Obligatory Post Every New Year

Yay! Another year has passed and I felt like I’ve grown more mature than the last five years! I mean, so many significant events happened in my life and it’s ridiculously hefty compared to previous years!

2014 has given me a lot of lesson I prayed I won’t forget over time. It also gave me a lot of first ever such as:

1. Baguio City visit (I can now stop being jelly to my classmates & friends who always visit the Pines)
2. Regular Employee (I was a contractor to different employers from the time I graduated until now. *smug face*)
3. Meaningful expenditures
4. Attended an international gala (the event was held here at Manila)
5. Independence (I am now living on a rented apartment with my colleagues though I miss mom and dad and the kids.)
6. Romance related genuine heartache

Some are just petty firsts so I excluded it on the list. However, these six contributed so much to my rebirth and to who I am right now and will definitely help me slay 2015.

It’s hard to leave some things behind but, hey, who am I to refuse God’s bigger blessings?

So, this 2015 I set myself to be stronger, more independent, courageous and spontaneous! I am claiming 2015 to be my year and nothing and no one can say otherwise!

And everything I do is for the greater glory of God!

Kenshin in Manila: The Ruckus

Ola! I was at SM Megamall earlier to watch the movie "Lucy" but I also know that Rurouni Kenshin's  main cast will be here in Manila specifically SM Megamall for the Asian Premiere of Kyoto Inferno. I knew this is the only chance I got to see Takeru Sato in personal, so I dragged my friends two hours earlier and hoped we could even glimpse at the artists.

Luckily, we arrived few minutes earlier before the artists were introduced and found a good spot beside Myx's VJ and Boggart The Explorer's designated place. 

There she is!

And maaaaan! It was knee-weakening to see Takeru Sato one ruler away from you!!! 

Images I took were all blurry because I was too caught up at the moment! I was thinking, the hell with these pictures, Imma memorize his face in my brain! So there... 

Takeru Sato, everybody!

No regrets tho!

Here are the Director and other casts..

Emi Takei, Takeru Sato and Munetaki Aoki

Keishi Ohtomo  

Tagaytay Bulalo Hunt

Not over a day ago since I've been to Tagaytay due to official business travel. But here I am again with my college friends for some bulalo hunt.

We head to Tagaytay after enjoying the rides, waves and sun at Splash Island, Biñan Laguna. We arrived just in time for us to watch the sunset and enjoy the breeze most Metro people surely missed.  After debating on what restaurant have the best Bulalo, we decided to try Mer-Ben's (because of their signage "Extra Special Bulalo"). 

To have a better look at the Taal, we chose the table at their rooftop level. We ordered Medium sized bulalo (it's good for 3 people but in our case, it's good for 8 of us). We also tried their Crispy Bulalo which we've mistaken to also have soup ala Crispy Sinigang/Dinuguan, unfortunately it's as plain as its name. I didn't enjoy the Crispy Tawilis since I am really not a seafood lover. 

What I liked most of Mer-Ben's is the atmosphere. The place is clean and their crew are attentive. 

They also have quartet who serenades per table and they'll even ask for your request with a wide range of song selection. They sang Set Fire to The Rain, Let It Go and other classics. The group is Superb, you wouldn't mind giving them large tip!

(Pardon the photo, I'm only using my phone's camera. Hehe)

So, next time you'll be at Tagaytay don't forget to visit Mer-Ben's Tapsilogan. 

XoXo

Mao

Tierra de Maria - A Hidden Mother of God Shrine

Yesterday, I attended an official forum held at Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City. On our way to the venue, my colleague noticed a Guadalupe image as tall as a three-storey building in front of DAP compound. So while on break, we decided to visit the shrine. 

From afar, she looked this huge. You probably didn't notice her before since her color is the same with the building paint itself and her view was blocked by an annex of the building. To be honest, I've been in Tagaytay numerous times already since it is located near the Metro, but it was my first time to see this shrine. 

I guess, they strategically hid it to give the shrine an edge of solemnity. Which I could swear how solemn it is inside. 

When you enter their healing center, you will be greeted by an angel with holy water (I'm not sure what you called that thing.. Hehe UPDATE: it's called holy water font) and an earnest playback of religious tagalog song that will sway you to contemplate and enter onto some religious trance. 

I am not overly religious and I have reservations with Catholic faith about its statues and images of Holy personalities but the solemnity of the place gets into me easily and found myself communicating with God instantaneously. No need for warm up. 

The place, aside from being a praise center was also a museum in its own right. You can tour around the building and you're free to take photos of everything, an add on to a very relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of the photos I took using my phone. 

Outside look:

Inside the building:

This is the lithurgical calendar where you may also request your name to be included on your birth day box. 

