History 001: 1st Poem I've made at Work!

I was not doing anything at work so I decided to play with Photoshop. I was able to get a very good 3d-like effect that I then used as my background. After a few tweaks and manipulation of the image, I was able to make a design that looks like a window (I could not show you the final artwork because there is no way for me to get that at the office.). Here is the raw Image.

Without a thought I immediately wrote 'WINDOW: looking through" as my title. With momentum on its place, I just wrote anything that comes to mind. I pressed on as my fingers touches the keyboard and fills the empty space on my template:

WINDOW
looking through

they see me
the same as I see them
but I am trapped
inside the cold, four cornered walls,
the warmth embraces
the cold tries to break in
and my fire is loosing breath.
The rain is shouting
the moon is hiding
the night is innocent
and I am sinful.

My window is my soul,
my freedom

So there you go. I'll work on the meaning later... for me, it just sounds good. Hope you liked it.

TOYOTA: Digital Art Edge Contest

While a good friend of mine won a competition that she joined. Mine didn't make the cut in the competition that I've joined.

TOYOTA, as we all know, is I think one of the leading automobile makers in our country and probably in other countries as well. Here in the Philippines they hosted an event where local artist can join. To see the details, click here.

I was surprised that the consolation prize is worth 25 thousand pesos but is only given to 20 artists. All, however, will receive a certificate of participation (wonder if I could eat that... just kidding). First prize is worth 200 grand, the 2nd, 150 grand and the 3rd, 100 thousand pesos.

Had a friend whom I used to work with at ASECASIA, who told me that he joined this competition and that if I am interested to join, I still have the time to make it to the deadline. Know when he told me this? August 10, and the deadline? August 15. Anyways, the reason why I still decided to join is simply because of the money. Even if I get just the consolation prize, I know it will greatly help for the fund raising of my lambs for the grand reunion and for next year's, Single Encounter weekend 12. Where can you get an instant 25 grand now a days? My partner and I decided that if my entry did win, we will definitely not tell them. We still want the batch to bond and spend time with each other through our fund raising activities.

You know knowing about the prize made me envision a lot of things. I imagine the batch going to the beach and having fun or we had the chance to go out and eat dinner in a fancy restaurant. Haha O well.

Well, here it is, my (1 day production) entry:



Its the end of September and I never had a word from Toyota regarding the competition. Used an engine search, regarding the winners of the competition and I found this. Sad to say, my entry did not make it, even to the consolation prize. The money could really help us though but what can I do. It's not in my hands.

Looking from what I did and the entries that they showed and won. Mine does not have an impact or charisma that will entice the taste of the judges. But hh well so much for trying but one lesson learned... a day is not enough in making a good and effective poster.

Toy

I have a pet at home, his name is Toy, and he is a chicken. He's more than 45 days old and he is one of a kind.

It was last August of 2008, my mom bought two small chicks for 20 pesos. I decided to name the two. The name of the girl would be Pi and the guy I named Toy. Unfortunately the girl died, eaten by this huge cat that roams around our backyard.

When Toy was growing up, I would always pat his head and would talk to him (I always do this on all of my pets) on how cute he was. He would respond by just standing still. During lunch time, I remember, he would strike my feet with his beak, and I would run and he would chase me. My aunt, who also took care of Toy, said, that it was his way of expressing that he is hungry.

Toy grew old. And as you can see, a very fine chicken he is. Sometimes in the morning, I would use my feet and try to kick but not hit him and just like in other cock fights, he would do his fighting stance, his feathers on his neck would stand up and he would hit my feet with its beak. Toy is a strong fighter but we definitely will not use him in tournaments.

We see Toy as a very unique and special chicken as he amaze us with his attitude and skills. We decided not to cook him on Christmas XD. We will keep him and treat him as what we do on all our pets.

Goal1: Weight Gain

I invested a lot on my goal to gain some weight. It all started when I signed for a membership at Fitness First. It was worthwhile and although the membership fee was crippling me financially, I did enjoy working out, especially with friends that I met there.

To write something about this goal and provide images that will show the progress of this endeavor, shows how proud I am to have reached a progress that I never thought I could possibly accomplish. Why I am writing this now? Because there are certain things that concerns me. I have a new job here at HSBC - Global Publishing Services, and my shift starts at 4pm to 1 am in the morning, I was fortunate to get the UK account but it will change eventually. I hate graveyard shifts and overtime but whether I like it or not, I'm sure that I will have to do so. I know my body and sleeping at the wrong time will definitely take its toll on me. Narcissist in the flesh? You decide. I just feel the need to document it, well I promised a before and after pic. Right?

I am 27 years old and I was skinny for 26 years. These are the images that I will show on how thin I was back then:

I hate this picture... well by just seeing it, I guess you know why.

During college. I was part of the track and field varsity team (not the kind of sport that I should be getting in to... I think).

So was I successful? Inbetween YES and NO. Yes, because I am no longer under weight. No, because I was not able to achive the 154lbs target. I currently weigh around 138lbs but have a very difficult time pushing it up.

I'll just post one picture, I'm sure my friends will make silly comments and would probably use this picture for fun.

Doppelganger II - Update

The progress of Doppelganger II was outstanding but there are still a lot of things to be done for it to be called final and finished. I had my first version of it in flash but was a bit unsatisfied with the animation and some elements, so I decided to revised the whole thing (except the interface background). It took me half of the day to finish it and it turn out to be nice.

Had this new game installed in my laptop and I had difficulty focusing on creating the portfolio also the reason why it took me half of the day doing just the sample page. Sometimes I need someone to slap me at back of my head for me to focus on what is important instead of the leisure.

... But wait going back to this game. It is called Freedom Force versus the Third Reich. It has this silly story and a wonderful cast of characters as the highlights of this game, which anyone with an appreciation for comic books would probably love. At first I thought it would be boring but it proved me wrong:



Check this game out. I m sure you're going to like it as well and by the way this is the part II of Freedom Force. I had difficulty in finding the first.

For my portfolio, I already finished doing the animation for "Gemini" and I already finished doing the "sample page" part for prints. You may view it here. When I'm done, I'm going to create a domain account for my portfolio to be viewed by everyone, :)

A mother's tears and fears

"My son, I finally made a decision to undergo endoscopy... I can no longer carry the burden that your father has caused me... "

Tears fell and her heart broken.

