foreign Band? Not really. Typecast is the most influential band in the Philippines when it comes to emotional hardcore music. A blend of foreign influence rendered with the creativity of Filipinos. For someone in Boston, this song really counts.

Standard pick-up lines that seems to wreck your bones
Can this be a sequel of my dying hope?
Chasing down a never ending make-believe
But you’re a perfect match of consistency
Will you come back in a heartbeat?
Don’t be confused of what a great thing we could be
We’ll take a walk on the same street
Can you tell me how Boston is like without me?
You’re image is stamp beneath the insides of my heart
Now you’re gone I don’t know where to start
The evidence is showing like a stable apprehension
But you’re the only one who’s apt for this affection(this affection)
Will you come back in a heartbeat?
Don’t be confused of what a great thing we could be
We’ll take a walk on the same street
Can you tell me how Boston is like without me?

Some of the Longest Lines in the World

Arranged In Any order

1. Line of people outside the wowowee studio.

2. Vehicles stuck in traffic along EDSA.

3. People at the Philippine Overseas Emloyment Administration waiting for their inquiries.

4. Enrollment Line in Public schools and Universities.

5. Line of People getting Lotto ticket.

6. Unemployed Graduates in all Jobfairs.

"A Manifestation of Reality"

The Art Of Spending

"Everything Counts"

Things to Remember

1.Don't Spend more than waht you earn. Proceed to step 2

2. Don't try to budget. Make it then proceed to step three

3. Think of your needs before your wants. Go to the last step

4. Remember Step 1.

Feet On the Ground

"Life Is A Walk"

So what’s new in the world today? Nothing really special. I’m just here for a long journey looking at faces of people and seeing through what they have in life. I’m overwhelmed by the fact that I am working with people from all the walks of life. Professionals, businessmen, regular employees, workers, peasant, elite, people from academe, name them all. From all these different kind of people, I get inspirations, lessons of life that I must have given value. This life must have been a good walk and I hope to see more. Like this blog, it may be meaningless to others. But I want to make it substantial through appreciation of its beauty no matter how vague it may appear.

The Largest Nipa Hut

A magnificent creation by the Greatest Poet of Space Leandro Locsin

He interpreted the Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) into a massive structure built to represent a culture of Filipino and its Architecture.

Situated near the Manila Bay, its building approach accessed through the path similar to the waves of the shore. Massiveness and simplicity of the buildings component ir reflected in the facade.

A true representation of distinctive Filipino Architecture.

"Booksmarts or Streetsmarts?"

“Someone’s Capability is Immeasurable. It could not be Gauged by the Numbers”

In the industry where I’m involved—Construction and Management, skills are a priority. Especially in handling tasks and creating a sequence of work. There’s so much to learn and see. All you have to do is open your mind to all the opportunities and options.

There are two kinds of People. Those who are in theory—“the Booksmarts” and those who are specialized in experience and the actual--- “ the Streetsmarts”. It has always been an argument who is more capable. A contestant from the TV show “The Apprentice” once said that Books separate Man from Boys. But would that statement define the truth?

Many People could prove something in this scenario.

Michael Dell hasn’t finished his studies because of the small business he had in a small apartment. Eventually he became a Multimillionaire today and one of the top computer selling company.

Frank Lloyd Wright
A pioneer is a pioneer in architecture. He attended high school, but never graduated.

Bill Gates
Was a regular employee before. Today he is the architect of the software giant Microsoft.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
He created an influential 20th century architectural style, stated with extreme clarity and simplicity.He worked in his father's stone-carving shop.


These people serves as an inspiration to us that lack in education hinder success.

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”
--Mark Twain

Name Game

"Your Name is the Future"

So what’s in your name? Parents are giving the very best names for their children and sometimes the worst for some people who hate their names. Names could more likely to be an impression of what your future would be that’s why it must have a value. Here are some people who’ve proven that names must be really something that will explain your personality, give statement for outlook and oftentimes define the nature of your existence, your future work and even luck.

Donald Trump- DO-a strong implementation of leadership
TRUMP- may also means triumph


Oprah Winfrey- O- an expression when being amazed
Win-a sure winner

Bill Gates- He must be collecting bills since he hold the key of the Gates


The Walton’s- who’ve built walls of gold over the United States.

Well of course the Filipinos would also dig for the list.






Manny Pacquiao- Manny sounds like money! Pacquiao in Filipino means to buy more or grab them all. So he’s name would mean that he’s getting all the money. Aside from this meaning, it may also sound “manapak-yaw” which means to punch.








Same is true for Manny Villar. On the otherhand, Villar would mean Villas or houses of the aristocrat or the elite where Villar leads in the Industry in the Philippines.

Chasing What You've Chosen

Destiny. Is it a self proclaimed fact that you are compelled to pursue? Or a mere truth of responsibility? Whatever it means, I guess I have to admit that I’m engaged in the Industry I’ve chosen to take as far as my life goes. When I was at the terminal of high school entering college, I was really reluctant about the course I will be taking. Suddenly, it was Architecture. Why?Actually, it was the first on the course list (since it starts with A). Then as the years goes on in college, I woke up one day that I’m engaged with it and I gave passion through it. After so many trials I’ve worked with, there are times that I just wanted to turn back and raise the white flag. But in the end, I’m still pushed through the limits of my capacity. Moreover, Here I am still working with drawings, plans, talking with people engaged in construction.

Well of course I am having fun with my work. But will this be forever? I asked myself. I’m looking forward for a better niche and I find working abroad as an option.
I have so many plans. For myself, my family and the things that I love. I’m caught in the middle now. But I know in the end things will go my way. Coz everything perfectly fits for a cause. Perhaps sometimes you really have to know what it is.

Leaving on A Jet Plane

I fetched my brother to the airport this morning. Just a simple thought, this was the second time he was leaving for his work abroad. I wondered what’s in a man’s mind when he leaves his own country. A man trying to cope with a new environment, not his own. Far away from his comfort zone.

Last night I went home just to see everyone’s at home sleeping together in one roof for the very moment. It was really a sudden rush of emotion. It was like turning back time when we all are still young, playing, laughing, shouting, crying and teasing one another. Time really fly so fast. Here we are now, taking each other’s life by themselves. Trying to catch the challenges set by life. We’re on our way now. And from what I see now, I’m hopeful with fingers crossed that everything’s gonna be alright in the end.

To you bro, maybe one day you’ll see this. Though we do not talk that much, I know everything that we have to know. For the mean time, thank you and Goodluck and Godbless us. For what time will hold now will be cherished forever. See you back here.

The Curse in Construction

Construction must really have gone so far. More advanced technology as it steps towards the future. However, there are also side effects of the industrialization. For what a chainmail has brought me, It says that there are also parts of the construction industry that is quite alarming.

Thank You Mr. Jobs

My Favorite Gadget

More than a multimedia player, the Ipod and other similar devices have to offer much on my lifestyle. It serves as an earplug when you want to avoid hideous and annoying conversations. You can also use it to make damn talkshits to disturbed people. Last night, I’ve tried it and it made significant effects. Try for yourself.