RAIGE-O-LOGY

Today marks my 28th birthday. As I contemplate the passing years, I find myself pondering the meaning and fulfillment of my life thus far. I am continuously plagued by the same questions, sensing that something is still missing. Each decision I've made has brought me to this point, and while I strive to improve, it never seems to be enough. There remains an array of aspects I need to work on and countless endeavors I must undertake. It's time for me to create a plan, a roadmap for my life—a concept I've lacked thus far. I have been relying on the notion of "crossing the bridge when I get there," but it has left me with a lingering sense of incompleteness. With only a few years left before I reach the milestone of 30, I feel as if I am merely at the starting line. My aspirations extend beyond conforming to the idealized lifestyles propagated by mass media; I seek a path that will not only bring personal fulfillment but also contribute meaningfully to the lives of t...

One of the things that I hate is computer games. I hate them cause I like them so much! They distract you from everything that you do, they eat up your time, they won’t let you stop until you finish them, and when you do finish them, you play them again because you’re not contented with what you achieved last time. In short, they’re ridiculously addictive, at least on my part. I have this tendency to get really hooked on a game that I enjoy playing. This is the reason why I don’t want to buy a game console (added to the fact that I can’t afford one); I won’t be able to do anything productive with my actual human life. But recently, I got really curious about this particular game called “Plant Vs. Zombies”. Everyone I knew at work kept talking about it and I hate the fact that I didn’t know what the hell they were talking about. So I decided to try it out. And before I knew it, I was already hooked. The object of the game is to protect your house from invading zombies by planting mutant...

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a brief stint as a radio DJ, which I found to be quite enjoyable. Being inside the radio booth and playing music on-air was a unique experience. However, due to conflicts in my work schedule and the demands of my primary job at the call center, I had to let go of this part-time position. Balancing both jobs was challenging, especially considering the strain they put on my voice. In my call center job, we have Quality Analysts (QAs) who evaluate our performance by listening to recorded or live calls. They provide feedback on our strengths and weaknesses when it comes to handling calls. Every week, I receive around 4-5 call audits where my QA highlights areas that require improvement. While I excel in product knowledge, issue resolution, and call flow, my QA wants me to work on my tone of voice. According to him, I sound monotonous and boring. He expects me to be more upbeat during calls. It's easy for him to say. Try talking on the phone for...

I've been away for a few weeks, but now I'm finally back. Hooray...! Here are some updates since my online hibernation: - The presidential election took place, and as expected, popularity once again played a significant role in determining the candidate of choice for the majority of voters. Unfortunately, the best candidate didn't win. I'm tired of the dominance of a certain political group. - I landed a part-time gig as a radio DJ, where I learned the art of spinning songs, managing commercials, and other related tasks. I even had the chance to do some public service announcements. It was an enjoyable experience, but I had to give it up due to scheduling conflicts. - The account we were handling at work was unexpectedly withdrawn from all Philippine centers. As a result, the entire department is being transferred to other accounts. I'm currently in the process of being interviewed for new assignments, but it's quite frustrating. - Someone has managed to mend th...

I received a message on my cellphone regarding some reward points that had apparently accumulated over several months of loading prepaid credits. I wasn't sure when the network I subscribed to introduced this reward program, or how many points I earned with each reload, but somehow I managed to accumulate 30 points. Filled with excitement about being part of a reward program, I texted the service number to inquire about the perks I could enjoy with those 30 points. To my delight, I discovered that I could register for a one-day unlimited texting service using those points. Without hesitation, fueled by my enthusiasm, I immediately registered for it. Now, I have the opportunity to engage with everyone in my phone book for an entire day. ^^

Being confined to my house for over a week has started to fray my nerves. I never realized that doing absolutely nothing could be so stressful. This so-called "week off" from work has been nothing short of disappointing. Firstly, our technical training has been postponed for two frustrating weeks. Secondly, I won't receive any payment during this vacation period, and I'm in desperate need of some cash. The promised allowance will only be provided after the completion of the technical training, and these delays are depleting my reserve funds. Nevertheless, I made the decision to escape the confines of my home before I lost my sanity. I reached out to some of my friends from work and suggested meeting up at SM Clark. I emphasized that I simply wanted to hang out, with no particular purpose in mind. We could enjoy the mall's air conditioning, soak in the sights, and not spend a penny. I arrived at the mall with a mere 100 peso bill in my wallet, along with a few smal...

Today marks her 30th birthday. Her memory is etched deeply within me. She was the one who loved me wholeheartedly. She was the one who captured my heart and soul. She was the one who caused me immense pain. She was the one who nearly shattered me. She was the one who left me feeling like an empty shell. Each year on this day, I find myself immersed in a state of reminiscence, recalling all the moments we shared—both beautiful and painful. Unfortunately, those memories bring only anguish. The void she left behind remains unhealed. Every reminder of her relentlessly gnaws at me. I no longer feel alive, as she took a part of me with her, wherever she may be now. It has been almost a decade. I hope to navigate through this day without succumbing to foolish impulses...

