Stock Trading Seminar

Last night I attended a 2 hour educational seminar at Sheraton Towers conducted by Mirriam MacWilliams, the founder of Wealth Mentor organization and Aaron Sim, CEO of Wealth Mentor. The seminar talked about stocks and how to have a financial vehicle that can provide you a financial freedom. Although the session only took 2 hours exact, but it was so worth it as I learned some strategies on how to manage my stock trading. Many pointers were given. Some secret tools which can really aid you to navigate the world of stocks was also shared like the site www.moneycentral.com and best-selling book of Robert Kiyosaki Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Can't wait to to have this book. I'm off to a bookstore later to find this book. I'm into Philippine stocks for quite awhile already and my aim now is to learn more about stocks as much as I could. Opportunities like this seminar is just so perfect and it is really a big help for me. Wealth Mentor is so generous to share what they know and to provide a very nice hotel for a venue. It was my first time to enter Sheraton Towers and the experience is very nice. I am so happy I got the opportunity to actually meet in person the famous Mirriam MacWilliams and to hear her advice and tips about stock trading. I surely learned a lot from last night.

Aaron Sim, CEO of Wealth Mentors asked us during his talk this question and I will never forget it. He asked and I quote, "Do you believe  LUCK in investing? I do believe LUCK 100% because it is LEARNING USING CORRECT KNOWLEDGE". I so much love it. I am so glad I made it. It was all so worth it.

You can visit their site  at www.wealth-mentors.com for more information. It's pretty cool.

Holy Thursday

Today is Holy Thursday. Roman Catholics all over the world honor this day as today is the Commemoration of the Last Supper. From the history, Holy Thursday is the day that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples, four days after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Only hours after the Last Supper, Judas would betray Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, setting the stage for Christ's Crucifixion on Good Friday.And with good reason: Holy Thursday is the day that Catholics commemorate the institution of three pillars of the Catholic Faith: the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the priesthood, and the Mass..

In Philippines, a Christian dominated country, my country consider this day very holy. No work, no classes. Almost everything stops for those who truly believe the importance of this day. My family usually do some solemn praying. As holy week is a remembrance how we were saved, to repent, and to be thankful for all the blessings.

Myself as a Roman Catholic, I solemnly engraved in my heart the 10 Commandments that GOD taught us. In a way, I can always evaluate my actions for I do believe the importance of our soul. Since childhood, the Ten commandments were taught to us. From my parents, teachers, elders, even the society. It is just so sad to see that because of the modern influences, a lot of people get to disregard it already. Everyone in this world committed sins including myself. Because that's how were created. We were given the freedom to do do rational thinking and to control our own actions. We get to choose how to react to a certain condition and each decision we made comes with various consequences. But GOD is so kind and can forgive all the sins on earth. Our part is to sincerely repent, to recognize our mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. I always believe that prayers surmounted by faith can heal our spirits.

Let's give thanks to almighty GOD and let's invite him to enter to our hearts. To lead our path and to guide us in times of troubles and distress. To protect us from harm. To heal our scars. To remove the grudge and to be strong to fight temptations.

Let us pray.

In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.

I am

The air of April is flooding my lungs with excitement as the days are getting closer each day to finally be in a place called "my home". I am excited with the idea that I can do gardening again, house painting, cooking, sun bathing at a beach. and many more. In other words I can be with myself again feeling comfortable just the way I am. I won't deny though that partly there's a little worry in my heart. There's tiny apprehension that I might waste some of my skills but I will strive harder to not forsake it. 12 years straight doing what I'm doing now has blessed me enough already. Not only for myself but also for my family. I was so much blessed indeed despite of the weaknesses that I've chosen to bury inside. But all these doubts will not stop me from pursuing the plans that constantly playing in my mind. Excitement seemed producing some tickles in my inner thoughts. Many things going in my head right now like some sort of planning and imagining on what I will be doing for the next 12 months. Aside from doing something new, the fact that I will be doing it together with family made my excitement jumped higher. There's a lot of preparing that I have done lately. From plotting business plans, financial planning and estimates, acquiring some gadgets to be used which I already did some part of it (thanks to amazon.com for offering most of the tools that I need), researching online,  conducting concept survey as I wanted to apply some concepts here, formulating marketing strategies, business registration, and building renovation. Phew! these really sounded challenging to me knowing that most of the planning and execution will be done by myself. The administrative, marketing, and technical aspects in putting up the business lies in my hands so that will really keep me quite busy for the next couple of months. Financials and inventory will follow. I'm not yet sure when would be my next visit here. I wanted to keep the memories with me forever that is why as much as possible I will set my shop ambiance closely similar to what I see here. In a way, a part of this place will always be with me. And yes I will definitely miss this country too.

If you're going to ask me if am I going to miss people that I have come to make friends with here, definitely Yes! But everything has a reason and there's also reason why some of the people we know along the journey won't make it to our future. They are there to give us important lessons in life. To make us stronger, to embrace acquaintances sincerely, and to learn not to waste time and chance of knowing them better because nothing in this world is permanent except "Change". Never embrace pride when dealing with people because each of us has our own businesses, our own plans. We really never know when an opportunity knocks and when a door closes. There are changes that we cannot end and will just have to deal with it when the time to say goodbye is on us. One thing that made me survive living alone here away from the people that I love is to never stand in the ground flooded with your emotion. I was actually imagining my heart before shielded by a very strong armor protecting my love for my family. And not even a very sharp blade can pass through it and tear it apart. Sealed with prayers and faith, that made me survive here. And I am so glad what it made me. It helped me become more mature and more independent.

I am a strong woman and I am no longer afraid if other people feels intimidated with me. I no longer feel the urge to hide in a shell whenever I am sensing someone feels intimidated This is what I am. I stand firm for the love of my family and for my desire of protecting them and helping them reach their dreams. And with that I am very proud of.

I am strong.


