Monday, March 31, 2014

RIP iPod Nano

In 2009 my iPod nano was lost and I had to buy a new one. And i has lasted me about five years now. I say goodbye to my iPod nano gen 4.

You have served me well and I know you have been with me more than any person have been in life. You made me smile, cry and think like I was in a fucking music video (I don't call them MTV).

You were also there to teach me and tell me audiobooks and so much more.

I will take bit more time to save up on another iPod, maybe I need to scout sulit.com.ph. lolz

Goodbye March, Hello April

It was harder for me to write anything for this month. It was harder for me to relate to what it means to live and also find meaning in the things I do in life. I just get up and do stuff so that I would not end things the way most people won't like but would never realize ever happened if I do it.

I have less money than what I should have but at least I am here hoping. I wish I don't ever hope at all.


Finally another Sodagreen song...




Still loving the sound of Soda Green. It's a song about Dad and all the drama of memories we had with anyone special comes back like the tides. I posted on the youtube coment section for the translation and one kind follow gave the following:

Received postcards (March 31, 2014)

Its the end of the month and I still uncertain of myself. I still feel lost and confused and yet there are these small things that made me smile and remember there might something for me to live on for the next few days.






Saturday, March 29, 2014

Isang gabing madilim

Naglalakad mula sa MRT
Di ganun kasikip
Walang pila
Kasama nga kaibigan

Pauwi galing sa usapang Ingles
Ngayon utak ay nasa Ingles
Nakinig at nagsalita
Ngayon ay naglalakad sa
Liwanag ng mall

Biglang dumilim
Walang kuryente
Taninga this
Earth Hour na naman pala

More stamps from the PHLPost

Yesterday I finally got my stack of stamps from the PHLPost. And boy did I buy lots of stamps. I almost went broke with stamps. Anyways it's also good.

I don't want to sell them. I want or rather swap them for other stamps.

Are you interested? I got limited copies.


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Weekend activities for March 29, 30 and 31, 2014

Yeah I back to sharing stuff you can join ,e in for the weekend. It's the end of the month and its been hell week at work.

There is the Filipino Freethinkers meet-up and a meet-up with friends who wants to see the National Museum.

Filipino Freethinkers Meetup, Saturday, March 29, 2014

source: Filipino Freethinkers

Venue: 2nd floor of Bread Talk Promenade, Greenhills
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2014
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm

Google Map: http://bit.ly/1j2rdf6

Topics:
1. The Problem with Voluntourism http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pippa-biddle/little-white-girls-voluntourism_b_4834574.html
2. Should we celebrate anyone's death? [https://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/20/should-we-celebrate-fred-phelps-death/]
3. When is it OK to shame people? [http://freethoughtblogs.com/brutereason/2014/03/24/on-shaming-people-online-for-their-own-good/]
4. Raunchy Topic of the Week: Orgies http://www.thefrisky.com/2013-02-21/first-time-for-everything-i-went-to-an-orgy/

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: here

Let's visit the National Museum


Meeting Place: Chess Plaza, Rizal Park
Date: March 30, 2014

The National Museum is open on Sundays and its free. Why not we have a little trip and go there. Learn something about our history.

RSVP: here

And on the 31st I have no work. I decide to stay at home and be lazy or find an excuse to go out and find a quiet place. The place where I sleep is not quiet at all. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

A seculded place at the Post Office

Every nook and cranny of the city has its story and sights we can only see if we get lost in them. 

After the event at the PHLPost I had an urge to take a leak and saw this aerie place at the third floor near the restroom. It was cordoned off and way below the dirt and ruins of a stair going down is a creepy place with rooms ajar with rubbish in them. 

At the the bottom of the stair seems to be a pond that is connected to place under the earth. 



Beyond that is a small window giving us an interesting view of the Escolta and the Calvo building.



I have always been at the post office and this is my first time to be in such an beautiful and eerie place

Megan Young stamps at the PHLPost

It's another fun filled episode and drama I had with the PHLpost this Monday. I arrived before 8 AM at the lobby of the Post Office for the event. 

For starters I am not a beauty pageant fan but for today because of my hobby I am covering the said event. 

At the time I stepped into the building everything was still being propped up. A clear indication of not being prepared. They are still busy putting chairs and tarpaulins here and there. Then I read the event happens at 10 am. I say its better early than late. 



I also went to the Philatelic section and tried to sneak up on what is ahppening. They were just stamping stamps to be sold. Anther late preparations. After a few minutes I decided to buy the FDC and envelops so I can have them signed later.


