For those who have been regularly reading my blog, you know how much I love all those food escapades with my friends. One of our favorite destinations is Estero in Binondo. I blogged about the place twice. You can find those posts here.

I searched for other bloggers who also made posts for Estero. I googled pictures and I found my own photo uploads in the search results. It made me happy because my blog is becoming searchable which I felt in one way or another, will increase my readership. After the small happiness, I found this

 A familiar photo!

If enlarged, this is how will it appear

Photo used without permission by Best Philippine Attractions

I made my first post about Estero last year and one of the photos I took and uploaded in this blog was this

Did someone just steal my picture?

I checked the site that apparently used my photo without permission or even an acknowledgement. The site as it appears is hosted by The BigNM and Links2Prosperity. 

I don't really mind if other people grab and use my pictures without permission. I am likewise not familiar with copyright laws so I don't even know if my blog is legally protected from such misuse. I admit, I also grab pictures from other blogs and websites. However, I don't claim ownership for the pictures. In effect, I link each source as my way of showing respect to the real owner.

My only request to those people who intend to use any of my photos is to identify my blog as the original source. 

I don't mean to be selfish here. A little respect in the form of acknowledgement would be enough.

• February 09, 2012

Have I been robbed?

For those who have been regularly reading my blog, you know how much I love all those food escapades with my friends. One of our favorite destinations is Estero in Binondo. I blogged about the place twice. You can find those posts here.

I searched for other bloggers who also made posts for Estero. I googled pictures and I found my own photo uploads in the search results. It made me happy because my blog is becoming searchable which I felt in one way or another, will increase my readership. After the small happiness, I found this

 A familiar photo!

If enlarged, this is how will it appear

Photo used without permission by Best Philippine Attractions

I made my first post about Estero last year and one of the photos I took and uploaded in this blog was this

Did someone just steal my picture?

I checked the site that apparently used my photo without permission or even an acknowledgement. The site as it appears is hosted by The BigNM and Links2Prosperity. 

I don't really mind if other people grab and use my pictures without permission. I am likewise not familiar with copyright laws so I don't even know if my blog is legally protected from such misuse. I admit, I also grab pictures from other blogs and websites. However, I don't claim ownership for the pictures. In effect, I link each source as my way of showing respect to the real owner.

My only request to those people who intend to use any of my photos is to identify my blog as the original source. 

I don't mean to be selfish here. A little respect in the form of acknowledgement would be enough.

Read More

In the middle of a busy work day, I found myself stealing office hours :), checking my blog and writing this post. Nominate me now for the most honorable employee of the year:)

In my desire to refresh and give myself a little breather, I ended up hearing and enjoying Ben King's Stand by Me. I love King's rendition, but I remembered a cuter version that never fails to leave a smile on my face.

Hope this makes you smile too.

• February 06, 2012
• Happiness

Just a Random Post: Smile

In the middle of a busy work day, I found myself stealing office hours :), checking my blog and writing this post. Nominate me now for the most honorable employee of the year:)

In my desire to refresh and give myself a little breather, I ended up hearing and enjoying Ben King's Stand by Me. I love King's rendition, but I remembered a cuter version that never fails to leave a smile on my face.

Hope this makes you smile too.

Read More

The solution for stress? DESTRESS! Loosen up, unwind, do the things that will make you happy. Teaching has been giving me some reasons to quit and it's not just because of the bulk of work. I have learned to handle deadlines and all the paper works. But when your principles and character that become tested, then there's another kind of tougher stress that lies ahead. Whew! This requires some great deal of decision making.

I started my "destressing"after my 8 am to 5 pm office job last Friday. I treated myself to a Hair Spa and finally, a Hair Cut. Although honestly, I'm not happy with my new look. The stylist made it shorter than I expected. But I have no point to complain now. Everything is done and what I can do is to wait till it grows again. If a member of the male populace is reading this then I would surely get one irritated. LOL Why make a fuss over a simple hair problem? :D

Before and After... how come before looks better?

