Ten Random Pet Peeves

Once again, I got tagged. Some bloggers hate it when they are tagged. But for me it’s cool to be tagged especially when I am running out of ideas to write. So keep on tagging me guys. LOL.

Thank you Reesie for the tag.

Just like any other tag, this tag comes with a rule. List down 13 things that you hate or your pet peeves. Be it a person, a thing or a whatever. But I’m too lazy to make it 13, so I was only able to come up with 10.

So here goes my list of random things that I hate.

1. Bullies. They can easily get on my nerves. I think the term is self-explanatory.

2. Smokers. I think they’re selfish. Why? Because they only think about self-pleasure without taking consideration of its harmful effects not only to themselves but most especially to the people around them. I have weak lungs, so I have basis on hating them. It’s a major turn off.

3. Indecent proposals. It’s not that I’m saying that I frequently receive indecent proposals. I know for a fact that I am not the hottest guy in town. I don’t even consider myself hot. But believe it or not, I have received indecent proposals not once and not twice but N-times na!!! LOL! I dunno why. What’s making it more sickening is when such proposal comes from a dirty old gay or from a matrona. haha. Di naman ako mapili, ayoko lang sa amoy lupang bastos o flirt! LOL.

4. Fakers. People who create fake profiles of famous celebrities.

5. Posers. Just like number four, these are the kinds of people who create profiles and not using their own picture. To make it worse, they claim to be the real owner of those pictures.

6. Spam and Scammers. Have you ever received an e-mail saying that you just won a $1,000,000 from an online lottery? Or some deceased Nigerian billionaire wants to transfer their funds to your bank account? Haha! Please delete that e-mail right there and then. Don’t fall into their trap. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then most likely, it is just a scam.

7. Atheists. I don’t exactly hate them. It just saddens me that some people can not see the fact that God exists. I hate it that they have closed their eyes and sealed their minds from seeing the evidences of a Creator. I don’t like them because they mislead people.

8. Conceited, self-important and insensitive individuals. I think, usually these three characteristics usually come together in one person. When a certain person is conceited, they think they deserve a VIP treatment and they think they’re above everyone else. They do whatever they desire to do without taking consideration what other people would feel. Insensitivity that is.

9. Leeches. Literally, I hate those little creatures that cling to the skin to suck blood and will only go away when they are satisfied. Figuratively speaking, people sometimes behave like leeches do. They would come to you and pretend to be “friends” but the truth is, they only come to you because there is something in you that would be beneficial to them. In other words, they are there for a reason – selfish reasons. They cling to you perhaps because they need you to get their work done. These are the kind of “friends” that evaporates once you’re the one who’s in need. Also, leeches are most likely social-climbers.

10. No common sense slash extremely dumb individuals. These are the kind of people who keeps asking the same thing everyday. Like, “Hey! I don’t know how to send a picture as an e-mail attachment!” Then, as a Good Samaritan as you are, you’d help them and walk them through the process. But then the next day, they have exactly the same problem. And then you teach them again. What if that happens for the third time? Will you not be irritated? Well, okay lang sana if you are dealing with old people or people who hasn’t touched a computer in their whole life ever. But they are just people of your age. The thing is, they are just too lazy to use their common sense. Tsk!

“I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.” - Theodore Isaac Rubin

That's all! Have a great day guys!

Team Building: Island Hopping

"I keep my friends as misers do their treasure, because, of all the things granted us by wisdom, none is greater or better than friendship." Pietro Aretino

Last Saturday, April 18, 2009 our team had finally held our Team Building - something that we've long been waiting for. Due to the majority's choice, our team decided to go for an Island Hopping and Snorkeling. I was very excited to go because I am such a beach-lover. Any activity that involves swimming, the beach, swimming pool, surfing, snorkeling, etc. Just name it - I'm always on the go.

So we were a team composed of 20 persons including our Team Lead (Immediate Supervisor).

At around 9:00 am, we arrived at Mactan Island.

From Mactan Island we had to ride on a boat to go to our 3 island destinations - Hilutungan, Pandanon and Nalusuan.

For a rental fee of Php 3,500, this boat can accomodate 20-30 persons.

Our first island destination was the Hilutungan Island. It is one of the islands in the Olango Reef which is protected by the government as fish sanctuary. This beautiful island is 20 to 30 minutes away from Mactan Island. It is known to be perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving due to abundant corals and tropical fishes. Within 3 to 7 meters you can have fun in feeding the fish, these tropical fishes are friendly that you can feed them with bread and swim together with you. During lowtide the opposite side of the island is bare at low between Olango Reef at knee below you can walk between 5 islands along the reef.