Few lines of my mother among the long story that she has told me a few days ago. She was crying, in pain and stressed because of work and emotional abuse. When my father leaves for work, my mother would usually talk to me and tell me about her relationship with my dad. I know that when she open up such discussion, there's a problem. It kills me to see her cry every time she utters the words of her story, I would just kissed her after, told her to be strong and that I will be with her in all her decisions.

I was with my mother last Monday. She was given medicines to force her to defecate. She was not allowed to eat heavy meals and this made her weak during the night. The presence of the nurses made it difficult to have a good sleep. At midnight she was given dextrose to replace any lost fluids and after that we finally were able to get some rest.

Tuesday came and all is ready for her procedure. At 5 am she was taken to the operating room. I kissed her forehead and told her "God bless". They took her and I went to our room to wait for her. Two hours had past and she finally arrived, escorted by a couple of nurses. They left her after they placed her on the the bed. I asked her "What did the doctors see?", she told me that she undergone two procedures, the endoscopy and colonscopy.

"Son, bad news." She told me.

They found a huge lump inside her intestine and some scratches inside her stomach, the reason why she's suffering stomach pains. She said, it was not yet clear whether the lump is malignant or benign. Then she cried.

"My son, thank God that your sister is about to finish college. At least when I die, you two will no longer have problems... can't believe that I might be having cancer." She said with teary eyes.

My mom is silly sometimes but I don't blame her for saying such things. She's afraid.

Today is her birthday, I don't plan on talking about the operation but rather to talk about happy stuff. The problem is our life is nothing more than being serious. Quite a few things to talk and laugh about. As you grow older everything else seems so serious. But anyway we're having pizza and spaghetti later.

Happy birthday to my mom.

Lifehouse: Whatever it takes

Lifehouse - Whatever It Takes

I am huge fan of Lifehouse and finally I was able to get a glimpse of their music video for their song "What ever it takes". Its unfortunate that I was not able to go to their concert here in Manila but at least I have an original music CD of their new album. More power guys! Hope to hear more great songs from you.

Here's the lyrics:

WHATEVER IT TAKES
by: Lifehouse

A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

She said "If we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see"
She said "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me"

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
And give me a break
I'll keep us together, I know you deserve much better

But remember the time I told you the way that I felt
That I'd be lost without you and never find myself
Let's hold onto each other above everything else
Start over, start over

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
and believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

Craving for a Strawberry Sundae...

It has been more than 2 weeks and my craving for a strawberry sundae is still there. I could not help but imagine the sweet sensation as it touches every taste buds of my dry tongue. How the subtle feeling of coldness that kisses the soft surface of this lips and as you take it in, it triggers every urge to take in some more. It's soft colors entice and tempts me to a degree that even to my greatest effort to stop, I succumb to its cold, thirst quenching embrace. Behold the entity that haunts me at this very moment:

*Sigh*

Look-alikes?

It all started in this conversation:

[1:35:59 PM] casey.zotomayor says: may kamukha si joms
[1:36:10 PM] casey.zotomayor says: sa chanel 2...
[1:36:28 PM] casey.zotomayor says: sino nga pala un
[1:36:28 PM] Adrian Valle says: yung sa dyosa
[1:36:35 PM] Adrian Valle says: yung parang boy
[1:36:39 PM] casey.zotomayor says: UU!
[1:36:40 PM] casey.zotomayor says: yun!
[1:36:42 PM] Adrian Valle says: :D
[1:36:43 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D
[1:36:51 PM] casey.zotomayor says: teka
[1:36:54 PM] casey.zotomayor says: hanapin ko nga..
[1:37:02 PM] Adrian Valle says: :D
[1:38:09 PM] Adrian Valle says: yyooon si empoy!!!!!
[1:38:18 PM] Adrian Valle says: bilis tingnan mo nga kung tama
[1:38:36 PM] casey.zotomayor says: ayun!
[1:38:37 PM] casey.zotomayor says: tama!
[1:39:44 PM] casey.zotomayor sent file 28550434619391l4ma.jpg to members of this chat

[1:40:27 PM] casey.zotomayor says: BWAHAHAHAH
[1:40:36 PM] Adrian Valle says: BWAHAHAHA
[1:40:43 PM] Adrian Valle says: :D
[1:40:53 PM] Adrian Valle says: syang sya
[1:40:54 PM] Sig says: yung naka cowboy hat?
[1:40:58 PM] Adrian Valle says: uu
[1:41:03 PM] Sig says: :D
[1:41:15 PM] casey.zotomayor sent file empoy.jpg to members of this chat

[1:41:47 PM] Sig says: hahahahhaah
[1:41:48 PM] Adrian Valle says: :D
[1:42:32 PM] casey.zotomayor says: yehey
[1:42:36 PM] casey.zotomayor says: may kamukha na si joms
[1:42:37 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D
[1:42:40 PM] Adrian Valle says: korek
[1:42:43 PM] casey.zotomayor says: si empoy!
[1:42:45 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D
[1:42:53 PM] casey.zotomayor says: buti nlng ako si wowie...kagalang galang..
[1:42:54 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D
[1:43:07 PM] Adrian Valle says: nyahahaha inamin din
[1:43:34 PM] casey.zotomayor sent file 366935296_28346db35b.jpg to members of this chat

[1:43:56 PM] casey.zotomayor says: ayan
[1:44:00 PM] casey.zotomayor says: kamukha tlga ni joms!
[1:44:01 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D
[1:44:46 PM] Adrian Valle says: :D
[1:45:24 PM] *** casey.zotomayor has changed the chat topic to "May bagong kamukha na si joms....."
***
[1:45:26 PM] Sig says: :D
[1:45:32 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D
[1:46:15 PM] Jeffrey says: :D
[1:46:23 PM] Adrian Valle says: :D
[1:46:25 PM] casey.zotomayor says: empoy! empoy! empoy!
[1:46:26 PM] casey.zotomayor says: :D

After that we decided to make "a photo album" with our look-alike counter parts. Haha can't stop laughing. These are the closest pictures that we could get of ourselves and the person that closely resembles us. I'm not convinced with Jef and Anton's but the rest are pretty close.

Just a reaction... and being wierd as well.

Funny really, after reading through the entire composition of this blog. I just can't help but laugh and be ashamed on how I write. Errors here and there, but at some point, I could say that some of it was written satisfactorily. That being said, i still want to create something, written, for this lifetime. I want a story, an original one, done in my own touches.

