Saturday, September 27, 2014

Engrish time

This time its not from the so called ESL tutors of our company. A few months ago we were asked to correct some short compositions of some Koreans students.

According to the little research I did. This is an app for Koreans to practice their English. I am sure Koreans pay for it. We were paid with Php 5 for each corrections. I was not that stupid to believe that they really pay just that amount for each composition they do.

Anyways it was an interesting thing to do. It's hard at times especially when the student just makes up stuff or just uses translate on computers.

Here are just a few of the funny ones I was able to save.







Another rant about the PhilPost

Great! But the problem is that PHLPost is one of the worst post office in the world. Stamps reach a limited number of people. Many people mistrust the office and would rather use other couriers.

This girl may have won but it also ignores the people who still love getting mail and making sure that history is written on paper by correspondence.

I bet this news doesn't even make sense at the time when the postal system is so efficient as is much worse than the poor countries in Asia.


Friday, September 26, 2014

Freethinkers Meetup, Sunday, September 28

source: Filipino Freethinkers




Venue: 2nd floor of Bread Talk Promenade, Greenhills
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2014
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm

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

Topics:

1. Changing the Culture on Women's Rights: [http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2014/09/24/us-emma-watson-white-house-efforts-change-culture-womens-rights/]
2. Should we ban frats? [http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/24/rape-sexual-assault-ban-frats]
3. Is there a sexual objectification double standard? [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB6TiRJNI-Q]
4. Outrage Culture: [http://www.atheistrev.com/2014/09/outrage-culture-effects.html]
5. Nosebleed Culture part 2: [http://thepedanticcynic.blogspot.com/2014/08/top-9-shitty-things-anti-intellectual.html?spref=fbTop]
6. Raunchy Topic of the Week

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

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Aromateria Rudyard Solid Perfume

I was on the look for a new solid perfume. I love solid perfumes because they are compact and don't spill inside your bag.

A few months ago I lost a Lush's Dirty Solid perfume after eating at McDonalds with friends. It was quite expensive but what is lost is lost. So I went back to looking for a new perfume at lush stores. Sadly they don't have the solid perfume I was looking for. I've tried their branches at Shangri-Land two at Makati.

So I implored the help of google for where to buy solid perfumes. And maybe look for an cheaper alternative.

I saw that there is this thing called Aromateria. It looks promising for just Php 250.00. So I headed to this store at Makati. It's one store that intimidates me. Everything in it looked expensive and rare. I saw the perfume quickly and sniffed at the ones they have. I went to work buying the one named Rudyard.

Aromateria's Rudyard is bamboo, sandalwood and incense. It also suits the smell I was looking of organic, earthy and natural. Not too fake or too musky.


The 35th Manila International Bookfair: Another religious event

Sometimes I really have to think twice about going to this event. First, worry are those fucking stupid cosplayers I really hate the fact that such a serious event becomes a joke with plain minded freaks called the Filipino cosplayers. Then there is a worry of not buying anything. Yes, there are discounts but what would I do with Christian books? While other books are just the same price as you buy them at the store on normal days.

But then again I pulled myself from sleep and went to the fair. At least this time Bookmark was selling postcards for one pesos. That was a great find for me.

I also saw this nice store where they sell nice shirts, they are Christian but I don't care, shirts are cheap and well designed.

Here are the pictures I took of the event. Again its more of a religious event for me with all these Christians, priests and nuns walking all around the area.

I also realized that being a nobody is much better. I just have an obligation to myself. So what if I cannot cross lines as a media person. As long as I can do what I want that matters. Buying books, tshirts and even postcards. And now saying what I have in mind without even thinking about if I am wrong or right.





Monday, September 22, 2014

A tribute to my boss: Ms Rachel Kim

For Ms. Rachel Kim

I met her for the first time when I was called by my former office mates. She was introduced as Ms. Kim, or Ms. Rachel Kim. They said she was a bit serious about work and indeed she is.

She took her job seriously for me she seemed too much focused on work and not on living. I really don't know her and we really never talk that much. Maybe because I was afraid that she will say something offensive. She does intimidate me a lot but I respect her dedication to work and making sure calls have quality.

She came like a storm at times reprimanding me about this and that. I was new and my training was just for two days. I was also out of work for sometime and I feel I lost my touch and dealing with a new account of course is taxing for me. But I just did as I was told.

I was angry at her for reprimanding me of things while her former teachers from Tivoli was doing far worse than me. I fought back by doing my job well and speaking well.

She was said to have had cancer and survived. After sometime I really faced the fact that she was my boss. I just told myself that she is my boss and that's it. We are here just using each other for money and that is that. Still I respected her for her hard work.