Sadly, there is an entrance fee once you land your feet on the island. So as "kuripot" as we are, we decided to just roam around the island. We stayed there for an hour.
While we were salivating at the sight of the island, the water surrounding it is just equally inviting that we couldn't help ourselves but indulge into the crystal-clear seawater.


Our second island destination was the Pandanon Island. This island is known for its boracay-like white sand. It is 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Maribago, Mactan Island.





This time we intended to land on the island as the beautiful seaview *especially the hot girls and guys* on the island was so irresistible. There's an entrance fee of Php 150 per person. Rental fees of the huts or cottages are ranging from Php 200 to Php 300 each depending on the size.

At around 2:30 pm, we decided to go back to our boat so that we can head ourselves to the next island destination, the Nalusuan Island. If you understand bisaya, you'd probably laugh at the island's name. Nalusuan is probably derived from a cebuano root word "luso" which means male sexual organ. Haha! Don't ask me. I have no idea why that island is having that name.

But then again, there's another entrance fee or landing fee which is Php 200 once you step your feet on that island so once again we decided to stay offshore and just watch the island from a distance.

But hey, don't be sad for us. We enjoyed ourselves by diving and snorkeling. Wheow! My favorite part of the day. Just beware of the jellyfish, they are so itchy! Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen on your skin if you don't wanna end up peeling off some skin the next day.

We were so proud of ourselves, we were swimming at 10-12 feet ocean deep. Hehe. Beat that! I had so much fun. At around 4:30 pm, we decided to go home.

On a sadder note, that would be our last team building together as a team because on May 18, we will be transferred to a different account with probably different set of team mates. Guys, I'm gonna miss you all. See yah around!

Note: Photo credits to Junie Melecio, my officemate for the scenic landscape pictures, the ones without watermarks. Thanks Junie. The ones with watermarks of my blog URL, I took them myself. ^^

Interview with OFWs: On Working Abroad

I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. In fact, I was raised by a wonderful single parent yet financially-challenged lady, my mom. Ever since then, surviving in this crazy world has always been a challenge. My mom had tried working as a secretary, promo girl, dressmaker, cook and I’ll-ask-her-later-cuz-i-forgot-kind-of jobs. Now that I have come of age and my mom is not getting any younger, I feel like it is now my turn to give her a happy and fulfilling life that she deserves. Don’t ask me about my dad, he has always been out of the picture. He’s like a catch-me-if-you-can type of dad. No, I am not Leonardo DeCaprio’s son. How I wish!

Anyway, I believe that working abroad will not only widen my horizon but will also potentially improve my career life. But just like any first-timers, I have fears on what’s in store for me out there. What will be the challenges that I’m going to encounter? So I made a little interview and my interviewees were the OFW blogger-friends that I met here in the so-called blogosphere. I sincerely thank them for their cooperation. I really am grateful. So read on and learn from the veterans. ;p

Note: You will be seeing cute faces below however please be aware that this is not a dating site.^_-

Click on their names to go to their respective sites. :)


Reesie of Reesie.net, USA

Me: How long have you been working as an OFW?
Reesie: 4 long years.

Me: Wow! That’s quite long already. What’s the biggest challenge that you have encountered as an OFW?

Reesie: Communication and culture gap. Conversational english (US) is way different than the Formal English that was taught to us since kindergarten. It took me a while to learn their slang and colloquial language. Additionally, I had to listen very well to my boss and co-workers when they spoke considering that their accent was difficult to understand, at first. My bisaya accent was so prevalent back then. It took me a year to adjust, adapt, and immerse in their languange.
But one major challenge that is very hard to overcome is the loneliness. Being alone and away from your family and friends is frustrating and unbearable sometimes. The first six months were the worst ones. The only thing that can get me through each day is the taught that I am helping my family back home- that they have a decent life because of me-to say the least.



KJ of KrisJasper.com, UK

Me: How long have you been working as an OFW?
I moved here Feb 2003.


Me: What’s the biggest challenge that you have encountered as an OFW?
Hmmm.. luckily my agents had put me in a cool workplace (up to now) I was the only foreigner before so it was cool! The only challenge I guess is just becoz I have chinky eyes they always assume I can speak chinese. LOL!