There are so many things that I wish I could do before this lifetime ends. Although, there are lots of time, but most of it are used and reserved, for work, for rest and for leisure. If only man cannot go insane, or work and never get poor. But this is life, there are no exceptions, live it or die trying. I can only hope for luck and the resources up my sleeves. Time is a big issue, my limitations is a burden, my character is a big challenge. It's true, the past is past, the future is unknown, a big question; but the present is a gift.

I really need to watch a movie or demand Blizzard to hasten the production process of Diablo 3 so that I can play it. I want to eat Strawberry sundae (include lots of strawberry fruit in it); I'm still craving for that Yellow Cab pizza I had last night and this morning. Thanks to my dad for the laptop, how can I do the things that want to do or watch porno without it. Life is full of surprises, God is full of mystery... irony is the best policy.

WHY so SERIOUS?

Doppelganger II: Gemini

Last Saturday, was compilation day. I took out all the CDs and flash drives and sort out all of my best works and copy them all in my hard drive. I had works that don't have soft copies, so I placed them in a folder to be scanned then redo them all with the help of Photoshop.

Monday : I indulge myself into thinking on creating "Gemini". Gemini is " my faithful servant" who will tour you in the portfolio. I already have the concept of its purpose but I don't have any idea what it looks like.

I created a goddess-like version of Gemini, but she does not fit the entire look and feel of my portfolio. Next was an armored amazon Gemini, then I realized that if I would to make Gemini a woman I would definitely will have to find some girl to be her voice but if I make it a he, then I will no longer have a problem, for I will be doing the voice over.... so Gemini should be a guy.

During work I started to create "Gemini". and this is the final concept of him:


So this is Gemini. I could only animate the aura, the eyes and the mouth. I would really like the idea of animating all but it will take time. I might cheat some part of it but I'm sure It will not be obvious. :)

A shift of goal

I finally came into conclusion that writing has been a very short lived interest, and that I have decided to postpone the writing endeavor to a different goal. Unlike drawing, the inspiration to do it comes very rarely, the progress has been slow.

Yesterday was a fruitful day, and the creative juices just keeps on coming and pouring. So I am sharing what I was able to create:

The main interface of Doppelganger.

Yesiree, the second version of my portfolio, Doppelganger II. Luckily I had lots of free time at the office, studying tutorials of Photoshop and downloading brushes, these helps a lot in creating the interface....

So whats new with Doppelganger II? We'll aside from putting in my previous and latest works, I'll be putting lots of animation and interactivity; Doppelganger II is a tw0-CD portfolio, the first is composed of print artworks, flash animations, caricatures, logo design, and other paid services and the second will be filled with original drawings and other original and personal stuff that I did; Also Expect "Gemini" who will tour you through the portfolio...

I keep on imagining the possible elements that I will be putting in and I just can't wait to get started.

A farewell to Fitness First

It has been more than a year since I've been a member of Fitness First and come May 31st, the final day of my stay at this fitness establishment. The time that I have given to this goal has finally come to an end but the question is, "am I successful?"... no... I did fail... but in spite of this , a was able to know myself and my body even more.

Going to the gym has always been my outlet. It is Something I look forward to after a very stressful or boring experience at work, or if there's no water at home at 12noon, I would go there and take a bath and be refreshed. Fitness First has provided me with so many, from comfort to a source of confidence.

I would definitely miss the classes. The BodyJAM and Hip hop Grind both are dance classes which specializes in different dance genre. From hard core hip hop moves to sexy Latin dance steps all in which I find very inspiring. And my favorite, the Body Combat.... you know why. XD


I feel nostalgic about those early days at the gym. The Body Combat marathon and the Contender. I remember when it was my first time during body combat, my punches and my kicks are all wrong, my flexibility was poor and I get easily tired in just a few minutes of the class. Now, I can go up to 2 hours straight without drinking, I guess that was the biggest progress I had.

I know I'm no longer a member but I have learned a lot and met a handful of good people. My progress was not all mine but with the help of friends. May 24, Saturday, I treated some of my chosen few friends to dinner at Kenny Rogers. At first they thought that it was my birthday but I told them the reason why. Like they said, this is not the end. They could still invite me to be their invited guest and workout together with them.

As a Shepherd

I know, this post is long past the deadline, and I have not written anything since the first week of May. I'm always putting myself into thinking weather I should push through to writing a book or the other goals that I'm planning to do. I guess I'm not that confident yet...

Last April 4, 5 and 6 were the dates for the eleventh Singles Encounter Weekend. It is more like a recollection or a retreat to closely describe it but it's more than just that. The weekend is the best venue for those who wishes to exercise their spirituality and to deepen the faith. Together with the rest of the Young Adults Ministry (YAM), we embark on this journey with the candidates.

Never will I spoil the activities during the encounter, for it is best for those who haven't attended not to know anything about it. It is better when your clueless, this is were the excitement is great.

For most of the graduates, just like myself, it is perhaps one of the most memorable experience. Every morning, during the encounter the entire YAM gather together to pray and sing praise songs. I always prefer to stay at the back and witness the most inspiring view I have ever seen. We were like the angels along the shore facing the sunrise, standing with our eyes closed, singing songs that inspire and just feeling the comfort of good morning. This is just one of those days when you say to yourself that it feels so good to be alive.

Every Singles Encounter, shepherds (a male and a female), as what they call it, are given to the graduates of the encounter. They say that choosing a shepherd, is done through discerning. Before the SE weekend, the servant leaders and the rest of the shepherds of each batch gather together to pray and ask God's guidance for the new appointed shepherds. If they already have the two candidates, they will find the time to talk to the two and tell them about it. The new shepherds were informed and is given the time to think about it whether to accept or reject the responsibility.

It was She-Anne Calulo and myself as the new shepherds for the Singles Encounter Batch number 11. Yes, we both said yes.


I'm afraid with my partner because she's an attorney. So, I better not piss her off. Hehe just kidding.

A proud friend of mine told me of the task and responsibility of a shepherd. She said that you must have this big amount of patience and understanding for your lambs. Even if you don't like them, you must find it in your heart to accept them for who they are. There are also rules to follow and many things to remember.

Now I'm in this job for almost a month and during this time, I got the chance to know some of my lambs, the problems and concerns that they have and the kind of person each has. It is a very diverse group.

She-Anne and I went on a date last May 17, just for us to get to know more of each other, and so that we can grow more as a team and like parents for our lambs. We talked both silly and personal topics, and in the end all we can say is that it was a very fruitful conversation between us.