I am.

It's all about Investing Stocks

This morning while I was browsing the net and reading some featured articles, I came across an article talking about the 10 common mistakes when investing. I so like the facts discussed there as I feel that all of it were true and some I even encountered myself. There's one item in that list where I was truly caught off guard. In fact, felt a bit guilty because I just realized that I do that mistake myself every time I am doing transactions for my stocks. The article explained that one mistake when investing is basing it all from emotions. The two main emotions driving stock markets up and down are Fear and Greed. Oh dear, a big realization to me making my jaw fell in the ground. Because previously there was these two stocks that I bought and was keeping it for awhile. Then it went to a time that the price just blasted very high. Like it just went up like crazy.  I was very happy as I was making indeed a very smart decision that moment when I choose it. As days progress, I was already starting to feel  the fear of losing like what if the price will just drop the following day. So what I did was I sold it and fair enough I did gained some mark ups out from the amount I invested. After selling it, I noticed that the the price still getting higher and higher. So that's the time that I did felt some regret in my heart and told myself how foolish am I selling it in a hurry. Thinking that the stock value will never stop increasing, I bought again number of shares of the same stock to invest. And that's where I can say that I am becoming greedy already. And do you know what happened the next day after I bought that same stock? Well, the price suddenly fell so badly that I went losing with some percentage. And up to now, I am still recovering that very small portion that I lost. I admit my move was not so smart at that time but it is Ok because I am learning from this experience. Even pro investor also made mistakes and me as an amateur on this kind of thing, I know I still have a long way to go to really know how to move in the Stock World. Investing is really just like that. Sometimes you earned but sometimes you also lost. It will just depend on your strategies applied and well the gut feeling. But one thing I am also proud of is while investing, I really do embrace the fact that I am a beginner. Hence, I play being conservative. I only invest 50% in my account. And only play around with up to three stocks at a time. So far I am doing fine. And maybe I build confidence already with the moves I used, then probably I will upgrade.

 It's almost a year now since I started investing in Philippine Stocks. And since I divulge only lesser time on analyzing stocks position in the market, I can only make few progress in terms of my investment portfolio. But despite of that, I am still very proud that I was able to at least stay break-even or at least gain an extra amount despite of the fact that I am a newbie to the actual world of Stocks. My passion of stocks started when I took my Masters in Business Administration classes few years back. But since I don't have extra amount yet before to try it, I wasn't really able to penetrate what's really the actual catch. One thing important when deciding to invest in the market is the amount you are going to use will be taken from an extra fund. And you can even afford to lose it if worst thing happens. And now that I earn extra, I allocate some portion of my savings and invest it to stocks. It was really fun also. I can still even recall how exciting it was. Looking forward for the coming months where I can already give much focus to it.


Another thing highlighted in the article is to never stop studying and learning about stocks. Even a very advanced and experienced investors also made mistakes at times. So it's indeed very important to always get updated and learn how to use tools that can give assistance when analyzing stocks. I was so glad that last year, I was able to attend a Stock Seminar here in SG. It was such a very nice opportunity for me. And I thank Wealth Mentor so much for offering that seminar to those who are keen to it like myself.

I am just glad, I already started it despite of my hectic schedule here at work. I am excited about it. Soon!


Wealth Mentors gave me this at the end of the seminar. Thank You very much..This will help a lot as reference.

Yahoo Article:
10 Common Mistakes Made In Investing

Precious

I went to a store last weekend and noticed the compilation of Precious Hearts Romance pocketbooks for sale. I grabbed one copy and studied the printout of its cover as well as checked the name of the publishing company. I was quite thrilled when I saw that it was published locally in Philippines. The writing contents were actually using Tagalog dialect and the stories were contributed by different authors. It was actually recognized as the bestselling Tagalog pocketbooks in Philippines today. Wow I wonder how it feels to become a writer. I love to write and who knows one day, there will be a turning of events and an opportunity will just knock at my window. That would be awesome!

Anyway aside from that thought, it gave me an idea to why not also include this to my business plan. It gave me a feeling that this will add more excitement to my business as it can attract different segment of my target market. I can't elaborate more as I am still on the process of finishing my business plan. I am so excited about it and yesterday I already started browsing its website to get enough information on how can I get the material with discounts. Feels like I really want to start the ball rolling now. So exciting and the idea alone makes my brain jumping wildly.







Ok. Speaking of precious. Today is so precious to me as well as I'm celebrating my Natal Day! Hooray! Thank you GOD for this another wonderful year for me. Though I'm miles away from my love ones now but the thoughts of care and love is embracing me. Wishing things to be Ok for me here in SG and hopefully my turnover will run smoothly. Praying for the safety of my two precious.


Happy Birthday To Me!!!!!









                    Just to add, I received this birthday greeting message just now and it talks about the sun. Sounds cool.

            A friend's birthday message for me. I want to preserve the copy and so I am posting it in my page. Will always cherish our friendship forever. Thanks Cat. Will surely miss you too and wishing you also all the best in life.

Aura

Have you ever wondered why you have a favorite color? So drawn to it like every time you see an object associating to that shade, your inner instinct just wishes to grab it and own it. I haven't asked myself this question either and just merely enjoying the fact that I have my own favorites. I guess just some basics of a human being huh. Ever since I remember becoming me, I do love purple color. As long as the shade is representing to the family of color violet, well that's my thing. I just don't want to show it off all the time because I don't want others to interpret it as an obsession. But when moving around in my own small world I am so much of a fan. I am so drawn to it that I usually landed myself buying things with a touch of violets. From purple packaging, purple coloring and purple tags, my eyes will just be instantly captivated  Like for instance last night. I never thought I could get to buy another fragrance spray despite of the fact that I still have enough supplies. I just couldn't say no on that moment when my eyes laid upon that attention grabber Purple Box fragrance with label  "Purple Touch Pride". And true indeed, it landed on my supplies cart and happily brought it with me to my flat. I am just lucky enough that the price is just within my pocket reach and the scent passed my smell preferences. Because if not, I would end up rationalizing trying to tell myself that I have other priorities and will just suppress wanting those small things that can make me happy.