The destressing activity wasn't over. Or did I just get more stressed with my hair?  I met my friend Anne this morning in our favorite mall. I treated my tummy to a much craved seafood pasta and mango crepe..heaven! Good food brings good mood! After our bulgy belly meal, we finally watched the US film version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I already watched the Swedish version of the film and sorry to say, I preferred it more. 

Though I wasn't happy with the movie, I had a great time with my friend Anne and I believe that matters more. Before Anne and I called it a day, I thought I am going to end up prudent and proud of not being able to buy anything...not until I saw this shirt

 Shopaholic hormones attack! 

Can you resist me? LOL Can't wait to wear this! 

Wishing everyone a great, happy and relaxing weekend!

• February 04, 2012
• Anne

Diane destresses

The solution for stress? DESTRESS! Loosen up, unwind, do the things that will make you happy. Teaching has been giving me some reasons to quit and it's not just because of the bulk of work. I have learned to handle deadlines and all the paper works. But when your principles and character that become tested, then there's another kind of tougher stress that lies ahead. Whew! This requires some great deal of decision making.

I started my "destressing"after my 8 am to 5 pm office job last Friday. I treated myself to a Hair Spa and finally, a Hair Cut. Although honestly, I'm not happy with my new look. The stylist made it shorter than I expected. But I have no point to complain now. Everything is done and what I can do is to wait till it grows again. If a member of the male populace is reading this then I would surely get one irritated. LOL Why make a fuss over a simple hair problem? :D

Before and After... how come before looks better?

The destressing activity wasn't over. Or did I just get more stressed with my hair?  I met my friend Anne this morning in our favorite mall. I treated my tummy to a much craved seafood pasta and mango crepe..heaven! Good food brings good mood! After our bulgy belly meal, we finally watched the US film version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I already watched the Swedish version of the film and sorry to say, I preferred it more. 

Though I wasn't happy with the movie, I had a great time with my friend Anne and I believe that matters more. Before Anne and I called it a day, I thought I am going to end up prudent and proud of not being able to buy anything...not until I saw this shirt

 Shopaholic hormones attack! 

Can you resist me? LOL Can't wait to wear this! 

Wishing everyone a great, happy and relaxing weekend!

Read More

If I would design my own workstation, I wanted it to be...
1. ergonomically designed from layout to interior design
2. uses daylight, but has enough tint to block the heat of the sun
3. provides a view of the city or if budget does not permit, a small zen garden will do
4. uses light colored paint
5. wide working table
6. discrete storage and wiring system
7. high ceilings
8. white or wooden tiled flooring

My current workstation is so plain and traditional. My everyday companion is a heavy wooden table where I have my LCD monitor, printer, telephone and all those scattered papers. Getting a workstation make over would always remain a dream as I am working to a non-profit organization.... a school :)  Comforts like these never become a priority. So just to perhaps satisfy my dream of finally owning my dream working niche, I searched and compiled the best workstations I have ever seen

Photo source here

The wide window glass panels, simple black and white theme, wide working table and the built in life size shelf, this is closer to what I call my dream work place.

Photo Source here

I am not really a fan of color pink but I appreciate the simplicity of everything here. A working table, enough drawers, floating shelves and the hanging organizers can replace the typical bulletin board in the workplace.

Photo Source here

A better alternative for office dividers or partitions, this style promotes more space and light can easily penetrate the  workplace.

Photo Source here

Talking about creativity and budget! Why not use wooden crates or panels, pile them together and voila! An instant and unique workstation.

Photo source here

Floating wooden shelves and a splash of refreshing green paint transforms a corner to a relaxing and inviting workstation.

Photo source here

I always love using white paint and furniture that will later be accentuated by other colorful pieces.

Photo Source here

White is not after all dull, boring and suited only for hospitals. It pairs well with other colorful pieces.

Photo Source here

In case, I will become the boss :D

White, wood, pieces of greenery and provision for natural light

Photo Source here

And if I were to choose my own desk, I wanted something unconventional and ergonomic

In case your office cannot move away with the partitions, why not make them one of a kind



Photo Source here

 

Photo Source here

And this almost took my breath away! 