I recently completed the foundation training for a call center position I applied for. Out of the sixteen trainees, only six of us made the cut. The remaining ten were transferred to a different account. Our client happens to be a popular gaming console. Now, it's only logical that a company wouldn't invest time and resources in training just six individuals for specific product knowledge. So, we were informed that we would have to wait for the next batch of trainees. This meant we were given a week off. To most people, a week off would be a blessing, but for me, it's a bit of a challenge. Facing an entire week with not much to do fills me with dread. If there's a term for the fear of boredom, it certainly applies to me. Now, I'm contemplating my options. Spending a whole week at home... what should I do? Going out and about is out of the question because I'm trying to save money, and the scorching heat during this dry spell makes outdoor activities unbearable. ...

First experiences are often the most memorable. Whether it's taking your first steps, uttering your first words, experiencing your first love, or sharing your first kiss, these moments hold a special place in our hearts. Most of the time, first experiences are far from perfect, but that's part of their charm. After all, it's your first time, and that's what makes it special. Recently, I had a new first in my life: watching a movie in 3D. "Alice in Wonderland" is yet another visionary spectacle from the highly acclaimed director Tim Burton. It also marks his nth collaboration with the talented actor Johnny Depp. I was filled with excitement as I prepared to see this film, especially since it was in 3D. I met up with my movie buddy at SM Clark, the only mall in Angeles City equipped with a digital cinema so far. The tickets cost about P250/person, which included free popcorn (well, technically it wasn't free since it was included in the ticket price). We wai...

I'm not the type of person who enjoys spending time watching mainstream movies that are solely made to line the producers' pockets. I'm not particularly drawn to films that rely on popular actors to carry the story, often neglecting the need for a compelling plot or well-crafted script. Besides, the actors they cast aren't even that impressive. Well, let me rephrase that. I can't really judge their talent because the scripts they work with limit their ability to showcase their skills. Here in the Philippines, it seems being considered a good actor is determined by your willingness to get hit in the face (actually hit) by a co-actor or engage in an on-screen kiss with someone of the same gender. However, I found myself reluctantly watching one of these films due to the persuasion of someone who is really into this genre. While writing this, a question popped into my mind: Do I need to delve into the story further? Well, it's the same tired plot that has been recy...

(Note: Written three weeks ago. Apologies for the delayed post. I'll be sharing some other pieces I wrote previously tomorrow or the day after.) The sound of a theme song from a '70s Japanese robot show kept playing as my cell phone's alarm clock, rousing me from sleep seven hours earlier than usual. Resisting the temptation to stay in bed, I pushed myself to wake up. After washing my face and performing my morning routine, I faced the challenge of finding suitable workout attire. Being someone who isn't particularly athletic, my closet lacked proper exercise clothing. I settled on a plain black t-shirt (to hide any sweat stains), denim shorts (to add a little extra weight and intensity to my supposed workout), and comfortable Crocs (because, well, they're comfortable!). Stepping outside, I took in the refreshing, early morning air, which invigorated me and reminded me of what I wanted my life to be. Determined, I made my way to the nearest jogging spot, a memorial ...

I've been browsing through my sister's song collection on her computer, searching for new tracks to upload to my mp3 player. Among them, one song caught my attention, and it happened to be from an artist I wouldn't typically be fond of. Miley Cyrus represents what I see as the epitome of pop music: young, famous, and incredibly wealthy. My fifteen-year-old sister goes crazy over her songs, as is the trend among kids these days when it comes to selecting their preferred music. Their choices are often based on the artist's level of fame (or appearance) rather than the actual talent or quality of the song. If you were to present an exceptional but relatively unknown musician performing a series of intricate pieces in front of a young audience, and then have Justin Bieber perform, it's no doubt that Justin Bieber would receive the loudest applause. It's just the way things are. Sometimes I find myself wondering if talent still holds a place in the hearts of young pe...

Following the highly lucrative Pacquiao-Clottey fight, an overwhelming amount of news coverage focused on anything related to Manny Pacquiao inundated local television. However, I happened to stumble upon an intriguing piece of news while riding a jeepney and listening to the radio. It pertained to Arnel Pineda, the Filipino vocalist of Journey, who performed the Philippine national anthem during the fight. Apparently, he had altered the tempo of the song, which has led certain individuals from the National History sector to file a complaint against him. According to them, changing the tempo of our national anthem is a violation of the law. Surprisingly, they seem quite serious about pursuing this matter. But what about the other artists who have sung the national anthem at previous Pacquiao fights? Shouldn't they also be held accountable if changing the tempo is indeed against the law? It would be grossly unfair if only Arnel Pineda faces repercussions while others who have simila...