So going back to that question why we really do have our own color preferences? A realization came up to me when I started reading the first book of the Immortal Series called 'Evermore" by Alyson Noel. After flipping a few pages of the book, I saw an Aura Color Chart  there and found out how each color symbolizes one's aura. I am quite certain that all these information regarding auras and chakras are already available online but the urge to explore about it hasn't filled my interest yet. But not until I took a glance on that Aura color chart when I started reading the novel. After finding out what violet color represents, I just evaluated myself and yes that could be it. Because most of the time, I feel that my inner self is always embracing some intuitions and wanting to have a peaceful mind like some sort of meditations. Getting that kind of feeling seemed more dominant to me compared to other ephemeral feelings that I may have felt from time to time. You will just know that this some sort of aura is always inside of you like you are born to it since birth. Other feelings can just be passing and can be stimulated by different factors like a person, an experience, surroundings, and others. As I read on that book, I also realized that whatever feelings we may have at that particular moment, our aura color also changes. And also it is a contributing factor on how our Chakras transmit energies. The chakras are thought to vitalise the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional and mental nature. Violet color symbolizes more on the crown chakra or more on mental energy. I guess then this is where my strongest lies. No wonder why my profession focuses more on developing systems which requires intense analysis and concentration.  I so love the realization of this because it helped me embrace my inner self deeply.

So what are these Aura Colors I am talking about? See below.

Aura Color Chart
Red      = Energy, strength,anger, sexuality, passion, fear, ego.
Orange = Self-control, ambition,courage, thoughtfulness, lack of will, apathetic.
Yellow  = Optimistic, happy, intellectual, friendly, indecisive, easily led.
Green   = Peaceful, healing, compassion, deceitful, jealous.
Blue      = Spiritual, loyal, creative, sensitive, kind, moody.
Violet    = Highly spiritual, wisdom, intuition
Indigo   = Benevolence, highly intuitive, seeker
Pink      = Love, sincerity, friendship
Gray     = Depression, sadness, exhaustion, low energy, skepticism
 Brown   = Greed, self-involvement, opinionated 
Black    = Lacking energy, illness, imminent  death
White    = perfect balance



So what's the color of your aura most of the time? Can you tell it now?

Sunday Notes

Here are some of my Sunday notes which I want to keep. Yesterday feels like I wisely consumed my entire day indulging myself  doing some very productive activities.

1. It's just a direction. Get it right!

          While I was inside the bus on my way to the church to attend the Sunday mass, the thoughts about getting a direction correctly suddenly popped up in my mind. Two years ago, I am sort of suffering a memory loss of direction. I mean it is very hard for me to recall a certain place even though I already visited it many times. I thought it was some sort of a disorder or something but I have evaluated again myself lately and found out that I am now so tuned at finding new places with less effort. I just realized that it was actually not a sickness or being born like that but I was just too lazy to force myself to be extra attentive to tiny details. I can still recall how desperate am I  finding a location or a meeting place. Whenever I need to visit a new place or a store, I just go inside without even looking at what's the name of that store or any landmarks nearby for me to be able to find it again. My friends sometimes get annoyed with me because when they mentioned a certain name of a store to meet up, they need to draw a map for me so I can get the picture. And it's not even my first time to visit that place. Yeah, I know that is quite annoying indeed. Anyways, I just noticed after my years of stay here in SG that my sense of getting direction improves a lot and getting lost is no longer an enormous concern to me. So how did I do it? 

Here are my tips:

     a. Pay attention to small details like colors, signs, and even how the air smells in that area. The smell can really helps.

     b. If you are visiting a new place, bring a street directory with you. If you are riding a bus, counting the bus stations as the bus stops is more effective than reading the name of the Bus station. They can change the station name anytime without your knowledge.

     c. Never be too dependent on the "Next Station Flashing Sign". The sensor might be not working properly and this will only mislead you.

     d. Follow your intuition. If you feel like the place is already near but not so sure how close you are, just alight and walk. Along the way, you can ask people how close you are. Just be friendly and don't look  desperate.

     e. Bring foods with you. Just in case you will feel hungry finding your way. Mind can work well if you are full.

2. Two Aspirin twice a day at 40's.

          While getting fixed up for Church, I was watching Dr. Oz  Show inside  my room. I love his show. It is quite informative particularly in taking good care of one's health. Yesterday's topic talked about how an Aspirin can actually be considered as a Miracle Pill. According to Dr. Oz and I quote, "There are 3 parts of the body that are benefited by a daily dose of an affordable, over-the-counter aspirin." Aspirin can prevent some of the most common kinds of cancer: colon and rectal cancer (the cancer that causes the second most disability and death in both men and women) and breast cancer. So when is the best age to take Aspirin?According to Dr. Oz, when we reached at our 40's we can start taking this twice a day.

To view Dr. Oz video discussing Aspirin as A Miracle Pill, click this link:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/aspirin-miracle-pill

Dr. Oz Show is among my favorite Talk Show. I love it!

3. The Ten Commandments.

            I am so blessed to hear GOD's message yesterday as the Holy Gospel talks about the Ten Commandments. No need to elaborate this as I already planted this one in my heart. 

"Thank You GOD for your undying love. I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed."

4. Coffee and Pricing Strategies

            I am so grateful to Wikipedia for helping me getting a review on what method I should be using when pricing the products and services I'll be offering to the market. Although I have studied Masters in Business Administration for 2 years and half but how come I skipped this topic. In fact Pricing Methods is very significant. Or maybe I was too busy talking to my seatmates when our professor was discussing this one LOL. Anyways, I am considering Penetration Pricing, Psychological Pricing and Absorption Pricing. Just perfect for my soon to be shop.