They also have a small Fish Spa station but was closed when we visited. 

If you're looking for a place to visit this holy week, you can try Tierra de Maria here at Tagaytay in front of DAP. Refresh your mind and soul. 

XoXo

Mao 

Start to Organize

As the year starts, it is the best time to try to be organized and as I'm trying, I've found additional ways that will surely help me as close to be organized as possible.

• Bullet Journal Method
• Book Database Software

Bullet Journal will help you use and utilize your organizer or even your notepad to remember and keep track of things efficiently.

Book Database Software is a downloadable software for a fee and for a free trial with a maximum of 100 books. Basically, you really have to purchase the software if you have more than 100 books to catalog. It is almost the same with Goodreads, with easy navigation layout and detailed information on the cataloged book complete with your collection stats.

To add, Feedly is also a good way to put together in one click the blogs, feeds and news you're reading everyday. It has a minimalist layout that will surely get you to focus more on the content than the ads and other flags on your favorite websites. 

Say good  bye to clutter!

xx
Mao Gonzales

Health System Shapers

Health System Shapers was launched  on June 19, 2013 at DOH with former DOH Secretaries Dr. Cabral and Dr. Romualdez with Sec. Ona  (as seen in picture)

It started with a speech from Sec. Ona with a little update on what happened since the Aquino Health Agenda. Clarifying PhilHealth's enrollment and coverage rates, progress in maternal health program, additional 9 Cancer centers nationwide, ground breaking of 5 DOH hospitals including Fabella's relocation to its own property(which will be on June 25), Public Private Partnership, RN Heals and mandate for Family Medicine residency are among others that were mentioned in the opening remarks slash update.

At the program proper, Dr. Cabral talked about accurate data and accessible benefits for everyone as key points for shaping the health system. On the other hand, Dr. Romualdez shares the 4 domains of health systems which needs to be focused on (1-Recipient of care, 2-Providers or medical professionals, 3-Institution, 4-Policy making) and that changing the way of health business as well as access to health services are important to health system evolution. 

A forum was also held with a talk show type of interview. The invited guests were given an opportunity to raise questions for the former and for current Secretary. Some of the questions were HMO's role on Universal Health Care, RN Heals deployment which will be now focused on LGU Hospitals and compliance, integrity and ethical standards for pharmaceutical companies as raised by Mr Weigold of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).  

Series of fora will be held for the Health System Shapers in the future. Let's all help achieve the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) by 2016!

xx
Mao Gonzales

Upgrading to Windows 8 OS

 

I have recently upgraded my OS to Windows 8.  My colleagues uses this OS and I find it very efficient thru its applications and dashboard features. After several restart during the reboot process, it was successfully installed. While configuring my settings and personalizing my laptop (Acer Aspire One D270) I found out that all the apps are not working due to resolution problem. Windows 8 could not support resolutions under 1024 x 768. I am so frustrated because I failed to check the internet if my laptop is really capable to carry Win 8.

So, to help those not-so-techy people like me, I listed down some glitches that may be experienced if the device is not supported by Windows 8.

1. Resolution – mentioned earlier. You can resolve this by purchasing a new laptop because you cannot just download drivers and install it.
2. Damaged synaptic driver (multi-gestures feature of track pads) – I downloaded the driver from Synaptics and installed it but nothing happens. (I’m still figuring this one out and searching the web for enlightenment.)
3. Loss Net framework – you will be prompted to install this but I’ll still include the link here
4. You will have to download Adobe Reader, music/video applications (WinAmp, iTunes, VLC, etc). Windows’ application should read this file but remember, it may not be supported for some reasons.
5. You may want to install some Windows Live Essentials. I have, because Windows Journal of 8 is not as efficient like Windows Live Writer.

Nonetheless, I find this new Windows OS a very futuristic development. It looks scary at first and one may think of it as very complicated but you’ll find it as user friendly as other Windows releases and loved it in the end.

xx

Mao Gonzales

Game of Thrones Season 3

 

How come I posted late about Season 3?

Yes, I don’t have the chance since I‘m so full of <insert_company_name_here>!

But alas! Game of Thrones Season 3 is already here! Did you missed it? I vow not to download torrents but I can’t help it!! I’ll just buy the complete season 3 CD when it’s available.

I wish George R.R. Martin finishes the last two novels STAT!

 

Valar Dohaeris!

 

xx
Mao Gonzales

Windows Live Writer

 

I have been posting blogs from my MS Word 2007 since I discovered Word has this feature. Recently, I updated my Microsoft Office to its latest version - Microsoft Office 2013. I have then neglected to register my blog account due to busy schedule on my work (which I so loved). So just this afternoon, out of boredom this long holiday weekend gives, I attempted to blog again. I am reading a very good book and compelled to share this in my blog.