A few months ago her voice suddenly was lost. She had a hard time speaking. I thought it was just  some problem like sore throat. But days became weeks and her voice never came back.

I never told anyone of what I think of her despite my frustrations at times out of the fact that she was my boss and she has done nothing wrong to me at all.

Oh I forgot, she stated to notice that our team from another company was doing quite well. We never ask questions and we just do what is told of us. Meanwhile those people she used to work with used that fact that they were co-workers before as an excuse to be abusive. I often hear them talking at her back. I told myself I will never go down that level. I am not cheap.

These people from Tivoli are the worst kind of people ever. I bet if Ms. Kim heard all their words she would cry. I felt bad for that and that made me wonder.

There was a time my TL went to Hongkong for a week I guess. She was also gone of the company. Seeing as there are no cats around the assholes from Tivoli acted like they would but in a bigger sense. Monday came and we have a new manager. I was socked. I was told Ms. Rachel quit. Why? I have no idea. I never dared asking questions.

I am that guy. I don't ask questions. If you tell me then great. Don't tell me, fine.

Then a few days ago after Chuseok we were told that she died. I was shocked. Wow, she is gone. What a terrible idea! I wish was able to thank her. I did try to thank her for accepting me by doing my work well. But it would have been nice saying, Thank you, Ms. Rachel.

After sometime the AM team being who they are decided to wear all white and to offer balloons for Ms. Kim. That is what I was told about the balloons at the one of the rooms we occupy in the building. I say that was nice.

I had my dinner early that time and team Tivoli was busy talking about Ms. Kim. They said it was for Ms. Kim and all that drama.

I was irritated by their fake words. One said, "Hey we should do this for Ms. Kim." And there was the classic, "I will tell Ms. Kim."

For me that was cruel, just fucking cruel. To fake something in honor of a dead person is one of the worse things ever. I was so sorry for Ms. Kim for being with such fake people. I was also sorry that she wasn't able to do her job as she wanted to. She wanted to build a good company and she poured her and soul into it

So in this little post I honor her and thank her. Thanks Ms. Rachel Kim.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

The Philippine School for the Deaf

Somewhere along F. B Harrison is one old legacy of the Americans. It was established a year early than the University of the Philippines. The structure is covered by large trees but a peek through the iron gates gives you a view of a simple and yet interesting school.  




The building survived World War II and many typhoons. My professor and principal of the school Mrs. Yolanda Capulong said its nice to have big trees but after the storms its a big problem.



Being an old place it is again said to be haunted with ghosts. I am not sure of the ghosts use sign language as well. The school is well maintained despite being made mostly of wood.








Located inside the premises is the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (PRID) and they give courses on sign language.

37th Anniversary of the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

It's been years since I have been to the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (PRID). I graduated here when I was in college. I remember it was in sophomore years. We were also the ones who were able to finish the whole course with just Basic, Intermediate, Level I, Level II and Level III. 

PRID takes pride as the only institution that grants License to Interpreters in the Philippines. The office is located within the compounds of the historic Philippine School for the Deaf.

I went in with my friend to document the whole event. We arrived on time and we were welcomed at the registration booth.









Sunday, September 14, 2014

Fipronil to solve all your pests problems (not just for pests on your pets)



Ascend's Fipronil
Image from Pinoy Atheist
Just sharing this information to you guys. Many of you are aware of the price of Frontline as a means to get rid of pests with you cats and dogs.

I am sorry but there is a cheaper way of dealing with pests in our beloved pets. It's called fipronil and is the same chemical found in our expensive Frontline or what have you.

You can actually buy a big bottle (about a liter) and dilute 20% od fipronil with 80% cooking oil (yes cooking oil but use vegetable oil and not olive oil)

Is it safe for pets? Of course its in your frontline. Where can you buy it? Amazingly in agricultural stores because the chemical is a good pesticide. I also use it to get rid of roaches and ants and other insects at home.lif

BREAKING NEWS: Classes suspended (A worker's rant)

It has been raining like a lot these September 14, 2014. I just came from a meetup in Makati and decided to go to Cubao to buy some knitting looms. I thought after my short trip to that place I will be going home without rain. I was with a friend and I decided that he take the umbrella that was given to us by a good hearted Freethinker.

Now as I write this and dry myself at home because apparently the rains have no qualms on stopping. It just rains and then drizzles and rains again.

Students are on their knees and their prayers were answered. They don't need to go to work. (Suspension of classes can be read here.) But I don't study anymore and as a worker I am no longer human. I have accepted that fact a long time ago.

Then again I hear the people rant on Facebook about how bad the system is on the slow announcement of school suspension. Now they have the news they should be happy. But not me.

