Friday, February 28, 2014

Weekend activities for March 1 and 2, 2014

I feel really sick as I write this. I have a terrible headache and my body aches like fucking crazy. Anyways, that is not a proper excuse since I am responsible for one event.


Freethinkers Meetup, Saturday, March 1, 2014

Location: Moshi Moshi, Regis Center Katipunan
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2014
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Google Map: http://goo.gl/eEjqTd

Topics:
1) The Future of Loneliness: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/her/
2) The Challenge of Masculine Intimacy: www.salon.com/2013/12/08/american_mens_hidden_crisis_they_need_more_friends/
3) Legal Parental Surrender: http://judgybitch.com/2013/07/10/legal-parental-surrender-is-not-morally-equivalent-to-an-abortion-and-no-amount-of-bitchy-sarcasm-will-make-it-so-yeah-amanda-marcotte-im-talking-to-you/
4) Demystifying the Cybercrime Law

After the meetup we usually go for dinner and drinks somewhere nearby. If you’re not a meetup regular and can’t make it for the meetup but would like to go for the post meetup, please indicate on a post in the wall or comment so we can contact you.

Got questions about the meetup? Contact us at 0927 323 3532

* Newbies are welcome and admission is free.
* Early birds get to play board/video/party games with the group.
* Look for the FF sign (or the group of smart, sexy people).
* There is no required age, religion, philosophy, or IQ level.
* Discussions are informal yet intelligent (most of the time).
* You don’t have to talk; you can just sit in and listen.

RSVP on Facebook

1st PA/Agora Walk Tour: The Spanish influence in the Philippines



Location: Chess Plaza, Rizal Park, Manila City
Time: 8:00 am onwards

We're going to talk about the influence of the Roman Catholic Church and Spain in the Philippines. We will focus on the walled city Intramuros

We will be accompanied by 2 French film makers from http://www.tadaaam-prod.com/.


Any questions: Here is my contact number:

Smart - 099-340-8788
Sun - 0933-303-7104

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Received postcards, card and tea (February 25, 2014)




Another set of postcards from the Philippine Postcrossing group came, one is from India while the other is from the US.

I also got the card and tea from swapbot. I am really enjoying this tea swap... lolz

New services at the Manila Post Office 2014

After a few hours of sleep I was again at another event at the Philpost for another stamp launch. By the time I stepped into the lobby everything was quite ready. Wow that is some improvement from the last two stamp launches. 

There are exhibits of the latest stamps of 2014 being sold. 


People are busy preparing this and that and making sure everything is OK unlike last time when people don't even have an diea why the hell were they there in the first place.

Everything was in place and the atmosphere is quite lively.

Stage is all set for the program.

Photo booth for the stamps. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Megan Young stamps




Some Megan Lynee Young, the winner of the latest Miss World and the pride of the idiotic Filipino Priders has been on sale last Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Philpost.

Many people were buying despite the program on that day. People are wasting away almost 4 thousand pesos with each transactions.

As of writing of this blog the private website of a collector closely related to the people at Philpost are not posting anything. The Philost just a while ago has not even posted any technical descriptions of the stamps.

The supposed release of the stamps will be on March. I have no idea when but surely it will be held.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

What is BCC? (Bocobo Center in Ermita)


Is this art or just plain laziness? But I think its a wonderful idea. This small place on Bocobo street looks promising but is still going up. The first store on the building is another McDonalds. Just what we need.

Solidaridad Bookshop at Padre Faura, Manila

Solidaridad is one of those small bookstores that are knows for their unusual titles. I have long wanted to see what they offer but sadly they are always closed when I go there.

Is it possible that they are no longer on business?

Solidaridad Book Shop

Monday, February 24, 2014

Stamp issues leakage might include Steve Jobs

source: Wikipedia


That's the wonderful thing about the internet - leaks. It was shared on boingboing that the USPS will be releasing a Steve Jobs stamp by 2015. Wow that is just way ahead of the time and of course many posts are like these worldwide even the Philippines.

The list would be helpful for stamp collectors who collect specific things. So do share this one as well.

Here is the list.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Voluntutoring

I know teaching has its day especially to those who are so privileged that they jut take going to school for granted. Or maybe education has become just another burden. But that is another problem with education.

I would love to this or maybe see how it is done.

source: Facebook
For details on the what and hows and the whens, please click here.

You can also browse the official webpage of the group: He Cares Foundation

Now there is a catch to this program, its religious based and will have tons of those things atheist most of all hate. If you are not queasy about such things then this would be a great place to volunteer. Just ignore the religious stuff.