Attempting to register my blog to MS Word 2013 almost kill my patience. It keeps on prompting “Word cannot register your account.” & why the hell, right? I correctly typed my log-in details, I read the guide over and over again, I consulted forums both for Microsoft and Blogger but the registration is still rejected. So I browse again the web and stumble at this recommendation – Windows Live Writer.

It sure fits my standards and exceeds my expectations. It supports multiple blog accounts, has the features of your blog provider  like categories and queue posts, it does not need to set-up picture provider and automatically uploads picture from your file or from web. You can also edit through source code and can preview posts with your blog lay-out. Also, you can opt to be always reminded to put on title and categories.

What happened earlier reminds me of the saying “Everything happens for a reason.”

 

xx
Mao Gonzales

National Health Insurance Program in the Philippines CARES for Its People

I've been very very busy since summer last year. So many things happened in my life that somehow, my growth as a person feels like a joke. Come on, you know what I mean. Looking back, you couldn't believe this will happen and you'll never imagine yourself standing in this spotlight. Now, you know what I mean.

March 2012, I was hired at a National Government Office. It was the height of revolutionary campaign of PhilHealth towards growth, internal and external. Spearheaded by the greatest President and CEO of the Corporation, Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon (I'm quoting several employees here). For 17 years of existence, PhilHealth has established their link to its clientele thru Local Health Insurance Office (previously known as PhilHealth Service Office), several satellite offices, Regional Offices and projects like PhilHealth Sabado. Nonetheless, a lack of representative from the point of service makes availing PhilHealth's product, still, complicated. Thus, PhilHealth's run towards Universal Health Care via Aquino Health Agenda gave birth to the PhilHealth CARES.

Customer Assistance Relations and Empowerment Staff. This proudest project envisions a harmonious relationship between the consumer and the Corporation, a well-assisted and an empowered Filipinos. Merely 600 nurses were deployed at PhilHealth accredited hospital to spread their healing hand to those in need.  Stationed inside the hospitals where availing the benefits is very vital, CARES struggles to straighten the implementation of the Corporation's policy and ensure stakeholders' compliance. Millions of inquiries were resolved at the point  of service (hospitals), thousands of members need not to spend travel fare for their Member Data Record and numerous Filipino, educated and informed about their benefits as insurance member; I can say that I am proud to be one of the PhilHealth CARES pioneers. Please continue to serve the Filipino with heart and improve for the better. 

As I embark on a new journey, I will forever be a CARES in my heart. 

Soar high PhilHealth CARES. Public service at its finest!


xx
M

Why Some Marriages Doesn't Last

A very timing post to TomKat's divorce. (Please BranGelina, don't let this happen to you!)

I had a chat with a boy friend an hour ago and we briefly tackled relationships and that even marriages doesn't really last. Well, that's the sad thing about this generation. They don't fix what's broken. They just throw it away.

Percentage of failed marriages won't increase this much if we doesn't see separation/divorce as an option. It was never and hopefully will never be on my option list. Or maybe on the least of the list but definitely will be the last resort. If all else fails kind of move. Of course, I'm not talking about all marriages because there will always be an exception to the rule. 


Save what's savable. Fix if you still can. Don't let love be broken onto million pieces that you can't find a way to put it back together.






XX
Mao

Lost in AMANA!

This is the second time I had a chance to visit Pandi, Bulacan's very own Amana Waterpark. Its 13 BIG waves are still breathtaking(literally!) and its life-size character models keep on getting bigger and well themed. The management is upgrading the area with a zip line and four new pools with different sizes. HOWEVER, I may enjoy the chaotic waves, tirelessly take photos on their Justice League and Shrek's house but when will I ever get back to NLEX without getting lost first? I just shrugged the first time my company and I took a wrong turn but this second time?? Come on! I think it means something! Something like we were guided by dozens of tarpaulins when we're trying to reach the resort and get lost on our way home on a dark night. Why? I paid my entrance fee at the resort and we expect the management to pay their due tax on BIR that, in the long run,  will be the fund of their ciudad or barangay. Then why don't they use a little of that fund with a dozens of guide tarps along the road going to NLEX? Even a chunk of plywood and red paint will do. As long as their visitor can get to NLEX without having to detour first at Bocaue. I'm looking forward to this signage. I will be more than glad to look at it rather than a politician face on tarpaulins.

XX

Mao

Glance Back to EDSA Revolution

I'm supposed to blog something about the EDSA revolution but my computer's acting like a real asshole these past few days so it's better to be late than never.






This video is one of my favorited vids on YouTube and PinoyMonkeyPride's channel is one of the most interesting and informative Filipino site I ever encountered. So Filipinos, please take time to watch his videos.