Photo Source here

This unique and magnificent structure serves as the architecture studio of Selgas Cano in Madrid, Spain.
From the outside, this is how the office looks

Photo Source here

A workplace that marries nature and creativity! In case you wanted a break,



Photo Source here

Where fresh air and real natural environment are free and available anytime

All photos used in this post are not owned by the author. Sources are provided and linked below each picture.

• February 01, 2012
• places

Dreaming of a Workstation Makeover

If I would design my own workstation, I wanted it to be...
1. ergonomically designed from layout to interior design
2. uses daylight, but has enough tint to block the heat of the sun
3. provides a view of the city or if budget does not permit, a small zen garden will do
4. uses light colored paint
5. wide working table
6. discrete storage and wiring system
7. high ceilings
8. white or wooden tiled flooring

My current workstation is so plain and traditional. My everyday companion is a heavy wooden table where I have my LCD monitor, printer, telephone and all those scattered papers. Getting a workstation make over would always remain a dream as I am working to a non-profit organization.... a school :)  Comforts like these never become a priority. So just to perhaps satisfy my dream of finally owning my dream working niche, I searched and compiled the best workstations I have ever seen

Photo source here

The wide window glass panels, simple black and white theme, wide working table and the built in life size shelf, this is closer to what I call my dream work place.

Photo Source here

I am not really a fan of color pink but I appreciate the simplicity of everything here. A working table, enough drawers, floating shelves and the hanging organizers can replace the typical bulletin board in the workplace.

Photo Source here

A better alternative for office dividers or partitions, this style promotes more space and light can easily penetrate the  workplace.

Photo Source here

Talking about creativity and budget! Why not use wooden crates or panels, pile them together and voila! An instant and unique workstation.

Photo source here

Floating wooden shelves and a splash of refreshing green paint transforms a corner to a relaxing and inviting workstation.

Photo source here

I always love using white paint and furniture that will later be accentuated by other colorful pieces.

Photo Source here

White is not after all dull, boring and suited only for hospitals. It pairs well with other colorful pieces.

Photo Source here

In case, I will become the boss :D

White, wood, pieces of greenery and provision for natural light

Photo Source here

And if I were to choose my own desk, I wanted something unconventional and ergonomic

In case your office cannot move away with the partitions, why not make them one of a kind



Photo Source here

 

Photo Source here

And this almost took my breath away! 

Photo Source here

This unique and magnificent structure serves as the architecture studio of Selgas Cano in Madrid, Spain.
From the outside, this is how the office looks

Photo Source here

A workplace that marries nature and creativity! In case you wanted a break,



Photo Source here

Where fresh air and real natural environment are free and available anytime

All photos used in this post are not owned by the author. Sources are provided and linked below each picture.

Read More

Yes I confess, I am a stalker in my own ways. But! Allow me to clarify things first, my stalker mode only operates in the cyberworld. Facebook, Twitter, and Google are my ultimate crime buddies. And the people I stalk are limited to those who interests me. A crush (tee hee) and people I admire because of their humbled achievements.. they are my usual victims :D

And why I am suddenly talking about stalking? Allow me first to relate my recent experience.

I was browsing over my Twitter account last night after a long day at work. I have two Twitter accounts by the way. (No, I am not a Twitter addict, let me explain) I maintain a private and a public account. My private account are exclusive to my really close friends, those people who saw my cry cry crayola moments and have enough tolerance level to experience my immature rants. I opened a public account to accommodate my acquaiantances, colleagues and students. Instead of giving my mobile phone number, Twitter served as the next best communication tool.

Twitter randomly provides suggested people to follow. These people are usually found within your network, either you follow a common person or a number of your contacts follow them. Though I usually ignore this feature, I noticed familiar faces in my suggested list. Most of them were my students and this started the story.

Everything happened because of curiosity, I swear! I clicked the familiar faces I was surprised with the tweets or I should say rants and curses that I know were intended for me.