These are the complete list of pricing strategies just in case you are also interested in reading about it too. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pricing_strategies

Thank you Wikipedia. Your site rocks!!!

            

 Whoaaa! I feel stoked for my upcoming business. Hope to really make it.          

My new word for the day: (Got it from Owl City's tweet. Owl City's music inspires me a lot.) 

      ~ Stoked.

     

Life's Path

Last night, I started packing up some of my things to send to my hometown as I am sending some stuffs that I just bought from amazon.com and some stores here for the opening of my soon to be shop as well. When I started picking up the old clothes that I hardly used for awhile, suddenly memories flushed back to me starting that very first day I stepped in the airport. That moment when I first laid my eyes on the sights of this beautiful country, I was surrounded with mixed emotions , utterly difficult to describe There's excitement and hope but there's also sadness as that was the start of the day that I will seldom see and hug my family. That was the day when I started living alone just by myself. It was difficult but I have proven that I am a strong person as I truly won the battle of loneliness. I won it by teaching myself to stand and rely on my own strength and to have faith always. One thing I learned from  this being away experience is, it forced me to become more independent and to stand my ground holding firmly my full commitment in life. Life here is totally different as everyone is busy doing their own thing. The one thing I'm so proud of is despite of challenges, my commitment never wavered. We remain committed with our words and the love surmounting the foundation of our commitment gets stronger each day. It is really true now that we do have all the options in life and it is up to us to choose our option wisely. To never base a decision out from despair and out from the sake of temporary satisfaction.

Weighing consequences is I guess one my of skills. But above all, I don't want to choose a path that can break the heart of those people I treasure the most. And in the first place, I am here because of my intention to help them reach their dreams. It is obvious to myself now that their happiness is also my happiness beyond compare. At one time, I just realized that I was truly blessed with too much understanding and support. And how stubborn am I at times that I sometimes became skeptical to that fact returning back a  selfish gesture instead of returning it with full gratitude. Despite of my indifference and my weaknesses, I was given the chance to prove to the world that I too can do it. I was blessed with skills glowing in the embrace of my determination and faith. Now I can't deny that my heart is jumping from happiness and excitement to once again be reunited and discover what lays ahead. But this time, that path that I am choosing is leading back to them and seeing myself fulfilling my hearts desire with their everyday's warm embrace.

Truly, the experience is a bliss.

12 Years Straight Journey

It's March 1,2012 and wow, I feel quite excited as it's getting closer and closer each day to finally put a pause on my 12 years straight journey developing and debugging systems. I shall say, the entire years caused my brains jumping almost everyday analyzing, catching and fixing bugs as well as formulating logic of the system. Not to mention how many cups of coffee invested on my body for it to produce ideas and techniques that actually helped me to cope up the stress it caused me. My first 5 years of swimming codes left me hungry to gain more experience. I have felt my willingness to explore more, know more, and apply all the skills that I have in many possible ways. It was those years that I was introduced to Oracle PL/SQL programming and other stuffs related to it. It was giving me unique experience, the pressure and urge of building and developing systems was such an amazing thrill. Also a plus factor the comments I am receiving from friends that what I was doing for a profession was totally cool. In other words, a totally geek, nerd thing.

 My 6th up to 10th year on this profession brought me to a different level of experience. Aside from learning another programming language using Progress 4GL Software, I was introduced to Management world, how to get along with customers, co-managers, how others biting you behind your back, and how to mentor junior programmers. In other words, I went out from hiding inside a shell and revealed myself and what I am capable of. From being aloof to suddenly exposed a little more confidence when facing the world. That level of confidence brought me to a new opportunity working abroad. The experience was a bittersweet for me. I need to work doubled to make others see my worth and for not causing them regrets why they hired me.I need to guard all my directions or else someone might take an opportunity grabbing the credit and stab your back (not literally but figuratively). Knowing that I'm working in a foreign land, away from people that I loved was emotionally excruciating. Not to mention the important occasions that I've missed, the sense of belongingness wasn't there, and that every night all alone by myself  in the room feeling sometimes trapped and contained in a very small box. Indeed it was such unbearable even just thinking about it and will never choose to be in that position again if given an option. But I struggled very hard for me to survive and for me to finish my 2 years contract. I thought I won't make it but yes I did and I am so proud of myself. I was able to meet our plans, I was able to provide more and with my family's determination, we were able to acquire a place we can call our very own home. If there's any regret that I have in my heart for being away for two years, it would be missing the each day growing of my precious little one. Soon I will go back and I will try my very best to catch up as much as I can and show my love and care deeper each day, for a lifetime.

Love showered like rainfall

It's weekend and another schedule for me to finish the making of my business plan.Lately, Toast Box coffee shop became a comfort place for me to write down my plans for my business. Whenever I'm here, I can easily put into writing all my plans, my marketing strategy, and my next career move. All I'm wishing for is I can still continue to provide for a dream to make it happen. Despite of the headache while doing the business planning, I am actually enjoying it as It's like I'm playing on rewind my story during my MBA days few years back. But my thoughts now is being channelled to a certain experience just awhile ago that it made me compelled to blog it.

 On my way here, I was deeply strucked by the love I have witnessed from a child and how he made our hearts smile. There is this cute little boy about five or six years old inside MRT. His feet on the chair in kneeling position, facing the window, and seemed so mesmerized by the views he is seeing while the train was moving. His eyes scanned playfully as his cute movements was telling everybody looking at him how amazed he was of the tall buildings, the trees, the sky, and the speed of the train. He was constantly smiling and never shifted his body and just remained facing the window despite of the fact that MRT's speed is fast as it stops from one station to another. Then suddenly, he looked back on his shoulder, looking intently at his mommy's eyes, gave a very sweet smile like an angel,and said, 'Mommy, I love you.' After witnessing such an adorable expression of love, it made me feel like the world suddenly stops and all that's moving is the Love being showered to everyone like a rainfall. From the eyes of an innocent child, he simply adores the beauty surrounding him and he is so thankful that his mommy gave him the opportunity to see and feel the wonders in the world. I was so touched that It made my heart ache thinking all those mothers who chooses to abort their child. That very innocent, very defenseless soul. Life is very precious and producing life coming out from our very own body is our ultimate blessing from GOD. I sincerely wish that there will be no more abortion to happen in our world. Let's value life and always be grateful for the blessings bestowed to us. Now, I'm missing my boy so badly and I can't wait to hug him and take good care of him each day. Soon.