Manny Pacquiao has once again emerged victorious, adding another win to his already impressive record. His triumph over Joshua Clottey at Dallas Stadium is widely known, so there's little need to delve into the details. However, I must admit that it was the most uneventful Pacquiao fight I've ever witnessed. Clottey's aim wasn't to win; he simply wanted to prove that Pacquiao couldn't knock him down. Throughout the bout, Clottey resorted to incessant blocking, with minimal offensive maneuvers. While Clottey did manage to land a few hits on Pacquiao's face, it appeared more like an opportunity to stretch his arms after prolonged defensive posturing. Moreover, the abundance of commercials was overwhelming. Every round of boxing seemed to translate into 10 to 15 minutes of advertisements. I found myself watching commercials more than the actual fight, with brief interludes of boxing action. Not all of us can afford pay-per-view, after all. With this victory, Pacqui...

Among the most underappreciated and ill-treated creatures on Earth are undoubtedly ants and mosquitoes. Ants embody the ideals of hard work and commitment. Among the countless insect species, they exhibit remarkable organization and possess the ability to carry loads weighing ten times their own body weight. Even when faced with adversaries thousands of times their size, ants courageously defend their colonies. If an ant happens to bite us, it pays the ultimate price with its life. It matters not whether the bite was an act of self-defense. The ant bites, we feel the sting, and we crush its life away. Such is the way of things, it seems. For a humble creature like an ant, the due process holds no relevance. Mosquitoes face a similar fate. Every creature possesses the innate instinct to nourish itself. For mosquitoes, blood serves as their sustenance. It is not the mosquito's fault that it feeds on blood; it is merely the way it was created. The mosquito remains oblivious to the dis...

One year ago, the Philippines bid farewell to one of its greatest musical icons. Francis Magalona, also known as Master Rapper and Man from Manila, valiantly battled leukemia since his diagnosis in 2008. After months of undergoing chemotherapy, his physical body succumbed to the illness. However, Kiko's departure was not the end for him. He left behind a profound legacy that future generations would come to cherish. His music, his lyrics, and his way of life have shown us his deep affection for our nation, and this affection will endure eternally. It is my hope that we all grasp the essence of his message: to love our Motherland wholeheartedly and to reflect that love in every aspect of our lives. Merely wearing t-shirts adorned with three stars and a sun is insufficient. This is my tribute to the esteemed Sir Francis. We shall forever remember his impact...

Presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva found himself in the hot seat during yesterday's episode of DZBB's 'Ikaw Na Ba?' series. The program, hosted by the controversial Mike Enriquez, revolves around interrogating the ten Presidential candidates for the upcoming May 2010 elections. In essence, Mike asks each candidate if they believe they are deserving of the position of the next President of the Philippines and why. It's somewhat similar to 'American Idol' where Mike Enriquez plays a rather brash version of Simon Cowell, guiding the audience in deciding which candidate to vote for. Unfortunately, like 'American Idol,' the election system in the Philippines is also often driven by popularity rather than genuine ability. Eddie Villanueva shared his plans if he were to win the Presidency, which seemed to bear uncanny similarities to the actions of the late President Ferdinand Marcos during his term (excluding the Martial Law aspect, of course). Villan...

Throughout your life, there are numerous moments that serve as deliberate reminders that you may not be in the best physical shape. Indulging in junk food takes its toll on your body, and when combined with laziness, like in my case, the impact is multiplied by three. One such moment occurred while I was taking down the outdoor Christmas decorations (yes, it's late February and the decorations are still up— that's how sluggish I can be). Even the simple task of moving a ladder here and there proved to be a struggle for my aging heart and lungs. It was at that precise moment that I realized I desperately needed some exercise. There were other signs prior to this incident that hinted at the pressing need for physical activity. These included my excessive preference for dark clothing, the complaints I received from fellow passengers on public transportation, the towering tsunamis caused by my ill-fated cannonball attempts in swimming pools, and the accumulation of loyalty cards ...

On Saturday night, the highly anticipated premiere of 'Pilipinas' Got Talent' took place. This show is a franchise of the immensely popular 'Britain's Got Talent,' which discovered opera singer Paul Potts. The premise of the show is to showcase individuals with extraordinary talents, ranging from singing to fire-breathing and everything in between. Essentially, anything goes on this show. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of talent shows. However, due to sheer boredom, curiosity, and the lack of other shows to watch, I decided to check out the pilot episode. The auditions took place in the Visayas region, which is a cluster of islands in the middle of the Philippines. The hosts for the show were Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford, while the judges consisted of Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Kris Aquino, and a prominent executive from ABS-CBN whose name escapes me at the moment. There were quite a few performances that were somewhat embarrassing to watch. Although I must commen...