I was surprised but honestly, I never felt bad at all. I was on the contrary entertained by some of the words they used to describe the burden of taking my subject. I by the way handle Business Plan Writing subjects. In the entire stretch of the semester, my students write their Business Plan. Before the school year ends, they have to defend their paper to a three-man panel. I will not deny the fact that my subject demands a lot from my students. Business Plan Writing drains kids to the highest level. As their teacher, I really try my best to support them. I also spent sleepless nights reading and revising their papers. I monitor 13 groups which also gives me 13 papers to read and review everyday. When I review papers, I don't just write "revise" "change" "delete" and all those commanding words. I write, suggest and provide specific advices as to how they can improve their paper.

To be honest, I always have the option to become the lousy and lazy professor. I can easily say "I don't like the presentation of your market survey analysis. Change it!" I would rather say "You can still improve your Marketing Analysis. Generate and add the following tables. Expound your analyses by relating the responses to the market situation. You can start the discussion with..."

Having 13 papers to read is equally exhausting on my part. I also have to sacrifice sleep even during weekends. There were even instances when I have to forget my weekend life. I refuse to go out with my few and counted people who keeps me happy and holds the last strand of my sanity. As much as I wanted to look good and feel refreshed everyday, I can't. The lesser sleeping hours give me that lifeless and haggard look. This also explains why for the longest time, I am tagged as a boring, single and a great old maid in the making.

I know some of you will tell me that I am paid so I have no right to complain or explain. I acknowledge that fact. Your parents work hard to pay for your tuition fees, so you all deserve to receive the best education. If only some of you can take a peek to my malnourished pay slip, it might rattle off your senses. However, I believe that this profession does not work with money. Though we need to money to support our families, I can personally attest that the best teachers in the world are not formed and motivated by money. The greatest teachers are those who teach because of their love for the profession.

I always wanted to tell my students how I landed in teaching. When I graduated from college, all I wanted was to teach. Unfortunately, teaching gave me first taste of job rejection. I forgot teaching and moved on to another career. However, after I finished my MBA, the opportunity to teach came in. I wanted to teach not because of money. I wanted to teach because it was one of my dreams that was waiting to be fulfilled. 

I am not mad though. I wasn't really hurt by all those harsh words. I'm getting used to it. I also don't take things personally. So no worries about your grades :) I have learned to differentiate personal and work life issues.

My only wish is, for this semester will end soon (hehehe), everyone will pass the defense. Everyone will feel proud and accomplished on our last day. And when you look back at your college life 5 to 10 years from now, you will consider Business Plan Writing as one of your humbled achievements.

I would accept the pain of being tagged as a sore, loser and old maid in the making, if it means being given this rare, humbling and noble opportunity to become an instrument of building happy, accomplished and successful people.

• January 27, 2012
• life

This rare and humbling opportunity

Yes I confess, I am a stalker in my own ways. But! Allow me to clarify things first, my stalker mode only operates in the cyberworld. Facebook, Twitter, and Google are my ultimate crime buddies. And the people I stalk are limited to those who interests me. A crush (tee hee) and people I admire because of their humbled achievements.. they are my usual victims :D

And why I am suddenly talking about stalking? Allow me first to relate my recent experience.

I was browsing over my Twitter account last night after a long day at work. I have two Twitter accounts by the way. (No, I am not a Twitter addict, let me explain) I maintain a private and a public account. My private account are exclusive to my really close friends, those people who saw my cry cry crayola moments and have enough tolerance level to experience my immature rants. I opened a public account to accommodate my acquaiantances, colleagues and students. Instead of giving my mobile phone number, Twitter served as the next best communication tool.

Twitter randomly provides suggested people to follow. These people are usually found within your network, either you follow a common person or a number of your contacts follow them. Though I usually ignore this feature, I noticed familiar faces in my suggested list. Most of them were my students and this started the story.

