10 foods I miss to eat, gobble, munch, devour, gorge back home

1.) Grilled Pusit
2.) Dried Pusit! My goodness, bring it on!
3.) (Ted's) Batchoy - Super special and please don't forget to add more chicharon. LOL!
4.) Inasal (Chicken and Pork) - counted as 1 only. hehehehehe
5.) Halo-halo
6.) Linagang baka
7.) Waffle dog
8.) Bulalo!
9.) Kaldereta
10.) Balut

OH, LIFE (part 1)

THE REAL WORLD

Oh my, here I go again. Just like the old days. I'm preoccupied by my work again and all I can think right now is how to finish them in time. Damn, just like the old days again.

I'm having a hard time coping up. This is serious. I need to slap my face a thousand times and step back to my real world.

Being busy is not an excuse for leaving my real world. This is the reason why untying the knot is almost impossible. I have not given much time to face my blunders.

PICKING UP THE PIECES

I know the solution is not here where I am right now. The broken pieces are miles away from here. I'm now beginning to lose the respect I have for myself.

Did I ran away? or the pressure was just too much to handle? I can't find the answers right now. All I have in mind is stand up for what I did. Be a man and stop acting like a moron.

THE RIGHT TIME

I know I bit more than I can chew. The best thing right now is face the fact. The question is when? I got all my chances before but I screwed it. When is the right time?

Things will never be the same again. I do not want the past to hunt me. The next time should be the right time and the last time.

WT Accommodation Chronicles (BoO-001)

HOW, WHY and WHEN

Hmmm. How did it happen? If my deteriorating mind serves me right, it was my boss' decision for me to stay at Wood Tech (sister company of Block Tech) staff's and worker's accommodation.

Why? I don't know the exact reason but I have 2 things in mind:


a.) It's because my boss will never approve the housing allowance that I was asking.

b.) It's because WT accommodation is home to a lot of Filipino's, so I will feel comfortable there.

Anyways, whatever the reason is, I am not interested to know anymore.

When? I think I transferred to WT last February 6, 2007, 3 days after I got back from a looonnnng vacation from the "Island of Depression", the one and only Iran's Kish Island. (I wrote an article/story about Kish months ago. I will post it here sometime next month)

THE FIRST FEW MONTHS

Damn dude, it was one hell of an adjustment period. I can say now that I'm done with that. I'm glad I was able to adjust in the nick of time.

The place is an epitome of loneliness. That is why you have to learn how to kill time or you will soon hear voices whispering in your ears. Hehehehe. My so-called Filipino neighbors are all working in WT, I am the odd one among the group but I was able to quickly adapt to their way of living. (Owwwwws?)

One typical Filipino trait is giving nicknames or monikers or aliases to a friend or even to an enemy. That is why I was not surprise to hear such aliases like "Big Man" (obviously because he is big), "Lakay" (dunno the reason why) "Abuhin" (again, dunno the reason) "Bansot" (no explanation needed) "Sablay" (reason not proven) "Talakitok" (???) and "Bingi" (ha??)

All in all, I am glad that I was able to survive the ride during the first few months. I just hope I can continue to get a good grip at the handles to avoid myself from falling down. Can you dig it? I hope so.

THE MAKING OF A GROUP

A month ago, a group or association was created among Filipino's staying in the WT accommodation. It was a good idea, excellent in fact. I salute the owner of that brainchild. That historic move is one way of putting everything in order. (Sorry dude, I said historic but you can't have your face printed on UAE bills)

The biggest question for me right now are the rules and regulations. I think it was copied (then edited) from someone else. The rules should come from the members of the group. one good way of doing it is to gather all the members, enumerate and propose rules and regulations. The rules should not come from a single person only. Lest you forget the word democracy. Then after the rules and regulations have been agreed (and signed) by everybody. Voting can follow a few days later or even after the signing of approved rules and regulations.