If you're thinking if I miss Pinas! Oh yeah! definitely! But good that there's TFC, everytime I see these terrible politicians arguing with each other, that puts me off from "early retiring" in Pinas. lol!


Rye aka Flamindevil, Malaysia

Me: How long have you been working as an OFW?
I’ve been in KL since August 18, 2008. I’m turning 8 months old. Yippee

Me: What’s the biggest challenge that you have encountered as an OFW?
Being away from my family and friends has been the biggest challenge yet. There are only two things which can happen when you’re working abroad--- either you’ll survive or not. The first few weeks were hell. I missed my family and friends terribly. Being away from one’s comfort zone is not the easiest challenge that a person may encounter. Most of the times, I still have to prepare my food after a hard day’s work. Even if I’m dead tired, I have no choice.

What are the pros and cons being an OFW?
I learned to be independent here in KL. I believe I matured fast. I made bold decisions without consulting my parents. I learned and realized that one could really survive and make it if he wants to. ‘If I Can, I will because I’m good at it.’ However, there are still times when I get lonely as much as I dun wanna entertain the idea. It usually happens during birthdays and holidays. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic of the times when I was in Manila . I sometimes feel deprived of familiar warmth and affection. I inevitably wish for people who could light up my need for familiar faces, familiar voices and tested bond.

Sherwin, Iraq

How long have you been working as an OFW?
Worked in Saudi Arabia for 3 years and another 3 years in Iraq.

What’s the biggest challenge that you have encountered as an OFW?

Working abroad was like searching a needle inside the dark room, clueless and totally blind. I don’t have any idea what path I’m walking through but aside from those, I have learned to stand on my own feet, making decisions without somebody’s influence and live my life everyday as exciting as riding on a bicycle for the first time. A doubtful skin is all I have (maybe it’s just the thought that I’m a Filipino) and the fact that I’m in a religious Muslim country where the perfect intensive authority is implemented. But then again, I was able to gain experience when it comes to my chosen profession.

There you have it. The very inspiring answers of our OFW blogger friends. Hmm... I'm just soo excited to work abroad.

The Reasons

Guys, pardon my lack of time to update this blog. Or maybe it’s not the time that’s lacking, it’s my lack of ideas and my lack of enthusiasm to post a new entry. In short, tinamaan ng katamaran mag-isip at magsulat. hehe.

Anyways, these past few days I was able to come up with a list of proofs or reasons why we should believe in God’s existence. Remember I had poll entitled, "Do You Believe That God Exist?" Surprisingly, there were 3 voters who said "No". Hence, I believe this is worth sharing. But hey, no offence to all atheists out there. I'm just sharing. Remember, sharing is loving. I got all these information from a magazine called Awake!

1. The universe is a masterpiece. When we look at a beautiful painting or admire a fine sculpture, we do not doubt the existence of a painter or a sculptor. Right? So when we contemplate a waterfall or gaze at a sunset, should we not be moved at least to consider the possibility that they are the work of a Great Artist or Sculptor?

"[God's] invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward,
because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and
Godship, so that they are inexcusable."—Romans 1:20.

2. The Big Bang Theory is flawed and ridiculous.
One example of its flaw is that, a certain Big Bang Theorist named Wendy Freedman claims that the universe is still expanding. Meaning, the Big Bang process is still ongoing until now. Her theory allegedly claims that the Big Bang process started eight billion years ago. Funny thing is, most astronomers believe that the universe is 15 billion years old or so.

3. Every living thing on earth is wonderfully made. One famous line of poetry says: "Only God can make a tree." Yet, far more marvelous is the creation of a baby, which occurs without any creative direction from parents. When sperm from the father unites with an egg from the mother, plans are quickly drawn up in the DNA of the newly formed cell to produce a child. "If written out," it is said, the instructions within the DNA "would fill a thousand 600-page books." That is but the beginning. The original cell divides to make two, then four, then eight, and so on. After about 270 days, a baby made up of thousands of millions of living cells of more than 200 kinds is born. And to think that the original cell had within it the information to make all the different kinds of cells and to produce them at just the right time!

"You yourself produced my kidneys; you kept me screened off in the belly of my mother. I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made."—Psalm 139:13-16.

Those who have studied these "miracles" feel a sense of awe. Dr. James H. Hutton, past president of the Chicago and Illinois State Medical societies, said that he was filled with amazement by the cell's "magical ability to pass on to successor cells the data they wish reproduced. It is indeed wonderful that our research scientists have been able to learn about such things. But some Divine Intelligence surely must have planned these phenomena."