Everything happened because of curiosity, I swear! I clicked the familiar faces I was surprised with the tweets or I should say rants and curses that I know were intended for me.

I was surprised but honestly, I never felt bad at all. I was on the contrary entertained by some of the words they used to describe the burden of taking my subject. I by the way handle Business Plan Writing subjects. In the entire stretch of the semester, my students write their Business Plan. Before the school year ends, they have to defend their paper to a three-man panel. I will not deny the fact that my subject demands a lot from my students. Business Plan Writing drains kids to the highest level. As their teacher, I really try my best to support them. I also spent sleepless nights reading and revising their papers. I monitor 13 groups which also gives me 13 papers to read and review everyday. When I review papers, I don't just write "revise" "change" "delete" and all those commanding words. I write, suggest and provide specific advices as to how they can improve their paper.

To be honest, I always have the option to become the lousy and lazy professor. I can easily say "I don't like the presentation of your market survey analysis. Change it!" I would rather say "You can still improve your Marketing Analysis. Generate and add the following tables. Expound your analyses by relating the responses to the market situation. You can start the discussion with..."

Having 13 papers to read is equally exhausting on my part. I also have to sacrifice sleep even during weekends. There were even instances when I have to forget my weekend life. I refuse to go out with my few and counted people who keeps me happy and holds the last strand of my sanity. As much as I wanted to look good and feel refreshed everyday, I can't. The lesser sleeping hours give me that lifeless and haggard look. This also explains why for the longest time, I am tagged as a boring, single and a great old maid in the making.

I know some of you will tell me that I am paid so I have no right to complain or explain. I acknowledge that fact. Your parents work hard to pay for your tuition fees, so you all deserve to receive the best education. If only some of you can take a peek to my malnourished pay slip, it might rattle off your senses. However, I believe that this profession does not work with money. Though we need to money to support our families, I can personally attest that the best teachers in the world are not formed and motivated by money. The greatest teachers are those who teach because of their love for the profession.

I always wanted to tell my students how I landed in teaching. When I graduated from college, all I wanted was to teach. Unfortunately, teaching gave me first taste of job rejection. I forgot teaching and moved on to another career. However, after I finished my MBA, the opportunity to teach came in. I wanted to teach not because of money. I wanted to teach because it was one of my dreams that was waiting to be fulfilled. 

I am not mad though. I wasn't really hurt by all those harsh words. I'm getting used to it. I also don't take things personally. So no worries about your grades :) I have learned to differentiate personal and work life issues.

My only wish is, for this semester will end soon (hehehe), everyone will pass the defense. Everyone will feel proud and accomplished on our last day. And when you look back at your college life 5 to 10 years from now, you will consider Business Plan Writing as one of your humbled achievements.

I would accept the pain of being tagged as a sore, loser and old maid in the making, if it means being given this rare, humbling and noble opportunity to become an instrument of building happy, accomplished and successful people.

Read More

After the long weekend break, I was very eager to start the week. I felt refreshed, optimistic and ready to accomplish everything. I started my office routine after my early morning class. I listed the tasks that needs to be done and checked my email. And that's it! In a snap, my entire day was ruined by a letter of rejection.

My positive outlook is gone.

Having my desktop computer and internet connection, I tried to divert my attention to other meaningful thoughts. Someone out there perhaps led me to this inspiring video clip


F is for FAIL from Brent Barson on Vimeo.

I hope the disheartening email only serves as a sign that I should consider another try, another hope to build another redeeming chapter of my life

• January 24, 2012
• inspirations

Redemption and Rejection

After the long weekend break, I was very eager to start the week. I felt refreshed, optimistic and ready to accomplish everything. I started my office routine after my early morning class. I listed the tasks that needs to be done and checked my email. And that's it! In a snap, my entire day was ruined by a letter of rejection.

My positive outlook is gone.

Having my desktop computer and internet connection, I tried to divert my attention to other meaningful thoughts. Someone out there perhaps led me to this inspiring video clip


F is for FAIL from Brent Barson on Vimeo.