Here we have another movie adaptation of a book, which seems to be the prevailing trend these days. Sometimes I ponder why anyone would bother buying a book when a movie version is soon to follow. A friend of mine has a habit of watching the movie first and then reading the book for comparison. I advised her not to bother because, more often than not, the book always surpasses the movie. Watching a movie based on a book is like witnessing someone else's interpretation of the story, and that someone has to alter the context significantly. It's understandable since Hollywood has its limitations, unlike the boundless realms of our imaginations. The film's producers can't faithfully replicate the book word for word due to constraints of budget and time. So here's my advice to you: If you're a fan of the book, stick with it. Don't expect the movie version to capture the essence of the book exactly as it is. I've been disappointed multiple times by this, parti...

February 14, 2010, marks the convergence of two occasions that, in my opinion, lack any logical significance. Please note that when I refer to "people" in the opening sentence, I deliberately exclude myself from the group of individuals who partake in these commercialized endeavors that drain funds from already depleted pockets, wallets, and bank accounts. The first occasion is the Chinese New Year. What's the deal with this? I mean, the rest of the world has already celebrated the New Year over a month ago. Why do they insist on observing it on a different date? Aren't there already enough holidays? The Chinese claim they follow the lunar calendar, but when it comes to collecting rent, they are well-versed in the standard calendar! And as if the astronomical Zodiac signs weren't enough for the Chinese, they create their own Zodiac system. This confuses me. I'm a Leo in the Zodiac, but according to the Chinese Zodiac, I'm a Dog. Aren't those two contra...

Allow me to delve further into the topic of napping. It has the ability to truncate trips by reducing the number of conscious hours spent in this reality. With two hours remaining before our departure, I succumbed to a nap, liberating myself from the tediousness of sitting on the bus and enduring the relentless efforts of the flamboyant tour guide to persuade us into purchasing more buco pies. The next thing I knew, all the passengers were aboard, the bus was in motion, and the bothersome tour guide was nowhere to be seen. I owe my gratitude to that peaceful slumber. Now that I have expended my nap card, I am unable to fall asleep again during the journey home. However, this turned out to be fortuitous. I noticed the driver growing somewhat drowsy, so I positioned myself in the seat directly behind him and engaged in conversation, ensuring his alertness. Just as we were about to enter NLEX, an incident occurred that served as a wake-up call for our driver. Some mischievous youngsters h...

One effective method to make a trip feel shorter is to doze off during the journey (as long as you're a passenger and not the driver, of course). Although it's not something I typically do, the energy drink's effects were wearing off, so I allowed my eyes to close. Before I knew it, we had arrived at the parking lot of Enchanted Kingdom. The entire amusement park was teeming with people. There were over fifty buses filled with students from various schools, all clearly on their own field trips. Not to mention the multitude of private vehicles. A sign at the entrance indicated that the average waiting time for each ride was one and a half hours. Considering we only had five hours to enjoy before returning to the bus, that left us with roughly enough time for three rides. We decided to forgo getting on any rides altogether and instead utilize the time that would have been wasted in queues for other activities, such as capturing photographs, strolling around, purchasing souven...

What could be more fitting than having lunch at the largest mall in the Philippines? We arrived at SM Mall of Asia around 1 PM. This colossal mall holds the impressive titles of being the third largest in the world, the second largest in Asia, and the largest in the Philippines. Even if you dedicated an entire day to exploring every shop within this immense structure, it would still feel insufficient. However, luck was not on our side as we were only granted an hour to dine, shop, and pursue our desires within the mall. It felt akin to watching a two-minute clip summarizing the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. With limited time, we hurriedly found a restaurant with available tables and enjoyed our lunch. Soon after, we made our way back to the designated meeting point, where the bus would pick us up for our next destination: the Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Our next stop on the itinerary is Pasig River, where we will embark on a tour via ferry boat. However, reaching the dock proved to be more challenging than anticipated, as there was a miscommunication among the bus drivers. We ended up taking a different route that led us to a narrow street under a bridge, where the bus couldn't pass. It shattered my belief that all bus drivers know the ins and outs of Manila like the back of their hands. Eventually, we managed to find an alternate route and arrived at the dock. We eagerly boarded the ferry boat, and the tour promptly commenced. Pasig River stretches from Manila Bay up to Laguna De Bay. I was so engrossed in capturing pictures that I missed some of the information the tour guide was providing. If I recall correctly, he mentioned that there are approximately fifteen (?) bridges spanning across the Pasig River. Here are a few that I can remember: MacArthur Bridge, Commonwealth Bridge, Quezon Bridge... and that's all that stuck in...