As a non-human worker in a company, I need to go to work. I don't want to miss work just because of water even as high as me. I need to work. I don't want to be out of work because I fear for my students if they have to deal with other English teachers in my company. I fear for them.

There are pictures on Facebook that refer to students as waterproof and workers are immortals. I hate the sound of immortals. It sounds like a stupid show you would watch on primetime at ABS-CBN starring the latest abomination in acting with a cast of roles that should have died a long time ago.

I would rather use the term non-human because it sounds nicer and smarter. We may not be humans anymore but at least we still deserve some respects.

Pag may bagyo
Pre-school =Tao
Elementary = Tao
High School = Tao
College = Isda
Worker = Non-human
 
Now I can also use non-living because robots are non-living things as well. Good luck to me on my work and hope it doesn't really flood and the MRT has no fucking excuse to cut suspend operations.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Filipino Freethinkers Meetup, September 14, 2014, Sunday

source: Filipino Freethinkers


Location: Holy Trinity Church, 48 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2014
Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm

Google Map: http://goo.gl/wCMAl...

Topics:
1. The Fappening: [http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/29105802]
2. The Forsaken: [http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/the-forsaken-a-rising-number-of-homeless-gay-teens-are-being-cast-out-by-religious-families-20140903]
3. #Gamergate: [http://www.vox.com/2014/9/6/6111065/gamergate-explained-everybody-fighting]
4. Lying About Books: [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alexis-kleinman/stop-lying-about-your-fav_b_5772168.html]
5. Nosebleed Culture: [http://thepedanticcynic.blogspot.com/2014/08/top-9-shitty-things-anti-intellectual.html?spref=fbTop]
6. Raunchy Topic of the Week

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

The Padilla Art Gallery and ancestral house at Quiapo

Quiapo is one of the oldest districts of Manila nad is now known as a place where you can buy bootleg or pirated CDs of almost anything. Despite the fact that its illegal bootleg heaven still exists despite the raids being done there, It is also a place for the Muslims and their wares. Also a place for the followers of the Black Nazarene.

Many even forget that old families have lives here for hundreds of years. Proud families of rich lineage and their old houses. Despite the rotting nature of some of the houses. There are of course some houses that refuse to die and continues to live as a living proof of Quiapo as a place of wonder.

The Padilla House is located on Hidalgo Street just beyond Bakerite. It's hard to miss.

We were welcomes by its current owner Mr. Manny Padilla who is an artists who wants to tell the story of Quiapo in painting. He is an artists who doesn't sign his work but paints himself and some of his family into each art work.

If you are interested to visit the Gallery you can inquire at the computer shop located downstairs. There is small fee to be paid and you will see how the owner has tried to save and maintain his wonderful house.




 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Going to mass on Mary's birthday (2014)

When I am bored I tend to just kill my time with anything despite the fact that I need to do many things.

It's just Monday and I have no work. I got to my feet and decided to go to the mall and at the same time hear mass. I made sure to be there before 6 because I know most masses are at 6. I as at the mall despite the drizzle of rain past 5 pm. The Church seems to be closed at that time so I decided to check their schedule.




I was right the mass starts at 6 pm. So I wandered the mall of course going to booksale just to kill time. I also went to see what is new and checked for water at the food court. SM MOA seems to have removed all the drinking stations at the food court what a bummer.

So I went back after 30 minutes and the Church is now open with the rosary going on. Some people are kneeling while the rest are like people at the movie theater bored with the trailers for upcoming movies.


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Culturing feeder insects as an alternative source of income by Tiffany Chan

This is one part of the things you get when you go to the Philippine Orchid Society's show. They provide lectures on many things especially orchids and even now with insects as another source of income.

The speaker Tiffany Chan gives practical advices to enthusiasts many of whom own fishes and animals that feed on insects.



I just found out that mealworms and superworms are beatles. I though that is their final forms and there is nothing more to it.

Mealworms turn into mealworm beatles (Tenebrio molitor) while super worms turn into another species of darkling beatles (Zophobas morio). So mealsworms and superworms are not the same but nonetheless since their similarity and use as feed for reptiles and fishes they often confused.


Philippine Orchid Society's Pet Show 2014

The event The Philippine Orchid Society's Pet show And it featured a variety of pets like dogs, chickens, pigeons, lizards, frogs and even some insects like cockroaches.
 
There was supposed to be a public voting for the event but not much participated even in the voting. Honestly the event was a bore. It was made better by the lecture on insects which I will share on my next blog entry.
 
Here are some of the animals they had at the show.
 
My friend and I were joking if they really want to go with a big gimmick, they should put naked men with very small underwear on the show. I bet that will gather some crowds.