Dr. Hutton continued: "In my own subspecialty of endocrinology, the study of endocrine functions and the disorders of these glands adds to the conviction that a Divine Power must be responsible for the marvelous complexity and function of these vital structures."

He concluded: "Contemplating these marvels seems to me compelling reason to believe that some omnipotent and omniscient power planned this universe, set it in motion and presides over it."

Sources:
Awake Magazine: Do You See More Than Your Eyes Do?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20000822a/article_01.htm
Awake Magazine: The Awesome Universe—Where Did It Come From?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/19960122/article_03.htm

Note: The list is not yet finished. I'm thinking of posting at least 10 reasons. ;)

Also, I remember that I mentioned on my previous entry that my next post would be about working abroad. I will try to do that tomorrow. Have a great day guys! Smile. ;)

What’s Eating You?

It’s been almost a week or a little over a week since my last post. Actually, I already have made two rough drafts for my next entries. And what’s taking me so long to publish them is that I have been a little ambivalent on which entry should I publish first. And until now, I have still yet to decide. Thus, to make a halt on the increasing gap between my last post and my next post, I hereby, publish this “mema”-entry. Note: I got the term from ChaosPilot’s blog entry entitled “MEMA”. (Derived from “May ma-“ like memasabi lang or memapost lang. hehe)

I got tagged by Bluguy. According to the rule, answer each question in just one word. I’ll try.

Where is your cellphone? locker

Are you currently in a relationship? No

What's the color of your hair? black

Describe your work. chatting

Describe your sister. supergirl

What's your favorite thing? cellphone

What's your dream last night? mystical

What's your favorite drink? milk-tea

What's your dream car? Porsche-Panamera

The room you’re in: office

Describe your shoes. leather

What's your greatest fear? falling

What do you want to be in ten years? rich

Who did you hang-out with this week-end? cousins

What are you not good at? breakdancing

One of your wish list items: Sports-car

Where you grew up? Cebu


Last thing you did: bloghopping

Your pet: dog

Your computer: laptop

Your life: gift

Your mood: dizzy

What are thinking about right now? future

Your favorite color: olive-green

Last time you laughed: a-while-ago

Last time you cried: last-week

What do you think about school? cool

Describe love: crazy

Describe the person who gave you this tag: cool

Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment. - Grenville Kleiser 1868-1953, American Author

“What’s eating you?”

My 12-year old cousin was asking me, “Kuya, what’s eating you?” I was a little startled with her question, so I was like, “Huh?” Then she said, “Dugay na man ko wa kita nimo… what’s eating you?” (I haven’t seen you for a while, what’s eating you?)

Instead of answering her, I ran to the nearest computer and I made a little research about it. I googled, “what’s eating you?” (Akalain mong mas marami pang alam na figure of speech yung bata, kesa sakin. Tsk tsk!)

I learned that, “What’s Eating You?” can be interpreted as:
* What’s consuming your time lately?
* What’s bugging you?
* What’s making you busy lately?

So, what’s eating me lately?

Basically, these are the things that's currently "eating" me aside from my regular job:

• Blogging and Bloghopping - I am having fun, aren't you?


• Pet Society / Facebook
  Do you have a facebook account? If you do, and if you’ve heard about Pet Society, then yes, that’s one of the online games that’s currently consuming my time. Feel free to add me up. Simply search Ray Bajan on facebook and add me up. Thank you.

• DOTA: Defense of the Ancients is a custom scenario for Warcraft III, based on the "Aeon of Strife" map for StarCraft The objective of the scenario is to destroy the opponents' "Ancient". The two teams' ancients are heavily guarded structures at opposing corners of the map. Players use powerful units known as heroes, and are assisted by allied heroes and AI-controlled fighters called "creeps". As in role-playing games, players level up their hero and use gold to buy equipment during the mission. Source: Wikipedia.com

• Reading Awake! Magazine: Awake! is a general-interest magazine published by the The WatchTower Organization. The title comes from Mark 13:33 and Luke 12:36. It is considered a companion magazine to The Watchtower which focuses mostly on Bible study and doctrine. Awake! has a wider scope than the Watchtower, publishing articles on science, nature and geography, usually with a religious slant.


• Chatting with friends online. Most of these online friends are young OFW's. I have always dreamed of working abroad that's why almost every once in a while I give these guys a buzz on YM and ask them about how is it like living and working abroad.

On my next post, I will be featuring some young OFW with a glimpse of their stories.