Unexpected Blessing

A conversation between me and my dad: (translated to English)

Dad: "Anak, I want to show you something."

Me: "What is it dad?"

Dad: "I bought this laptop at Singapore and it is one of a kind."

Me: "Wow! That's great dad. It is good to see you buy something really good for yourself."
(Amazed at the laptop, I can see my father's name pasted at the top of the plastic cover of the machine.)

Dad: "Could you look for the information at the back, regarding the warranty policy?"

(I obeyed my father. I lifted the laptop and turned it over. I realized that there was a name written at the back of it... it was my name, my dad said...)

Dad: "It's yours."


Speechless I was. I could only say thank you (He handed me all the accessories together with the receipt in which I discovered that the laptop was expensive.) . I told him that I could not accept it because that was his and the reward for his excellent service at work. My dad did not care, he told me he can buy another. He told me that just to see his family happy is the greatest reward a father and a husband could have.

Something to tell...

Been depressed last week, due to the sudden change in my weight. 144lbs to 135lbs is not something that I am expecting after looking at the weighing scale. I have no more money because I spent most of it in food and fu***n supplements and this is the result that I get.

But It was actually my fault. I slept at 4am for 2 consecutive days and considering that I've been going to the gym, I know that I have abused my body.

With the right sleep and food, now I'm at 139lbs and still a long way to go in achieving the 150++ pounds.

March 16, Sunday, I got my prize for winning the Body Combat Event, held in Fitness First Alabang. I suddenly had this crazy idea to apply as an instructor for Body Combat. (Wow I'm finally going to be a ninja XD).

Well as an extra income.... why not. I asked Pewee, the manager of FF, and she told me that there is an audition for Body Combat Instructor on May. She also gave me the idea about the qualifications they are looking for. But it was the outfit that I'm really looking forward to.

Tuesday, March 25, my Fitness buddies and I went to Coffiberry Blends to hangout and converse with the guidance of the "Book of Answers". Ask any question that is answerable by yes or no and then randomly open the book and the page that you opened is the answer to the question. The funny things is, the book somewhat answers the question satisfactorily.

My friend, Leo, is a nursing student. He asked this question to the Book of Answers, he said "Will I pass the Nursing board exam?", the book replied "No". True enough, months passed, the board passer's name where in the newspapers and unfortunately his name was not in list. The Book of Answers also said that I'm going to Singapore. XD Still I know it might be coincidence and should not be taken seriously.

I asked the Book of Answers if I should push through on being a Body Combat instructor and it somewhat answered positively.

Today, I did something that I'm proud of....

And this...

We'll my friend still have some comments and his wife wanted her hair changed but as for me I learned a whole new way in doing caricature. But they liked it nevertheless.

Today I'm blessed, I got a raise from my employer. XD Cheers!!

Paid Caricature

I was invited to a quadruple birthday celebration at Parque España last March 8. As a gift I decided to create a caricature for the other two celebrants (Herbie and Zah) with dedication from their friends. I was not able to give it to them though on that day because the presents are not yet complete.

At the gym (Monday, March 10, 2008), I asked the friends of the two to sign. Someone said it was a nice gift, and also asked me if how much will it cost for a caricature. I was thinking to myself that this will be a good opportunity for a side line. So, I told them, 200 pesos for the caricature. I thought it was a fair price but the gal who asked me said that it was cheap and that I should charge higher.

Not through asking people to sign. One guy asked me the same question of a paid caricature. This time I said 300. For a start I guess its fair. He said he might ask me to do some caricatures for him. I don't want to count unhatched eggs but I was excited for that day to come.

The same day, Jhay R, a gym buddy, asked me to make a caricature for a girl. This time I know I need to have the confidence with my talent and accept the project. He asked for my email address for him to invite me at friendster and look for the picture of her.



So here it is . My very first paid caricature. Although, I think I still need practice but compared to my skill before when caricature is concerned, I know I've improved.

Month End Shopping Endeavor

Last Friday was pay day (Feb. 29, 2008) and the start of the three-day sale at SM Southmall. I was thinking of buying a new shirt or an original DVD CD for my collection. Went to AstroVision to check for new or old movies that might interest me. The Ninja Turtles the Movie was on my mind but unfortunately I failed to find myself one, but instead I came upon something that is better than that:

Oh, yes an original animated version of Marvel's Doctor Strange. And it only cost 200 pesos. Since it was cheap, I went around and look for another CD. Lord of The Rings Trilogy was the thing that I am planning on buying but I don't want to spend a lot. So browsing around, I found another good movie...


Well this is one of my favorites. So proud I got this one. Its a two sided DVD CD. The first side is the movie it self and the other side are mostly documentaries, special effect presentations and the making. Its 200 pesos by the way.

Yup still have a hundred to spare. Since it is Sale at SM Southmall there might be a possibility that I might be able to purchase a 100 peso worth of shirt.

Found no shirt that interest me but I found this good looking basketball jersey. It has a purple color in front, black on the back, a red stripe on its collar, the sides has a black vertical stripe with 2 white diagonal horizontal stripe. To illustrate...


Its a good wear for my combat classes at Fitness First. The price is coolness... 99 pesos! 500 worth of really good stuff, not bad eh? XD

"The Kuroiban" Home of the Scorpion Clan

Let me tell you about this card game that I always spend my time to and where some of my savings go. The Legend of the Five Rings is an Asian inspired game by AEG (Japanese, Chinese and Korean). It is all about samurai, ninja, shugenja, monks and many more., in the land of Rokugan.

There are 9 major clans to choose from: The Crab, the defenders; The Crane Clan, the artisans; The Dragon Clan, the mystics; The Lion Clan, the warriors; The Mantis Clan, the seafarers; The Phoenix Clan, the shugenja (wizards, sorcerers, etc.); The Scorpion Clan, the underhand; The Spider Clan, the unknown and The Unicorn Clan, the explorers. Included are the shodowlands, the evil, these are the evil creatures of Rokugan. (See the site for more details about the clans).

It was way back in high school that I was introduced to this game. It was Sigfried (Lion) and Sig (Dragon) who both showed me how it is played and interested I am in the game, I asked them which clan would they prefer for me to play. They told me that each clan has its own strategy in winning. The Scorpion for example, wins by dishonoring its opponents, while The Dragon, wins mostly by enlightenment victory (You win an enlightenment victory when you successfully bring into play all the elemental rings, namely: fire, earth, water, air and void) and so on so forth.