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Royal Heritage Postal Tour (March 16, 2014)

The March Royal Heritage Postal Tour has been concluded with lots of interesting changes and venues to see. We had an exclusive and FREE tour of the Bahay na Tsinoy. Usually we just go to the lobby. 

Anyways I will up date the write up soon. I am just being lazy and just enjoy the pictures. 





My first spa experience

It was my first try and as a private person I feel so unnatural about people touching me. That is why I opted for a foot spa because I think its the only place where I can be OK with people touching me. Massages are a nightmare to me since I am such a ticklish person and the shit they put on your body smells like the shit the Chinese put on their bodies when they are sick.

Sorry but that is just an honest opinion and I have no other way of putting the experience in other words or context.

The process for me looks like washing your clothes by hand.

First your feet are put in warm water.


Then your feet are put under the soap in a machine for 20 minutes. The water they used most of the time is warm. Their machine makes a lot of bubbles which they keep at bay with a squirt bottle.

Pope Francis Stamps (Philippine Issue)

Pope Francis or Mario Bergoglio is the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. And after a year of being a Pope The Vatican issues a stamp bearing his image. The Philippines also issues a similar stamp. But the Philippines being itself wanted something different, and thank God the Vatican didn't agree to the ugly design made by the Philpost and asked the souvenir sheets destroyed.

This Friday morning after a few days of talk and discussion on facebook about the stamps and also after the many request for copies fro ITALY. I went to the Post Office in Manila awaiting the stamp launch. I was also wondering which Church official was there.

To my surprise there was nothing, not even a prayer was uttered. There were no guys in gowns. NOTHING. I went to the Philatelic section and asked but before I was to open my mouth I was told I can go to the Marketing Department on the 3rd floor.

I went to the third floor and there was the stamp just being sold just like that. I was like, "OK, then what?" I have seen sellers and dealers buy thousand of pesos of stamps, FDCs and envelops.

I wonder even if these stamps will reach every part of the country, most probably other collectors from those not in Metro Manila will not even see the actual stamps unless they buy from dealers.

Anyways here is the picture I took.

Philippine - Vatican Joint Issue for Pope Francis

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

English song on a Chinese Station (Lego House by Ed Sheeran)

A few days ago I visited a blog post that was shared on Facebook. It talks about a woman and her experience of learning Chinese. She had some great things to share about learning the language.and indeed she can speak the language.

I followed her advice and just for the heck of it listened for a radio station in Taiwan. Of course it was weird and all but its for catching how Chinese say their words and be familiar with the pattern of the language. I think I learned my English this way as well.

Anyways there were some cool Chinese songs and then there were two guys talking in Chinese. They were having fun and then they played an English song to my shock.

And the weird thing is I liked the song. I typed on Google the words I head and it lead me to the song called Lego House by Ed Sheeran.I typed on Youtube and saw the music video.

I saw Rupert Grint and was confused why is Ron on this video? Then to find out he was just featured on the song. That was a relief.

I downloaded the album as well and hope to learn more about the artist. So here is the song I heard. Enjoy!

 
There is even a LEGO version as well.


68 Orchid and Garden Annual show 2014 by the Philippine Orchid Society

It seems no one can be late for whatever you want. Last week I was not able to join friends last week because I have no sense of keeping with activities until its too late. So I woke up early and headed to Quezon Memorial Circle for the Orchid show but this time with Bantam Chickens.

Despite going out early I still managed to get to the place late because the fucking MRT stalled me again for about 20 minutes this time. Despite the new policy of rides, problems still arise.

I paid the entrance fee of Php30.00 for the exhibits knowing in full that most of the flowers will be withered and dead (or even half dead).




Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Received postcards (March 17, 2014)

I just came from another restless weekend. But it was good. But the first thing I must do is post about the postcards and stamps I got yesterday. I got cats once more and some interesting postcards.

Now I have some more tasks under my sleeve. And I haven't found the motivation to do the postcards like arrange them well.

For now please see what I got.




Thursday, March 13, 2014

Be There When Two Worlds Collide: The First Pet and Toy Fair in the Philippines 2014


Be There When Two Worlds Collide:
The First Pet and Toy Fair in the Philippines 2014
March 15, 2014
The Jackman Plaza, Munoz, Quezon City

There will be talks, sharing, meet and greet with they toys and pet community.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Received postcards (March 11, 2014)

Well to every rule there is an exemption and indeed some people enjoy going against the standards.

I love the wooden postcard sent from Taiwan. It takes great effort to write on wood. lolz

I also love the cat postcard expressing music in whimsical ways.

Love both postcards!