Where's my coffee?

Gloomy weather and headache but yeah, I still do need to come to office today and have cups of coffee which  I know not quite healthy to my system. But believe me if you are a System Developer like myself, I know you will also be drawn to coffee. And the fact that I have been developing system for 12 yrs now, you will get to love coffee better and better each day especially if you don't want a project deadline to be dead. 12 yrs of programming huh but no big deal really. It just simply mean that a girl like me had succumb that endless squeezing of brain in order to place the logic of system codes perfectly in harmony. And well memorizing all those alien codes to be able to write it properly is just such a so nose-bleeding thing.  I think it's time for me really to try a different horizon. I would want to do something I am quite drawn to for a living and I am contemplating how or where should I start. Guess fate will unveil it to me in time.

Talking about my latest happenings, I was just surprised this morning on how the train and bus station become so crowded. It made me wondered and asked myself "Where all those people come from?". I was still on my everyday same regular timing and yesterday the crowd was not as bad as earlier. I was thinking that maybe they were hiding yesterday and today is just one of their schedule to come out. And now I am becoming weirder because why I am relating them to zombies? Am I OK?  But Zombies can only come out on night time right? What a weird thought. It must be the coffee thing?  I shouldn't watch horror movies. It's influencing my brain a lot. LOLs.

Project Deadline. Yes I need to meet it on time. Always my habit. People is depending on you and you just can't afford to disappoint them at least. I am doing some project for my office's Malaysia site and Oh my! I need to finish programming just for one month. So it will be a bloody battle between my left and right brain.So just don't mind if you see me sitting inside my cubicle all eyes on my laptop, ears with earpiece listening to some inspiring music, fingers writing on their own as what they were told to do, head doing the air banging moves following the beat of that music, feet dancing, shoulder swaying and of course singing some verses of the song. These are just the moves that will summon my deepest thoughts allowing correct logic march to my dehydrated brain. In other words, just my normal me when I code strongly. Weird! good thing I do look like a lady despite of my profession hehehe. OK I did blog right? I am just taking some break. Back to coding now. Chillax!!!

Josephine Angelini "Starcrossed"

My whole weekend was mostly consumed but never felt regret reading "Starcrossed", book one of Josephine Angelini's saga about star-crossed lovers destined to love each other but also trying to kill  each other because of rage, feud, and the realization that a Trojan war will rise again once they will consummate their love.I was so drawn with this story as I am a fan of Greek Mythology and the fact that the  whole plot revolves on descendants of gods and goddesses as their offspring's, its was just so awesome. It was Saturday afternoon when I finally finished reading the whole story of book one from cover to cover but it feels like I am still missing some details of the story despite of the fact that I diligently finished reading every lines on it. To my surprise, I just noticed myself reading all over again starting from page one and just continued flipping another page then to the next. Now I am half way of the book for this second time around reading and so much bound to continue myself reading it tonight. So funny but yes I am liking it very much and  so desperate to start reading the second book as the ending made me so thirsty of a Happy love ending and that makes me so excited. I am feeling that this book will be my favorite novel from now on and I can't wait to have the sequel copy "Dreamless" to be released this coming May 2012. Now I will have two books on queue waiting to have them so badly. First is Lauren's Kate "Rapture", the 4th book of "Fallen" series and second, Josephine Angelini's "Dreamless". Oh boy!, I really can't wait to have them both.

I am not so into giving a book review online but I just feel that the story was injected into my blood stream and my body is just so much welcoming to receive it. Now my head is swimming with full of imaginations taken from each character in the book. I am liking that Josephine Angelini carefully described the abilities of each character, their powers and even some of their weaknesses. The Four Houses , The House of Thebes , The House of Atreus, The house of Athens, and The House of _____? See what I mean? Although I completely read already the book but still I am missing some details. Because actually what I like the most is every page has its own story, has its own thrill, has its own mystery and if you really not paying attention reading each line, you will surely miss some important details like I did which now compelled me to read it again. It's surprisingly how Josephine Angeline's writing shifted  from time to time making  you feel like you are riding a 360 degree roller coaster. Now these four houses were cursed to kill each of the members of different houses should they stumbled upon to each other. It's their curse from Zeus to surely end the Trojan war which lasted for many years causing so much destruction on earth as well as tearing his family apart. The offspring of the demi-gods were called "Scions" and that's how Helen and Lucas call themselves. The family of Lucas (Ariadne, Cassandra, Jason, Hector, Castor,Pallas, Pandora, Noel and others), the Delos family are all under the House of Thebes. While Helen and her mother Daphne were under the House of Atreus.Lucas family, thinking that the only house left is the House of Thebes, really thinks that it's because of their family causing not to rise Atlantis again which could give them immortality and at the same time total end to mankind as it will also rise again the Trojan War, the very worst destruction of mankind throughout history. Because it was foretold that the unity of the houses or having one house left in existence will once again rise that very destructive war. That is why every time they meet a member from different houses, the Furies comes in compelling them to kill each other. Well that's what happens when Helen and Lucas saw each other  the first time at their school. Although they want to kill each other but Lucas  fight very hard to control his rage as hi feelings for Helen is so intense, it's like they were destined to love another. And of course Helen feels the same way. I like the fact that despite of the demi-gods attributes Lucas has, his character also shows his vulnerability of getting jealous whenever Helen was being likened by another person. One of  my favorite part there was when Lucas was so jealous that he was bending the light making him blur and Helen also got angry because of Lucas action causing her for the first time to release her lightning bolts. I giggle because Lucas was overpowered by Helen's power. I feel a bit biased I think because I am a woman, and sometimes it feels superior if you overpowered a guy hehehe.