I hope the disheartening email only serves as a sign that I should consider another try, another hope to build another redeeming chapter of my life

Read More

Kung Hei Fat Choi...... in case I have Chinese blog readers. :)

Today, the Chinese community is celebrating their own New Year. I don't have an inch of Chinese blood in my lineage. However, I grew up being exposed with their culture and traditions. For those who are not familiar with the history of my country, a significant number of our populace is comprised of the Chinese. During the ancient times, some Chinese migrated and ventured to different businesses in the Philippines. These Chinese men later found their stable livelihood and started to build their respective families here.

The dominance of the Chinese community later led to the establishment of the Manila Chinatown in Binondo.

It is believed that Manila's Chinatown is the oldest in the world. Situated in Binondo, this was established in 1594, when the Philippines was still colonized by the Spanish government.

Aside from discovering history and the culture of the Chinese, Binondo is famous because of the best Chinese restaurants in town. One of the restaurants I regularly visit with my friends is Estero. I already blogged about Estero in this post.

For those who regularly read my blog, you are more or less aware of our mini Chinese New Year tradition. Together with my few workplace friends, we visit Estero before the actual date of the Chinese new year.

Before we reach  Estero, allow me to share some pictures on the way to the place

The surroundings may not be too pleasing because Binondo is characterized by its narrow and busy streets. Since Binondo is a business district, expect the regular crowd of people that doubles during the Chinese New Year.

Stores selling different charms are always present in any street.

Here's how Estero looks like from the outside

It doesn't look so pleasing but they provide clean and airconditioned dining areas

Ambiance is definitely not a find in Estero. They compensate though for the best, clean and cheapest food in Binondo

Here's what we pigged out :)

From left clockwise, Calamares (Breaded Fried Squid), Shanghai Fried Rice, Breaded Beef in Oyster Sauce, and Buttered Chicken, all for less than Php 600!

I hope my blog friends abroad enjoyed this post. Most of you told me that you enjoyed reading something about my country. So here it is!

Wishing everyone a great week ahead! :)

• January 23, 2012
• Binondo

Another food trip for the Chinese New Year

Kung Hei Fat Choi...... in case I have Chinese blog readers. :)

Today, the Chinese community is celebrating their own New Year. I don't have an inch of Chinese blood in my lineage. However, I grew up being exposed with their culture and traditions. For those who are not familiar with the history of my country, a significant number of our populace is comprised of the Chinese. During the ancient times, some Chinese migrated and ventured to different businesses in the Philippines. These Chinese men later found their stable livelihood and started to build their respective families here.

The dominance of the Chinese community later led to the establishment of the Manila Chinatown in Binondo.

It is believed that Manila's Chinatown is the oldest in the world. Situated in Binondo, this was established in 1594, when the Philippines was still colonized by the Spanish government.

Aside from discovering history and the culture of the Chinese, Binondo is famous because of the best Chinese restaurants in town. One of the restaurants I regularly visit with my friends is Estero. I already blogged about Estero in this post.

For those who regularly read my blog, you are more or less aware of our mini Chinese New Year tradition. Together with my few workplace friends, we visit Estero before the actual date of the Chinese new year.

Before we reach  Estero, allow me to share some pictures on the way to the place

The surroundings may not be too pleasing because Binondo is characterized by its narrow and busy streets. Since Binondo is a business district, expect the regular crowd of people that doubles during the Chinese New Year.

Stores selling different charms are always present in any street.

Here's how Estero looks like from the outside

It doesn't look so pleasing but they provide clean and airconditioned dining areas

Ambiance is definitely not a find in Estero. They compensate though for the best, clean and cheapest food in Binondo

Here's what we pigged out :)

From left clockwise, Calamares (Breaded Fried Squid), Shanghai Fried Rice, Breaded Beef in Oyster Sauce, and Buttered Chicken, all for less than Php 600!

I hope my blog friends abroad enjoyed this post. Most of you told me that you enjoyed reading something about my country. So here it is!

Wishing everyone a great week ahead! :)

Read More