Music for this week: Lost in translation once more

Here are some songs I learned for today and thus my music of the week. Sorry I am not putting English songs. You have lots of easy way of doing that.


Zombie by Maitre Gims 


【故事】 by 蘇打綠 sodagreen

Now isn't it nice being lost in the sea of words and beautiful music? 

Google life-hack

Just follow the simple guide lines shown ad voila you can use and search better on Google.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Easiest knitting project ever: Infinity scarf by Handimania

Handimania a site and Facebook page has recently shown a really wonderful way of knitting without needles.




Received postcards (March 8, 2014)

So I got postcards this Saturday. That is quite weird indeed or maybe my relatives just forgot to give them yesterday.




Thursday, March 6, 2014

Things The Church should give up on Lent



It's lent once more and the Church asks again of things for us to give up. Well good leadership is one that is able to show and practice what it preaches.

I think the Church needs to give up somethings as well. Here are the few things the Church should abstain from:

1. Gay hate - God is love and loves all of creation. If God created gays then they also deserve some Christian love.

2. Altar boys - Sex is sweet and so do young innocent boys but please try to do some sacrifice and give those tight butt-holes a rest for 40 days.

3. Politics - We know you have lots of opinions in life and politics can be such fun but please try to be a bit more serious with things like teaching the fundamentals of the faith to the laity.

4. Showbiz - Who doesn't want the glamour of showbiz but I think it's better for the Church to just stick with Jesus and his saints.

My list is shorter from the ones you ask from us so don't complain about it.

Be careful with you tail sounds

For me this sound like one of those mindless, idiotic and mainstream bullshit you get from the Philippine media but this phrase comes from a small industry for teaching Korean students how to speak English, whatever that means.

I often baffled on how some teachers take that phrase for granted. For starters I have no idea what it means. When a teacher says, "Be careful with your tails sounds." Does she mean that the student should pronounce the extra phoneme carefully? Or is it an euphemistic language saying and sublimely saying for the student not to say that anymore.

As an  ESL teacher I find that confusing from the point of view of students. What are tail sounds? I never learning about tail sounds in English sounds. I know there are final sounds but never tail sounds.

What most Koreans are doing is what is called Konglish or more precise - Konglish pronunciation. We know for a fact that some English words have been adopted into to Korean language but somehow the word mutates into a Korean pronunciation. There are sounds that cannot be clearly adopted and had to be changed and thus the same thing also happens in Japanese.

Thus we have the following words:

오렌지 (orenji) for orange
테니스 (teniseu) for tennis
나이스 (naiseu) for nice
슈퍼마켓 (syupeomaket) for supermarket

You can see from this example that not all words have the so called tail sounds. Some of the added phonemes happen within the word itself.

So don't expect me to be careful with my tail sounds. Please!
 

Open letter to the Philpost

Dear Philpost,

Good day to you!

I hope you get my letter after you update your status post on Facebook and tag friends on your selfies. I am just one of the few remaining letter senders and stamp buyers.

I am glad that you guys have decided to update your stamps with better designs and implements but I have one complaint. Your stamps are becoming so expensive.

I know you are trying to better the designs of the stamps of our country to compete with the worldwide market but the price is not even that competitive and considering the designs of other countries and what they can offer we are still far behind and have no right even to raise the price.

Our New Year stamp for the Year of the horse costs Php 200.00 while the one from Australia just costs AUD 0.60 (Php 24.15) and AUD 1.80 (Php 72.44).



Received postcards (March 4, 2014)





After a tiring Monday here are some of the beautiful things I got. Two postcards are a direct swap while one is from swap-bot. The rest are from the February swap from Postcrossing Philippines.

One is a badly folded Papemelroti postcard from a friend.

Late Ash Wednesday post

So the mardi gras is done ans we enter into the most solemn time of the liturgical calendar. We call it lent or kwaresma. It's interesting to point out that on the first day of lent the thing I was talking about was atheism in the Philippines on a interview. I enjoyed that!

There was not even one person at work who got an ash on their forehead. I think that is weird.

Anyways I will just share today some wonderful Lent songs. Enjoy!


“Wash Me Thoroughly” Words Psalm 51 vv. 2–3; Music Samuel Sebastian Wesley


Miserere mei, Deus by Gregorio Allegri

Monday, March 3, 2014

The March of ideas



It's March and another month has passed. I started my month with two events over the weekends. I went to a Filipino Freethinkers meetup and headed a walking tour in Manila.

Well March is the month for many things like the Fire Prevention month, and Women's Month. It's also the month that will start the season Lent for Catholics.

March is also the official start of summer and indeed its getting hot and more humid these days.