Tantallus and Creon , another family relatives of Lucas desperately wanted to raise Atlantis so badly that they will do whatever it takes to get there even sacrificing one of their kind. Unknowingly, it was the prevailing existence of the House of Atreus all along, in the presence of Helen and her mother causing the truce to remain intact. There's so many shifting of the story like I said and it's really causing my excitement to rise steadfast making me thirsty for the final ending of the story. That will be in the third book obviously. I know others will feel that the whole plot has similarity with the Twilight Saga as this one also involves one Dad raising Helen all by himself, there's family of Lucas looking after for the safety of Helen, there's the cousin, brother and sister helping Helen out to master her powers. They may think it's the same but for me it's not. I love Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. In fact , I also bought the four books and read them all. But it's just that the intensity I am having while reading this book is quite different compared to excitement I have while reading the twilight Saga. Maybe because the world Stephenie Meyer built is quite new to me while Greek mythology was already in our class history ever since. And so my excitement was just really doubled.

By the way, I love the fact that Helen possessed such beauty and massive power. She is very strong that combining the power of Delos family, still she's to be considered as the strongest. She was being called "Sparky" as she can actually produced lightning and can electrocuted at least 50 people of one single bolt release from her body. Another thing is she is impervious to blades and she can fly. Lucas on the other hand, born from the Apollo bloodline adhere the power to bend the light, to find false from a lie, to fly and of course the strength. Well no need to mention the beauty of Lucas. Helen also very drawn to him. They were destined to each other, I just don't know yet how are they going to fight for their love.

The character that I don't like there is Daphne, the mother of Helen. Although I don't know yet what's her really purpose of putting additional agony to the love of Helen and Lucas. But the book one is telling me that she is so selfish, sacrificing the happiness of her own daughter for the sake of the taste of revenge she wishes to have because of the killing of Ajax, her husband a long time ago. But who knows, there will be more revealing about her history on the second book. But I am really hoping that the truth will be revealed to Helen and Lucas, that what Daphne told them was a lie and that there's still a way to consummate their love without causing a war. I really can't wait to have the second book. But for now, I will read again and again "Starcrossed".

Thumbs Up to Josephine Angelini !!!

Price Labeller

I was looking forward to create another blog entry since last Monday but since I'm catching up a deadline for the project I'm into right now, time was really hectic. Lately, so many thoughts inside my head bumping to each other that I really need to read a novel before bedtime to help my mind settled and channel to just one thought. Well aside from work pressure, I am also planning and designing my upcoming business that I will be putting up when I return home few months from now. I know I am excited about it and I really want to have our first family business. At some point I feel hesitations and the questions like what if's or would it work? But if I will not push myself harder, I know I won't be able to achieve it. And yes indeed I'm pushing the momentum inside me by not just plotting a business plan but as well as started buying some gadgets needed for my soon to be shop. I was able to buy WiFi router, big calculator, and the other day I was able to acquire a Price Labeller. That time I was buying other stuffs and to my surprise I saw the display inside that store. I already have an idea how much a Price Labeller is and find the store price quite reasonable and so yes I bought it for $48.00. When I reached my flat, I tested it and actually did had fun doing the tagging of price and auto pasting it to an item. I am now quite excited to actually use it for my display items.

So my next move is to buy a Cash register machine. I think I'll be buying the Sharp brand as I find it sophisticated and space conservative. Hopefully I will be able to buy it tomorrow. Now I guess there's no backing up since I already started investing money for the business. Cross fingers and hope things will go well.

Vegetarian

First time I have to come face to face with a Vegetarian. I have heard a thousand times about it and it was just so amazing to actually talk to a person who is really on strict vegetables and fruits diet. I asked her since when she started being a Vegetarian and she answered since she was a little girl. It's like all her life she is very proud to be a Vegetarian. My jaw fell for such an amazing lifestyle and I can't really imagine myself where to start if I choose also to become one. Deep beneath myself, it's like there's an urge to start living in a more healthier way. I keep on telling myself that I want to be a Vegetarian but actually without realizing what is the true meaning of it. What is Vegetarianism anyway?  So i went to our friendly online dictionary  Wikipedia and got the full meaning of it.

       Vegetarianism encompasses the practice of following plant-based diets (fruits, vegetables, etc.), with or without the inclusion of dairy products or eggs, and with the exclusion of meat (red meat, poultry, and seafood). Abstention from by-products of animal slaughter, such as animal-derived rennet and gelatin, may also be practiced.  ( Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism)


All this time, my thinking about being a Vegetarian is you get to eat vegetables and fruits all the time but at the same time can eat fish and poultry products. After reading that entire article from Wikipedia site, I just found out that if your practice is following that way, then you will be classified as Semi-vegetarians wherein diets consist largely of vegetarian foods, but may include fish or poultry, or sometimes other meats on an infrequent basis. And in fact there are lots of varieties of Vegetarianism. Once my boss told me, If I want to become a Vegetarian I can start living by it little by little or else my health would give in. Since little up to now, I eat anything I want to eat. But as I grow older each day, I would love to make big difference in my life and that is loving life more and embracing a healthier way of lifestyle. I would really love to practice such way and I super salute all the Vegetarians out there for choosing a healthier habit. Even Adam Young of Owl City, my favorite artist is also a Vegetarian and the philosophy of contributing back to our environment is a very kind gesture. I love vegetables a lot and I'm preparing my mind now to actually start practicing the habit.Maybe I can start with being a Semi-vegetarian and when I'm 100% ready already then I can become totally vegetarian flawlessly without so much effort on it. It can be done, why not? I will really try my best to become one. Have faith.