I wanted a clan with ninjas and wizards. So they told me that the scorpion clan is the perfect clan for me. Although for beginners, this clan is not advisable because deck construction for this clan require good strategy. But I don't care actually.

It was inspiring in playing the Scorpion clan, even though I don't win in all the card battles. I just like them story-wise. "Even when the Scorpion lose, they win.", this is a similar quote that was given to this clan in the story. And the scorpion has ninjas.

Let me introduce the Scorpion Clan:

Clan mon of the Scorpion

When the Kami first established their place in the Empire, they held a tournament. Hantei was victorious and claimed the title of Emperor. His brother Bayushi however was easily defeated. The other siblings thought him weak for his loss. This was exactly what Bayushi wished.

Bayushi, the kami of the Scorpion clan. Personality Card

The Scorpion are a Clan of deceit and misdirection, blackmail and lies. The Scorpion will use any tactic to discredit his enemies, draw them into dishonor, and use their shame to destroy them. However, they do it as part of their duty. Hantei I charged his brother Bayushi with protecting the Empire from the threats the other Clans cannot see: conspiracies, cults, plots against the throne. The Scorpion do their duty with ruthless efficiency. Their shadow war against the unseen forces of evil have afforded them the ability to spy on the other Clans, and use their knowledge as weapon against potential rivals.

If you carry a shameful secret, there is likely at least one Scorpion who already knows it.

(description taken from L5R site)

The scorpion are the villains in the story but their loyalty to the empire is unquestionable. They are hated, underestimated, untrusted but they use this to their advantage. So many times has the clan of secrets saved the empire from destruction. This is why I like them and because as I have said... they have ninjas.

Last month I realized that I was a pure blood scorpion. (Geekness activated) Bayushi from the calendar year of Rokugan is a Rooster. A gemini falls under the wind element and scorpion shugenjas are mostly air. My favorite sin... lies. So there. :P

One of the many strongholds of the Scorpion Clan

Last year, I decided to visit kuroiban.net, a site where most of the Scorpion players around the world converse and discuss Scorpion related subjects.

I found out that Ryofune, the site moderator, wanted a logo for the site. Since I'm a proud scorpion player, I volunteered myself (without any pay of course). After a few feedbacks and revisions from the governor (that is what they call him there), walah the sub-logo of the scorpion clan:

The governor and the rest of the scorpion community liked the logo that I've made. They also like the 2nd design (the one with the scorpion tail only) and included it into the site.

At first the site looks bare. It is full of text without the logo and just the Kuroiban word as the title. To practice more on my Photoshop skill, I told the governor that I will be making a banner for the site:


Inspired in doing something for the site I made another banner:


The members of the site liked the new look and feel of the site. They say it feels very scorpion-like and really really proud of what I did.

AEG made the game interesting by putting up "The Race for the Throne" event, where people compete through tournaments and join side events to earn a clan some points. There are 7 leg in the entire race and 5 spheres to compete and rule (Military, Economy, Political, Knowledge & Spirit). There are best in costume competition, cooking competition and many more. In the end the clan with the highest point will assign a personality from their faction and become the next emperor of Rokugan. A clan who excel in a certain sphere also selects a personality from their faction who will then be promoted as Chancellor for Politics, Treasurer for Economics, Voice for Spirit, Adviser for Knowledge and Shogun for Military.

Alliance are formed to aid each clan in the alliance in the race. A kuroiban member asked me to create a logo for "The Crescent Moon Alliance", a Scorpion, Unicorn and Dragon alliance.


My clan gave me, if I'm not mistaken a 30$ worth of AEG membership that's good for a year. This includes free newsletter and free promo cards. All members receive a free copy of every issue AEG publishes with the new set of promo cards.

At this point all that I can say is that I was proud to be recognized and be a part of the scorpion clan.

Pain in the head?

I'm resting for a week, meaning no weight lifting in Fitness First and no combat or yoga classes for me (started last Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008). Why?... Every time I lift weights my head suddenly is overwhelmed with pain specially the occipital part of my skull.


Yeah. I thought my head is going to explode every time I feel that stinging pain. Went to Yahoo Answers and posted this question:

While lifting weights the occipital part of my head hurts?

I am close in achieving my goal in gaining weight. From 120lbs to143lbs and the target is 150lbs...

Won this "contender circuit competition" at Fitness First but after a-day rest from that event I went back to my usual weight lifting program.

During the first set of my benchpress, I felt this very painful sensation at the back of my head. I tried to rest and let the pain subside. When the pain was milder, I continued the program and again the intensity of the pain grew and I decided to stop and go back home to rest.

Took another day of rest. When I started to do the benchpress the next day, the first set was ok but I felt a stinging sensation in my head. After the 2nd set the pain came in.

My blood pressure was 110/70.

If you guys know any similar case, are there ways to prevent my head from hurting? Do you know any scientific reason about it? Hope you guys could help me out. Thanks in advance.

Got three answers and most of them from nurses:

It is a good possibility that you have strained your muscles, also you could have a disc, that is bulging. Best rest and leave the bench presses off for awhile. If this don't subside with rest to the muscles, and it continues to get worse, it is best that you see a doctor concerning, the problem. Hope this helps.

from crickett...

and this:

Under no circumstances should you lift ANY more weights until you are seen by a doctor. The pain in your head may be related to a tear in the dura that lines the brain and spinal cord, and you may have the beginnings of a subdural hematoma (???... medical dictionary please).

The blood pressure does not affect an injury such as this. Yes, it is possible you strained the muscles in your neck, or you may have herniated (don't have lulos I assure you) one or more of the cervical discs, but, no matter what, pain such as you describe is a loud WARNING from your body to STOP!

Make an appointment with a physician a.s.a.p.

(Mosby Manual of Clinical Nursing, nurse for 26 yrs)

from Marlyn R

I'm glad I got some really serious answers from my question. I'm itching to go to the gym but I could hurt myself If I don't listen to these advices. Oh well what to do, what to do....

Loners...go into Sports

My worst time in my lifetime was High School. I was soft spoken, frail, thin and confidence and self-esteem was point below zero. A loner in short. Was rebellious but always keeping it within self, until it came to a point that I was cutting my self (learned it from a friend... his name was Christain Alvisse).

Loner by afterthequake

I've read Children live what they learn by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D. , and it hit me so hard that I realize that I had a bad start in life. This could greatly affect my life in the future, negatively, and true enough it did and it still will, if I don't do something about it.