Personalized stamps to be released on February 24, 2014

Will this be for the good or the bad? As long as people will send not their selfies then I am good.

An invitation was sent throught Facebook that reads:

I would like to extend to everyone the invitation for the formal launching of the Personalized Stamps on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:00 am.at the lobby of the Main Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.
Read more about it here:
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/12/1289378/personalized-stamps-anyone
The personalized stamps will feature the Manila Central Post Office Building.

One of those instant invites of the Philpost about their stamps. Honestly if I don't know anyone monitoring the Philpot I would have never known as a quiet private person.

The Philpost really needs to update it's way of marketing their stamps as well as services. They keep on listening to the voice of one DR. Ngo who is just there to profit for himself.

Postcrossing Philippines Valentines Swap

Now this is more interesting swap ever. I get to keep stamps and postcards from my own country.

I think we should do this more locally. It's nice to know that no stamps were stolen as of the moment.

It's been noted that commemorative stamps are being replaced with definitive stamps. I think this is because commemorative stamps are hard to find in other parts of the country even in Metro Manila.




Friday, February 21, 2014

Pope Francis stamps to be released soon (together with St John XIII and St John Paul II stamps)

According to the Catholic News Service stamps will be released for the Pope Francis. This will mark the Pontiff's first year as the leader of the Catholic Church.

source: Catholic News Service

New Phone for me (Thinking about MyPhone Rain 3G)

My new phone needs an upgrade since I also want to tweet more and to do more. I saw this cool phone called MyPhone Rain 3G.

Accordingly the specs are good for a phone that costs less than three thousand pesos.



MyPhone Rain 3G Specs and Price

3.5-inch HVGA (320×480) capacitive display
165ppi with 2-pt multi-touch feature
Dual SIM / Dual Standby (3G – SIM 1 only)
Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
1GHz dual-core MediaTek MT6572M processor
ARM Mali-400 GPU
512MB of RAM
4GB of internal storage
microSD support up to
32GB 3.2MP fixed-focus camera (No LED flash)
1.3MP fixed-focus front-facing camera
FM Radio / TARA App / Motion Sensor
microUSB 2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
Tri-band GSM / 3G Connectivity
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n / Bluetooth
GPS with A-GPS Support
Li-Ion 1,300mAh battery
Price: Php2,988 (Official SRP)

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Lazy lame pictures over a Tour

Sorry but for this Tour I was quite lazy and I didn't take out my camera most of the time. Before going to the event I passed by San Marcelino and have had the Press Release of the Met printed for the tour participants. I walked at the backside of the Met and took pictures. So far everything looks fine at the back despite the falling windows here and there. 

Agora/Pinoy Atheist Debate: Does God Exist?

The event happened at least on the sponsorship of one person. Whatever the reason is really none of my business. I arrived with my friend who wants to be unnamed for the event. I was ready with my knitting needles because I know that if I open up my mouth I will just piss another person. Most probably some idiot. lolz

The venue was somewhere in Balete drive, on a condo with an interesting view of the city. There were bouncers as we entered. My mind went, "Why the fuck do we need bouncers for?"

My friend opened up the event with drama and shit. I was like talking a lot to myself. Such a drama queen for a guy, nonetheless the debate started soon. 



Rizal Park Visitor's Center (Another Baranggay outpost)


The baranggay outpost is the classic example of how money is wasted on projects that are actually good but are never properly utilized. One day as I was walking the national park I saw this visitor's center.

Actually I have passed it many times and until this writing, this wonderful structure remains like an outpost. It stands there wonderful and new and at the same time empty.

Whatever will transpire with this structure I hope it doesn't end up like the many expensive baranggay outposts we have in the Philippines.


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The ban hammer has been struck



After a day of the bad on the usage of the internet. Here I am trying my luck on making a short entry about bans and stuff.

A fellow worker was scolded heavily for browsing uneeded websites (like what I am doing now) and also for downloading. I feel it was both well done and badly done. It was right to reprimand him for being such an abusive empolyee but at the same time I feel bad for him. He looked dejected at that time. But I am glad he is OK.

Since the time of the ban I was cut-off from the rest of the world. It was like being in North Korea where needed news was also shut. I cannot even open The Guardian.

I also learned when I got home that the Cyber-crime law has been declared constitutional by the assholes of the Supreme Court. That is another blow to my human rights to internet access and freedom of speech.

FUCK the Supreme Court! Yeah sue me...