You Made Me Live Again

There I was again, doing another side trip activity last Chinese New Year Holiday and that is recording my voice while singing *LOL*.  As you may know, music is one of my passion but I'm not just really sure whether music loves me hehehe. I know I am not a pro but I just love doing this voice recording because at one hand, it releases some stress mentally and emotionally . I could get myself into throwing out my hidden emotions and hopes through singing.On the second hand, what else can I do during spare time living just by myself in this foreign land? And so, I just think that aside from reading novels and watching YouTube movies, singing at the same time recording it getting my iPhone and iPad collaborate with each other sounded perfectly fun.

Well again, I have no intention to hurt your ears and I felt that this blog site of mine is like my diary slash scrapbook where I can technically put important details of my day-to-day experiences.And so, I couldn't miss posting my recordings here. Hope you understand.

OK, here's hoping that you will like it though. This time around, I am singing an English song which I also love. I remember I sung this one way back 1994 at a Sister Convent near my parents house. It's called "You Made Me Live Again" By Janet Basco.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2012

Hooray!!! I think it will be a wonderful year ahead as 2012 is year of a Water Dragon. Zodiac interpretation says Dragons are mystical creatures that brings energy and strength. And each believes and hopes that the energy will be showered to everybody throughout the year. As traditionally done, first lunar day in the calendar is declared as holiday in so many countries particularly in Asia, so many can really enjoy the Chinese New Year celebration and witness different practices and traditions when embracing this wonderful day.

Today, I took the liberty of visiting Chinatown here in SG, I have been hearing so much about it and I was really seeking time to actually visit the place and can take a glimpse of the prehistoric backgrounds of the SG roots. When I reached there, I studied every building from color to architectures including symbols and calligraphy. And apparently it simply made me astonished as it seems that the ambiance really took me to the past letting me feel the ethnic neighborhood of distinctly Chinese cultural elements. Although it was drizzling but that won't stop lots of people from taking pictures and buying souvenirs from gift shops. Every corner there's extinctions of Chinatown Heritage Centre mostly located at the top part of the building as below it, they have added amusement for item souvenir shops and restaurants. The sight seeing made me thirsty. But my eye was being caught by that Thailand's icy coconut juice display and I deliberately tried it. And yeah, such a refreshing. It was an amusing day indeed!

Well definitely I can never leave there without bringing picture souvenirs with me and so from time to time there's flashing of my digital camera finding perfect angles of capturing. It really gave me thoughts of acquiring a DSLR camera. Hmmm, I'll just see I can still allocate budget for that besides, photography is so much fun and it's also an interesting way of expressing one's innermost desire and interest. We'll see. Anyway, below are some of the pictures that I have. But I just couldn't paste everything here so I just came up with some like of a page setup so that I can make you see different captures without occupying much space in my blog page..

So here's hoping that I was able to cite my experience here perfectly as I am actually imagining myself now hugging my pillow and retiring my mind to slumber land. I just don't want to wait for the next day to blog my tour earlier as I don't want to escape the feeling of amusement when blogging the whole experience. Well anyway, if you happen to visit SG, don't forget to put Chinatown on your tour list.


Goodnight!

From Wikipedia: Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown,_Singapore
 

• Pagoda Street takes its name from the Sri Mariamman Temple. During the 1850s and 1880s, the street was one of the centres of slave traffic. It also had its share of coolie quarters and opium smoking dens. One of the traders was Kwong Hup Yuen who, it is thought, occupied No. 37, and after whom Pagoda Street is often referred to today. 

Xin Nian Kuai Le, Gong Xi Fa Cai !!!

Happy New Year 2012 to all our Chinese Friend. It's year of the water dragon. And I'm wishing everybody health and prosperity. Wow, I'm so glad to put something here in my blog at the stroke of 12:01 Chinese New Year, all the way here in SG. Xin Nian Kuai Le, Gong Xi Fa Cai !!! (Happy New Year, Wishing All prosperity in the coming year!!).

I had a dinner earlier with my Chinese flat owner. I'm so glad I was able to spend my dinner with them on Chinese New Year Eve. I'm so thankful with their kindness and friendship. Wishing them happiness,health, and prosperity!!!

Cheers!!!

Morning Rush..

My morning feels like my usual routine here in SG. First alarm at 5:30am, second alarm at 5:40am. And sometimes after that second alarm, instead of getting up will try to steal another 5 minutes to allow the new mood to sink in to my senses from dreamy land to reality. Like always, after getting up first thing highly important is the hygiene routine and then followed by selecting clothes to wear, matching color of my light make up, hair do's as I don’t want to look the same everyday, and making my room neat before I leave. I don’t want to leave negative impression particularly to the owner of the flat where I'm staying here. Just totally girl thing huh.

Since my work place has recently just transferred to a different site, I need to ride first a MRT and I have got to alight at a Bus Interchange where I need to take my second mode of transportation before finally reaching my office. After alighting and swiping my electronic card to exit the train station, I need to walk again to reach the queue lane for the specific Bus number which I need to ride. Going there is a bit painful. Well not physically but mentally and sometimes emotionally. As my morning aura is always being squeeze by different scents, different sights of rushing and panicking as almost all directions, different angels there's people. In my head, I always think there's really an advantage if you are physically fit because you can actually compete especially in a place full of people catching each other's time. I am not annoyed with it nevertheless because here, time is always running. And you can't afford a simple walk while your opponent is running like a horse. When I finally reached the queue lane of my bus, I am feeling that sweat starting to wash my forehead's fresh aura and I can hear myself panting, heart beat throbbing fast. While waiting for the bus, that's the time I let myself settle a bit and allow to retune myself back to that very fresh aura I had after I woke up. Is good thing I can actually have my seat in the bus and could listen to some music in my iPhone. Lately, I listen to Owl City's new album "All Things Bright And Beautiful" on repeat. I just love so much how optimistic the messages of each song have and how it actually influenced my aura.