When I first step into college (at La Salle Benilde), everything changes. I had this class, SPERDE, a very very boring class because all we do was to study the student hand book for the whole term. My professor there made an announcement that the track and field varsity team will be having a try-out for those who wishes to be a track athlete.

Such a perfect sport for a person such as myself.

I made it into the team, quit smoking and after such time I begin to enjoy the sport. My coach (Sunny Diaz) suggested I took distance running to improve my endurance, and even though I don't like distance running I accepted it. I Got to know my fellow athletes and enjoyed all the training times with them. When my coach saw my dedication and hard work, he gave me free stuff, like shoes, uniforms and etc.

I wake up at 4 in the morning,when there's training and weight lift if there's time after the training in the morning or in the afternoon. Had classes that ends at 9pm but I hang out with friends after that so I come home at around 11-12 in the midnight. But I was never tired and as a matter of fact I did enjoyed it, despite the schedule.

Days; months and a year passed, after some very memorable competitions (haven't won anything on those competitions but for all its worth it gave me a boost in my morale, esteem and performance). My coach and myself believe that I did improve. He added me to the list of athletes who will be receiving discounts in their tuition fees. You don't know how proud I am with myself at that point.

In time I did improve my performance even more. Not just in sports but in my studies as well. I was inspired, confident and slightly sociable and I have gained friends. Every time I beat my previous performance, I get encouraging praises from the team and the respect as well. Things that I haven't had during high school.

Won my first ever NCAA (silver) medal (pic coming soon). Got it from a group relay.

From experience, sport is one way of improving your personality. Just don't brag, be humble, never let negative energies get into your system and believe in God to do miracles. Many great things will happen if you have dedication, patience and humility.

In October 2007 I joined the Fitness First "Body Combat Marathon", believing that joining a competition such as this will relive the memories of my athlete days. Close but worth my while. Got to know some folks and learned a lot, especially those difficult side kick and round houses.

Yeah, truly sports did a great deal in a life such as mine. If I haven't been an enthusiast for sports, I don't know what kind of lifestyle I'd be living, and what kind of person I'd turn out to be.

The Contender - Fitness First Circuit Competition

I joined the "Fitness First - The Contender Competition" that was held yesterday (February 13, 2008). There are more or less 24 participants. We'll here they are... (well most of them).

The challenge:
(1) Distance Run - max distance 2.2 km (in 10 minutes)
(2) Squats with Kick - max repetition: 60 (in 1 minute)
(3) Push ups - max repition: 60 (in 1 minute)
(4) Split Lunges - max repetition: 60 (in 1 minute)
(5) Alt oblique toe touch - max repetition: 60 (in 1 minute)
(6) DB Punch on wide stance - max repetition: 60 (left and right jab punch = 1 count x 60 in 1 minute) with 5lbs barbel on each hand.

• 1 minute rest between each corresponding exercise
• there are corresponding points depending on the number of repetition acquired

Took a half day from work just to go to this competition. Hehe Talk about determination and preparation.

Went to sleep at 3pm coz I feel unwell. I went at Fitness First at around 5pm just to warm up and learn the correct position and execution of all the exercise. The participants were group into three batches. Those who will be called first will be the first batch to perform together with the assigned fitness instructors. Unfortunately my name was not called, so I believed that I will be among the second batch. I was scanning for strong competitors and found one on the first batch. The guy is buff, thats all that I can say but not Arnold Schwarzenegger-kind, just the average.

The second batch was called but then again my name was not mentioned. So third batch it is. Found one strong competitor among the males there. The guy was short and buff as well. I saw him do the push ups and he was able to do 60 but regarding the rest of the exercise, I know I may be able to beat him. My batch turn came (7:45pm), and i don't think that 2 hours worth of warm up is normal. Good thing my nervousness dissipated and I was confident.

I started really well on the thread mill. My starting speed was 14. After 3 minutes I increased the speed to 14.5, then went to 15.5. After seven minutes I decreased the speed to 13. The instructor checked my distance and I found out that I was running more than 2.2 km, so they asked me to stop and rest.

Next was the Squat with kick. In performing the squat kick you must first do a squat position (legs mut be 90 degrees) and then execute a frontal kick using either left or right. If you use your left you must use the other leg next. I did 53 (8 points out of 10).

I was confident doing the push ups. Since I was able to do 60 push ups straight during training. Well I I was only able to do 58 (10 points).

The split lunges was pretty simple. You just need to alternately raise your leg from one side to the other and step then do a lunge then go back to a standing position. I was able to do 40 (6 points out of 10). Now this time my legs are in pain.

The alt oblique toe touch is my most favorite. You need to lie down with your feet raised. Then using your left or right hand you reach the opposite toe. Outstandingly I was able to do 70!!! (10 points)

If I have a favorite, I also have the least fav. Ladies and gentlemen, the final exercise, the DB punch on wide stance. Yup this one was really hard. For a minute you must be on a squat position, then you do 2 jab puches (left and right, 2 jabs = 1 count). Sad to say I only did 35 (6 points out of 10).

The difficult things about this competition are: one, you only have a minute of rest after each of the exercise; two, they wont consider the count if you did the exercise the wrong way (e.g. wrong posture, wrong execution) and Finally I was very hungry. :P

So who won?..... YEY!!! yup, it was me in the men's division.

Won a Fitness First backpack, cap and a Contender T-shirt and a month full of bragging rights. :D

The only girl in the picture is Rose. She's a class instructor for Body Combat, Body Pump and Other Yoga Classes. She did join us while we're doing the exercises. Talk about pressure.

For the women, it was Eileen who won. Nice smile Eileen.... anyways, I woke up this morning and my legs are very painful, and walking was difficult. Still I went to the gym in the evening.

Happy Valentines Day everyone...

Visiting Singapore (Part IV)

January 15

Nothing special happened in the morning, did the same old routine of finding jobs in the internet and opening my Facebook account. Went to Fitness First after lunch, attended the Body Combat class there which was instructed by a Singaporean guy (the guy was really good). Compared to

At night, Sig, Michelle and I decided to meet and have dinner together but before that Michelle and I took a picture of us and The House of Condom as our background. Aftre that Sig treated us to his favorite Thai restaurant (forgot the name) inside Paragon mall? (already my memory is failing me)

The food tasted really good and the price... really great :P . But for Sig it was no major of a deal. Thanks Sig!