Monday, February 17, 2014

Questions about life and belief (Conversation at Rizal Park)

While in Rizal Park last night an asshole asked me questions. He is clearly a believer of something but whatever that is I was not interested.

First he asked, "Why are you an atheist? Do you really think there is no God? How do you prove there is no God"

I said, "I don't really think there is no God since proving something non-existent is hard. I am an atheist because you believers have not presented us with good arguments to believe in God. Besides belief and non-belief should be a personal choice."

The asshole was not satisfied with my answer and really wants me to prove that there is no God.

He asked another one, "Do you believe in life? Or that there is life?"

I asked, "What do you mean by life? and belief?" That got him quite irritated. We didn't even invite him to talk with us. He just came and asked like its my responsibility to give my piece of mind to him.

Nonetheless I gave my answer, :No. Why should I believe in life? Will that make me a better person? Would that help me in anyway? What would belief in life do to me? I say that is pointless."



After that we ignored the person and he just went away.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Weekend activities for February 15 and 16, 2014

It's going to be another interesting weekend for me. I have a debate to listen to (I think this is boring) and another walking tour of Manila. Too bad I cannot make it to the Filipino Freethinkers meet-up.

Do you have activities? I will share them here on this small space.

Debate: Does God Exist?



When: February 15, 2014; 4 PM
Where: Andrea North Skyline Tower, N. Domingo Street corner Balete Drive, New Manila, Quezon City

Details: Debate between:
Redentor Dela Rosa (Theist) and Don Paez (Atheist)

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Binondo after the New Year

Another Sunday after the Chinese Year we hit the Bionondo once more. We met at Sta. Cruz Church. 



We have an eager crowd a bit older but eager. We went inside the compound of the Sta.Cruz Church to see the marker for the then Governor General Anda, then off to Escolta. Since our group is older they were able to remember the things they saw in Escolta and compared it to what there is now.


Teh Ten Commandments ob LOLcat


The Decalouge is a very interesting piece of literature from the Bible, it's even more interesting to read from the lolcat Bible.

Here is the excerpt (Exodus 20:1-21):

1 Then Ceiling Cat spoked all them werds:

2 I iz Ceiling Cat An I iz Top Cat, An I broughted u out of hawt litturbawx wit no cheezbrgrs for hard mousin at all

3 No can has other ceiling cat!! U gotz other Ceiling Cat, I shoot yous wit mah lollazer eyes. Srsly.

4 If u try be Ceiling Cat of any of mai creayshunz up in floaty skai, down in erth or in watr or I shoot yous wit mah lollazer eyes.5 If u think faek Ceiling Cat iz Ceiling Cat, I mek u ded An ur kittenz ded An if yur kittenz have kittenz, dey be ded too, for being stupid and stuffs.6 If not I wuv u An all ur lotz uf kittenz!

Wait, how about Luneta Theater?


According to an article Dolphy worked on this Theater during the 1990 earthquake. The lower floors are being used by two commercial businesses. So far I have no idea about this building at all or what it even looked inside.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentines Day celebrations at the Philpost 2014

Without a proper sleep I went to the very early event at the Philpost for Valentines. The place was all in red and people were running here and there, a clear sign that they were not prepared as usual. The marketing department were confusing to look as most of the employees are still not there. 

We arrived with having no idea on what the program or even we should conduct ourselves. We were just fishes transported to a new pond or river just waiting to be taken where the water flows. 




The insides of the Post Office was gleaming with light as all was still dark outside. Umagang Kay Ganda host Winnie Cordero was there to promote the things being offered by the Philpost for Valentines.



There was an exhibit of different stamps that were featured last year as well as the stamps that are just for Valentines.

I hope mails reach their destinations. 

I was also lucky to meet and have the artist for the Valentine's stamp sign some First Day Covers. Her name is Jamia Mae Tolentino from St. Sptephen's High school. This school wins a lot of art contests.



Luneta Hotel soon to open




The old structure hid between buildings old and new at Kalaw comes back from the past. A website is up and announces that soon it will open to house guests and all.


The Luneta Hotel was built in 1918 supposedly by Spanish Architect Salvador Farre. The hotel is located at Kalaw in Ermita, Manila.

We just need now the dates for the opening. I would even go for a for opening!

Received cards and tea bag (February 12, 2014)


It's another swap I did for swap-bot and its another tea swap. Tea swaps are wonderful and interesting. Today I got a sweet rose tea that is said is from India. It's by Organic India and really smells so sweet. The whole envelop smelled so nice.