I wished I lived in their time to see how great the Philippines then and to understand what really happened.

XX
Mao

Computer Problems

I'm starting to transfer some of my files to Google Documents just in case I will have to reformat my computer. It's annoying that when I wanted to post something, my computer keeps on restarting. I don't know if I've got viruses or what. Seems impossible since I have Avast to protect me. Made me think that it would be best if I uploaded some of my files.

How about you?

Would you rather upload it online? or risk it to be deleted sometime?


XX
Mao

Dubai Fountain: I Will Always Love You

I saw this on local news and on Facebook. I think it would be romantic as cotton candy if you're a couple and you're there to watch it live under the starry sky. Awww... (Melts)

So clearly, the video was posted on Jan 2012. It was not a tribute to Whitney Houston because she died. She probably seen its beauty. It's just sad that tributes are almost always after the death which the artist wouldn't see nor hear nor cry out of overwhelming happiness they deserve. And it's irritating to know that some leech sucks on someone else's fame especially the death-fame. Whatever. Tribute or not really, this is amazing!

So here is Dubai's Burj Khalifa Lake and its famous dancing fountain. Or the link because of owner's right. *because this one's kinda the legit copy*






RIP Whitney Houston.



&& please if you don't know Paul McCartney type it on Google not on Twitter. Don't make yourself so much yourself on internet. 

XX
Mao

Bookmark DIY

I'm fond of reading novels in paperbacks because I can carry it wherever I go. Before, I only use cut folders as bookmarks but when I saw my friend's cute kitty bookmark, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I've hunted every bookstore for a cheap price but I could only find Php75.00 as the cheapest. So, I made my own.

Monster Bookmark

Materials:

1. Fuzzy wires

2. Cords

3. Glue

Step 1

Bend the fuzzy wire in half. Bend again both side towards the midpoint. This will be the arm.

Twist another wire to the arm's midpoint. It will be the tail or spine.

Take another wire and make it a ball for the head. Then attach it to the arm and spine just by twisting the wire.

Step 2

Cut two small white cord then coil. Glue it to the head and paint dark color to make it look like the eyes. 

Take another cord or ribbon to accentuate the neck.

Gem Bookmark

Materials:

1. Braided straw

2. Gem brads 

Step 1

Fold the straw to your desired length.

Step 2

Insert gem brads at the tail end as the stopper.

You can adjust the gems depending on the length of your book

Finished products :)

 XX

.Mao

Daenerys Targaryen

This post is a year late but I still want to share my feelings. :)

Tamzim Merchant

Emilia Clarke

Thank God Emilia Clarke got to play Daenerys of Game of Thrones on HBO!!


Because.......

XX


Mao

Game of Thrones Season 2 Teaser

I heard about this since last year but ignore it 'cause we don't have cable channels. So previous week, I had a chance to watch the full season 1 and man! I can't believe I succumbed to its greatness!

Here is season 2's second teaser.

OMG Jon f-ing Snow!

April 1st please hurry!!

XX

Mao

More Fun in The Philippines

Since DOT's latest slogan hit the web, it has already gone viral!

Netizens have different opinion on this but come on! I really think the idea is great! I recall Boy Abunda said on The Bottomline (his midnight show at ABS-CBN) that it is already given that we nearly lack resources, but what makes our country a tourist destination is us, Filipinos. Very true.

Photo source: Spot.ph

It's just sad that some of us have pessimistic attitude on everything the government (or even anybody) does. Why not, 

"Hey Gov't and your agencies! Be sure the tourists are safe and comfortable; make their destinations more beautiful and breathtaking. Let us do the rest"      - Love, Filipinos

Because that's what makes our society, right? Not in a sarcastic way, LOL. Instead, those pessimists criticize the slogan and the whole idea in an uncalled manner. Whenever & whatever bad happens to them they just had to drag the slogan with it and make it look like STFU world, Philippines' tourism campaign is a fake don't come in here we're just bunch of monkeys screecching! Dudes what the fuck, we're selling tourism in hope that we may once again live the way our parents and grandparents lived during Marcos' era (pre-Marshall Law state)! You know, a bread and Coke that will cost you less than Php 1.00 haha make that happen!

Even a foreign rock band, Simple Plan, agrees with our slogan! See the tweet here.

Photo source: krisrocha

I made one too:)

XX

Mao

500 Days of Summer Musical

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt were back together since 500 Days of Summer (both of whom are the stars) and recorded a youtube video, uploaded last Dec. 28, 2011, clearly intended for New Year's Eve.

They are so cute together! I thought I'm watching 500 Days of Summer again!

I didn't know JGL sings! Well, as for Zooey I've known for sometime that she has a band.

Watch and get kilig!

I wish they'd end up together. :)

XX

Mao