Visiting Singapore (Part III)

I'm so sorry about my blog. It's text heavy and probably lots of errors. I'll do my best to make things interesting. I don't have pictures to show, especially the previous parts, it is because I don't have a camera with me. (Poor guy... donations please?)

January 14
Going to Changi Airport to fetch Sig

Sig will be arriving in the morning. I was planning on riding the bus instead of the train. Buses here makes me nervous because It goes around certain areas that I don't know. The map that I have does not show all roads in Singapore, if I leave the but at the wrong place, its a big problem. Tita suggested I took the train going Woodlands and take the bus going to the airport.

So I'm at the bus going to the airport. Quite a long ride if you ask me but its worth it. The view was great. In about 20 minutes I was there but I have a problem. Sig will be at terminal 2 and I don't know where will the bus stop. I decided to go down at the first stop, which is at terminal 3. Sig and I were talking on the phone exchanging info on how and where we should meet. I took sometime to figure things out.

Its a great thing I went inside terminal 3. Man it was one hell of a place. Its does not look like an ordinary airport, if you think terminal 2 is good, terminal 3 was super, hyper, totally wonderfully awesome. Terminal 3 was massive and the architecture was outstanding. To get to terminal 2 you must take the train or the bridge. I don't want to spend so I pass using the train.

I think I'm inside the Star Trek ship. The bridge was not brightly lit but it has this future techy feeling. After asking some people for directions, finally I was there. Sig and I took the cab and went to his place. A fine place he's staying. Liked the pool though. I forgot which floor he's at but I think 23? After unpacking his things we left and went out to eat lunch.

(3 weeks had past - real time)

Alright, after quite some time, I decided to continue this part three and with pictures. :P

Now where were we... Oh yup. After eating lunch, Sig and I went to visit some good places in Singapore. Our first destination was in Suntec. We went there so that I'll have an idea on how to get there , especially I will be going to a job fare there on Friday.

Next we went to Funan, a place to be, especially for the computer enthusiast and technology gurus. Lots of low prices gadgets, from personal computers to gaming consoles. Really neat place.

Nest stop was in Esplanade,

we went through a parking lot and found ourselves surrounded with extravagant cars. I found this car and asked Sig to take my picture with it. I'm not into cars but this one caught my eyes. *sign* (dream on aids :D)

moving on... well Sig and I felt the tiredness already and as much as we wanted to extend our journey we decided to head back home.

Visiting Singapore (Part II)

January 13
My Sunday Experience

The whole morning I was checking the internet and the Saturday newspaper for job openings. There was a lot for a graphic designer position but most of them does not apply for my status there as foreigner. Some companies would only accept Singaporean or PR (Private Residence). From 13 companies looking for a graphic designer, now I am only qualified to apply for 6, well its better than none. I asked my sister to send me my resume and a picture to my email account at yahoo because I failed to bring my one and only flash drive.

During my stay at our pharmacist's house, I was able to get to know Joy, Riech sister and an electrical engineer. I asked them if there are any churches here in Singapore for me to go. You know, its a Sunday, its a basic ritual for a Christian like me to go to mass. Joy told me that they have a 'praise and worship' near the mall beside Paragon (forgot the name) and she will be expecting us there at 5:30pm (I will be going with her mom to Lucky Plaza at 2pm).

2 o' clock Tita and I left the house (for two weeks I was not able to get kuya Reich's mom's name but I call her Tita instead). When we got there, she told me that she will have her nails done and while she's at it, she told me to look around and enjoy. We'll meet near the Mcdonald's stand in front of Lucky Plaza.

For 2 hours I walked around Lucky Plaza, a place where most Filipino's meet during week ends, especially Sunday. Where ever you go you can hear tagalog words fying around. It feels like home, in a way. It's funny when you see some Pinoy establishments, especially when you read the Titles of the store: Baclaran store, Glorietta store, etc. There's this KTV establishment that looks like a 'kabaret' with a message on the door saying "Welcome kabayan!". I came upon Absolute Comics, a store that sells comics and action figures, there, I spend most of my time looking at the things they were selling.

5:10pm, Tita and I accidentally met at out meeting place. Why accidentally? She told me that she will give me a call after she's done with her errand but unfortunately she was not able to contact me. It is good thing I decided to go there.

Then we walked and found the location. It is an open place with lots of tables for people to eat on. There I met joy and her friends. She introduced me and told them that I am looking for work. When we entered the building, we took the elevator and entered an auditorium. Somebody hander over a flyer that tells about the the "Hope Church", a Filipino Ministry in Sinagpore. Joy introduces me again some of her other friends, telling them again that I am looking for work. Wow talk about free advertisement. Yes they were helping Filipinos find work there. I met Euan, a Singaporean. I met Bangs, Anthony, Merwin, Ramil, Susan (A), Susan (B) and many more Filipinos whose name I have forgotten.

The 'praise and worship' began and to my surprise it was the same as to how we do it during our praise and worship at YAM (Young Adults Ministry) in the Philippines. They play Hillsong and Don Moen songs. There is a pastor who gives a sharing. While I was listening to Pastor Cristy, she's a Singaporean by the way, I felt that the message she was telling the crowd was almost about me. I remembered when she said "For 25 years God molded you and brought you here for a purpose". Yeah I wish my stay here, though its short, will bring good fruits. After that the shepherds (the leaders) came in front, those who wishes to be prayed for, may come to any of the shepherds and they will pray for you (I went to Susan and ask her to pray for me).

After that very wonderful praise and worship, Joy introduced me to her friend, a girl (name forgotten) and a graphic designer, to see if she can help me. Unfortunately, she was not able to because her company needed someone who can understand Chinese.

We went out to have some dinner. Euan went with me and told me that all new comers will be treated for dinner. So he showed me around, told me to look for interesting food that I wish to eat. I am undecided, so he escorted me to this Korean stall and told me that the food here was good. So he asked which food I would like to eat, I pointed to this meal that looks like a spaghetti, it was called Laksa, he paid for the meal and the drinks as well. When we went to the group's table to eat, some body told me "can you handle the spice?". I thought I can but the spice was too much I could not finish the soup. Good thing they bought another glass of iced tea.

We left the place and on our way to the train station, some of the folks that I met asked for my number. They might text me if they find a job for me and to keep in touch as well. We all departed and said our goodbyes.