I suggest you try swap-bot for tea swaps. as well.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Christian atheism for Pinoys

source: http://awordywoman.com/christian-atheist/


Christian atheism is one of the perspectives that have not come to the Philippine Islands although I believe that is a significant number of people who can be classified as such.

People say they believe in God and yet their life style or their actions simply doesn't follow. Many Pinoys are born Catholics and are raised to think that they are. Often times they see going to Church as something they just do like doing the dishes but not really that important. They go to Church as a form of piety as well that is related to the idea that being a good person just means a Church goer. I have an aunt and some relatives who thinks so.

Another idea that is related to this is a/atheism. That is another post-modern idea that I seem never to understand or was meant not to be understood by me.

So far no one claims this idea for himself but I hope some people would do so and try to explain them as another perspective to be adopted by Pinoys.

SM Aura and drama of famewhores (Another drama at work)

The drama and tension builds up on SM Aura. Last yeah when our company was closed Team CA was severed from us. Now for sure they are severed from us. Thank God!

OK I am using in house language here to talk about the people at work and the things they do to piss me off. But that is not most of the time since I am more focused on my work.

I will introduce the characters in the new drama.

Maja Salvador: She is a slimmer version of someone we knew but is the most annoying. She has a loud and annoying voice (especially when flirting). She likes men and is a mean slut. She is pregnant as of writing. Is with her boyfriend but still flirts with Gerard.

Gerard Anderson: He is Shone from the last series. Still handsome as fuck but he gained some fat on the belly. I rather call him bubble butt though but that would break the pattern in the story.

Kim Chui: She is Nam from the last series. She is Gerard's true and bestest friend though I beg to disagree to some extent.

Juicybel: We used to call her Knorr. She is quite notorious for borrowing money and still lives in her part company. She will always talk about her past company and how much she used to earn. Why call her that? Use your nose.

Roving Aling Puring: She will just pop out of nowhere and ask you to buy snacks from her. She will also corner you once in a while to borrow money. If you see her try to avoid her what-so-ever.

Bea Alonzo - She is a beautiful person but the sad fact is that she is still insecure about herself. She is Maja's best friend, although she is a fake person. She likes to also flirt with Gerard.

Cacai - She is a loud speaker but she comes as a part timer. She is lousy and is on the same level with Maja and Bea, sluts.

Anyare? - That is the question you ask yourself when you see her. She seems to have just came from Manila a day ago all the time. Clueless as fuck and tries to follow the lifestyle of her friends.

JunJun Binay - I kind of can stand him but often times not.

Floor Manager - On the first day of work he was also busy supervising his friends at work. He tells this and that. He also dreams on being the IT since he does nothing at work but to tinker on his assigned PC.

Gilda Coronel - She is one of those old ladies that talks about her past and how wonderful that is. She annoyingly calls everyone Teach (short for teacher).

So far those are the people you need to know. 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Santa Cruz Church: A Living Heritage by Anna Maria L. Harper

While looking for the stampita of Sr. Exequiel Moreno, my friend told me there is a hard bound book about the history of Sta. Cruz Church. The hardbound costs Php 500.00 so I opted for the cheaper softer bound book.

It tells the start of the area of St. Cruz as well as the rise of the Church and the events that took place within the area.. The book is full if interesting information as well as wonderful pictures.

You can buy the book at Sta. Cruz Church.

Santa Cruz Church: A Living Heritage by Anna Maria L. Harper

Our Lady of the Pillar on one of the pages of the book.

The Philpost drama of making you believe this is true

Click to enlarge
Many people actually know that most of what is on this page is complete bullshit. We know letters are lost and at times come to your house after an elephant has given birth.

The Philpost was one of the best mailing service but has since been left out in the dark. They have employees who couldn't care less about stamps and their services.

They also have a rule on lunch breaks but we know this is another lie, I see employees just waste their time doing nothing most of the time.

I will not be surprised if they close down anytime soon. Goodbye to Philippine philately.

Just a few minutes ago this article came out ranting about the inefficiency of the Philpost: click here

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Creationism vs Evolution: the age old debate (one more time)


Be ready with your facepalm guys as well as your note pads. This debate would be something you should take note on.

The debate is on creationism by Ken Ham versus the evolutionist stand of Bill Nye (our science guy).

It is interesting that Ken Ham starts with a wonderful argument about how science seems to be taken by evolutionists as their own but what follows is up to you.

Enjoy learning!

One more post...


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Payday gardening plans

I wasn't able to buy plants last Horticultural show. So this payday I will try to have flowers instead to help bees.

Flowers to save bees
Bees are important in our lives.