Well, I keep on contemplating now what would be my next move after here. So much in my head and I felt that it's getting harder for me to actually make up the final plan or shall I just leave it to my instincts and gut feelings. I just wish I can still provide and I can still make use of my skills. Yes I like programming but I felt that the 12 years of doing it is enough and maybe it is time to impart the knowledge to others. Anyway I still have few more months here. I just need to enjoy the remaining of my stay here in SG. And oh, it's Chinese New Year very soon. It will be my first time to actually experience the celebration here as last year I went back to my hometown. I am pretty sure it will be very interesting. Pictures. Definitely!!!

Filling up my imagination...

Hi. I am yearning to add something here in my blog space and was really trying to find time for that. But my weekend was totally consumed with something else and well, I can't really put down the book I was reading now. Actually although I have started last December reading "Halo" by Alexandra Adornetto, I wasn't able to finish reading it yet as I went back home to my hometown and forgot to bring it with me. I was halfway of the book when I left it at my room and now is my chance to continue it. The story was actually getting interesting so I couldn't put it down last weekend. As usual, I do love the impossible love story. And the story of an angel falling inlove with a human is just so captivating. As my interest of the story is overwhelming my imagination, I have already started reading the book 2 of "Halo" earlier during lunch time. Book title is "Hades". I have searched in the internet and I have found out that it has a final book called 'Heaven" and same as "Fallen" series, I need to wait again for the final book to be out in the bookstore. For the case of "Heaven", it will be out this coming August 2012, if I'm not mistaken. But can actually do a pre-ordering now in Amazon. Anyways, that would be Ok. The recent books which I have purchased from amazon.com last December is actually there on queue. So that would keep my imagination busy for awhile while waiting for some books to be available.

Well, It's Monday now and the day is almost over. Gladly I had a good night sleep last night and my body is cooperating with me today as its first day of work for the week. I am just thinking while putting my gaze on the codes that I'm doing now, how I wish things are just as simple as running and laughing in the rain. Just like childhood days wherein you worry nothing but only to pass your grades. But anyway, life is not as easy as that. We need to move on, we need to always find ways as there are people whom so dear to you depending on you so much. And you just can't abandon their dreams. Their dreams feel like my dreams also. I am preparing myself now for another challenge as my task here will soon end and I have chosen to be with my love ones this time. I am just so glad as it feels that I have fulfilled the reason why I have grabbed the offer working overseas. Proper planning, discipline, and faith really did help me well. I just hope that I can still continue to provide for them. With God’s guidance, I know I will.

These are the books I have recently bought from amazon.com. Can't wait to start reading these.

Finally I have you, You had me at display ^_^

Yessssss! Ipad2 you’re mine now, a gift for myself. I have been eyeing to have this since that day it came out from Apple but priorities will have to come first. And finally, I got it now. Some of my officemates told me that the experience will still be same like using an iPhone but I would say they're entirely wrong. Well iPhone is nice but having an iPad is so awesome. It feels more convenient to me browsing, editing some documents, editing pictures, watching movies, and a lot more. I have bought from Apple store some notable applications like Knowtilus Pro and Photo Frames. Knowtilus Pro is a very convenient tool drafting documents because it has features wherein you can actually browse in the internet some topic you want at the same time drafting a text file. It's actually on promo now so I got it for $0.99. I have also installed lots of Free iPad Applications like Skitch, Pic Collage, Flex Player, and a lot more. For games, well I like the Smurfs for iPad. Almost same as playing Farmville in Facebook but the most fun in playing Smurfs Town is you can actually see all the smurfs character doing all the necessary chores like planting, chopping woods, building smurfs houses, and many more. And they are all so cute to look at. I'm just so glad I finally have my awesome iPad2. Hooray !!!!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Last December 17, 2011, I went back to my hometown to spend my Christmas and New Year with my love ones. Such a very heart breaking events when I entered the city's vicinity, I have found out that while I was in the plane, storm "Sendong" (Washi) paid a visit to my hometown and gave horrific aftermath as many lives were taken when the flood level arises surpasses even a two story houses. Fortunately, we were spared as the storm only touches certain but many areas in my city. Many families lost relatives, shelter, homes, everything before Christmas Eve. It tears up everyone’s heart to see father and mother lost their children and children lost their parents. Certain villages were wipe out leaving only marks of aftermath. Houses turned into pieces, cars anywhere and worst, floating dead bodies. It’s like Cagayan de Oro City became a basin. Waters and lumbers from mountains were all coming down. The flood level risen up very, very fast washing away the city's vulnerable areas specially those near the Cagayan de Oro river. One island we call it "Isla de Oro" was totally wipe out in the picture. I couldn't imagine the children and adults leaving there. What did they do to succumb such horrific tragedy. So sad as many people were asleep, defenseless. Many were trapped, many were electrified

The "Sendong" (Washi) tragedy also serves as an eye opener, a reminder that we should always take good care of the nature around us. The once very green mountains now very vulnerable to landslide because of the many illegal businesses. There's illegal logging, mining and many others. Hope this will stop. Hope people will realize that life is valuable more than anything. Now "Kagay-anons", as we call ourselves will try to move on after such a terrible events. We should always value life and always give thanks to the Lord because every day is a blessing.

Now, I’m back to my work routine here in SG. Soon my work contract ends and I am hoping that things will go smoothly. Praying always for good health and safety of my family. Despite of everything, in my heart I still want to live there. I love my city where I have grown up. “Kagay-anons” will remain friendly and cheerful despite of all. We will continue to move on and Cagayan de Oro City will still be known as “The City OF Golden Friendship”.

Happy New Year to All!