Visiting Singapore (Part I)

Yep, I know its kinda late to tell you the story of my life while I was in Singapore for two weeks. Internet use in internet houses there is expensive. They will charge you 1 SGD (1SGD = 29 Php) for a 20 min use, so let's just say writing in blogs and chatting are not the best way into spending your money, unless of course needed. ( Facebook is an exception :P )

January 12
Inside the airplane of Philippine Airlines

The plane took off at around 7:30 in the morning. Beside me was a Filipino guy on his mid 50's? Not sure actually. He asked me if I'm going to study there and answered him that I am just visiting and it was my very first travel abroad. I was trying to get some sleep within the three hour travel time but unfortunately I was not able to because my whole being does not want to. I would blame the Rush Hour 3 they're playing on the monitor screens, for it sure does keep me entertained and could not escape it.

Changi Airport (Singapore)

Three hours had pass, we are about to leave the plane. When I got off I was both nervous and brave. I don't know where to go and have no idea what awaits me there. On the bridge we were welcomed by Singaporeans, most of them Chinese girls and at the end two Indian women shouting while waving some forms in their hand saying "Whose going to Jakarta!?". Obviously I continued walking, I'm sure I don't have any business with them or what so ever.

I came out and light flashed so brightly that I could not see where I am. As the blinding light fades, the picture of reality was made clear. Lots of different people moving about, from Chinese to Indian, some you might think Filipino but they are of Malay nationality and many more. I was inside Singapore's ginormous airport.

Looking around I know I was lost. 'I hope that I could meet a Filipino so that I have someone to talk to and show me where to go' was in my thoughts. Then I saw my Pinoy seat mate in the airplane, I know this guy could help me out and when I was about to approach him, I already sensed that the guy knows my concerns. He told me to go down the elevator where the immigration is stationed. We introduced ourselves to one another. The guy's name is Bong. He worked in Singapore for two years and now he's going to another country (forgot where). I think he was just stopping over.

Finally I was at the immigration. I observed how people do it. Then I suddenly remembered what my mom and dad told me before I left. They said "Whatever it is that they might ask you... don't tell them that you are looking for work."

My turn came, trying to be brave, I gave my passport and said good morning. The woman was dead serious, didn't even bother to greet me back but I was anticipating a question that she might ask me. To my surprise the lady stamped my passport without any word and I was free as a bird. From there I followed the signs that leads me to the taxi area.

Going to Woodlands

It was weird having ridden a right hand drive taxi and it was an expensive car compared to the taxis we have in the Philippines. I called Ate Lanie, our former-pharmacist and now working at Singapore, told her that I will be heading to Bencoolen to look for this traveler's lodge my dad is talking about. She thought that I will be staying with my friend but told her that I won't be because he will be leaving on the 14th. After hearing this her husband, Reich, called and offered their place for me to stay.

I have to accept the offer for some really big reasons... One, I need someone to teach me things that a beginner must know. Two, I need to adjust, culture shock might give me bad trauma and finally, some company while I'm there.

After our conversation, while I was enjoying the scene around me, the taxi driver interrupted my silence with a question, "Are you Chinese?". Wow I think my first complement for the day. I told him "No I'm Filipino... Why? Do I look like Chinese?" He answered "You look like a Filipino Chinese." I dunno if he's being funny but I laughed. He was conversing with me for just a couple of minutes, I was not able to grasp everything that he just told me because I could not understand most of his words. We discussed some good places to visit here in Singapore and why I was here. He thought I was studying here but I told him I came to visit.

Finally, I arrived to my destination. It was in Woodlands, a very peaceful place to begin with. There was no houses there, I think there are no houses at all in this country but residential buildings. As the taxi stopped, kuya Reich approached us and quickly handed over some money to the driver as payment for my fare (Definitely I felt ashamed. He denied the money I was giving him for fare that I should be paying for) .

To keep the story short. The whole family welcomed me. Kuya Riech showed me how the whole train thing works and bought me some newspapers for my job hunting. I decided to walk around and find a good place to eat. I wanted to try something new but was afraid to do so, so I went to McDonalds instead. Looking at the meals, I see that there is nothing cheap. I bought this 2 SGD burger, which I thought that it is inclusive of a drink and fries but to my shock my meal cost 5 SGD. Oh well.

While I was eating I notice the couple with their kid next to my table. They were Filipinos. When the guy went to buy some drinks I introduced myself to the lady and started to converse with her. Her husband came and her wife introduced me to him. The guys name is Mer and the his wife, Shiela. They were looking for a new place to stay and because the rent had increased, they need a cheaper one and nearer from where they're currently working. After our conversation we both exchanged email addresses. They might contact me if they happen to find a job opening for me. I went home after and rested.

Off to Singapore

One more day and I'm leaving for Singapore (Today is January 10 but here at blogspot, its January 9). The very first country that I will be visiting. I don't know what to expect and definitely don't have any idea how to adjust. It feels weird not being nervous, specially given the thought that the first 2 days will be on my own.

So basically I'm an idiot there, scratching my head in confusion and understanding how things go. But hey that's Singapore, I think the most clean and orderly country, what else could go wrong?

I'll take what Jef, a good friend of mine, told me. Take it as an adventure. Have fun and make the most of the time.

Tonight, I'll be packing my things. I dunno what to bring, if only I have that PSP console, then it could help me pass the time... but it's a good thing I don't have it, coz I dunno what I could miss while playing.

Before I leave, I would just like to extend my deepest gratitude to friends and family who helped and even prayed for this:

Hey God, lots of thanks is not enough for all the blessings. Be with me always. Guide me, in all my travels there. May my cause be successful and fruitful. I lift up to you my life and all my concerns. Thy will be done and to you be the glory.

To my dad, I could not thank you enough for giving me this opportunity and for everything that you and mama did for me. I love you both and I am very proud to have you in this life.

To the Young Adults Ministry, thanks for the prayers and encouragement. More power in the coming years and God bless us all. To Ate, Liza, Maria, Bong, Gly and Cindy (thanks for that very wonderful prayer Cindy), take care always and thank you. You guys are my angels.

Thanks to my friends at Fitness First, SM Southmall... To Leo for giving me a map of Singapore, I'm sure it will help me a lot during my stay there. To Jomar, thanks for all the advice.

Sig! You saved me in so many ways and thank you very much. Marla, Jef, Casey and Joms thanks for encouraging me all the way. When I get back, remember to always make a schedule for our DOTA sessions. When I get a job there, hopefully, we'll celebrate.

Tita tess, how could I forget. Thanks for arranging my flight schedule, I apologize for interrupting you every time I call you for updates.