OF HEROES AND HEROINE

As what I have said, the making of the association is a superb idea but putting a tag line "Samahan ng mga bagong bayani" is funny, absolutely funny. I'm smiling right now, I can assure you. My point is, who will take you seriously for that? Good heavens, we are not children anymore. Filipino's are the worst critics in the world.

From what I know, "bayani" is the funny looking guy whom we use to see in Comedy films and sitcoms or the statues in Rizal Park and Edsa or the faces printed on Philippine peso bills. The Philippine government says that the OFW's are the bagong bayani's. Do you still believe that? Our government sucks.

Since I am talking about bayani's or heroes. I was thinking, what if we are really heroes? Hmmmmm. I can be Diego Silang, but instead riding on a horse, I'll be riding on a camel. Nyeheheheheh! or Spider-Man...................wait, If I will be Spider-Man, I can never swing from one building to another because I am here in Ajman. Nyeeeehehehehehehehehe! Can you dig it?

THE LEAGUE OF MODERN DAY HEROES

I'll be stepping hard on the gas pedal. BROOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Let's get things rolling. Close your eyes and ride with me. :)

What if, I mean just what if, some of the guys and gals in WT are really heroes? (Superhero or National hero?)

Hmmm. Okay, Big Man is "The Thing", Jonathan is "Human Torch", Emil is "Mr. Fantastic" No Invisible Girl. She will be in trouble if she stays along with the three. Of course, they will be called Fantastic 3.

Egay is "Batman" and Ramy will be "Robin", Melvin fits "Wolverine" and Golem is "Aquaman"

PJ can either be "Mighty Mouse" or "Captain Inggo" Nyehehehehe.

For the Gals, Aileen can be the first short-haired "Wonder Woman", Ellen can be "Storm", For Michelle, Eden and Riza, they are the "Power Puff Girls" Nyehehehehe. Megs will be "Catwoman" for the obvious reason that she loves to hug cats. Jerlyn can be the sultry "Elektra".

Ohhhhh. Don't worry, I will still be the camel-riding Diego Silang! Nyehehehehehe.

No offense meant fellas! Just smile. Chill!

Coming up: Accommodation Chronicles (BoO-002)

Sperm Facts! LOL!

As I was surfing the internet last week, I accidentaly (Believe me it was not on purpose) opened a website that contains these facts about Man's wiggly friends! LOL!

This one's for the all the Ladies out there! FYI! Read on.

Sperm Facts and Sperm Information
as reported by Gaia ChurchAccording to the Re/Search Guide to Bodily Fluids (Paul Spinard, 1994), the average man produces about 3.5 mL of semen per ejaculation whose nutritional value is:

• less than 1 calorie
• 150 mg. protien
• 11 mg. carbohydrates
• 6 mg. fat.
• 3 mg. cholesterol
• 7% US RDA potassium
• 3% US RDA copper
• 3% US RDA zinc
• 300 million spermatoza
  

(Someday men will have to have all this tattooed to the side oftheir hip, like a can of Coke or a box of Wheaties.)

It looks healthy enough per serving size, but when compared to breast milk (which has about 170 calories per cup), semen has about 40% more calories (about 230 calories per cup). High levels of fructose (fruit sugar!) is normal in the semen and this sugar comes almost entirely from the seminal vesicles.

More Fun Sperm Facts

For the "average" man, the ejaculate contains over 80 million sperm. In addition to the little wiggly things, semen contains (taken from several web sites):

• water
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• blood-group antigens
• calcium (yes, just like milk!)
• chlorine (add your own little contribution to cleanliness!)
• cholesterol (Is this the "bad cholesterol" or "good cholesterol"?)
• citric acid, creatine, deoxyribonucleic acid, fructose, glutathione, hyaluronidase, inositol, lactic acid, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (what do you know, these are good for fertilization too!)
• prostaglandins (fatty acids that, while not a hormone, perform hormone-like functions)
• purine, pyrimidine, pyruvic acid
• sodium (good to have, especially if you've been sweating a lot)
• sorbitol, spermidine, spermine
• vitamin B12 and zinc (you would think it's a multivitamin)

Random Sperm Facts

• Average volume of semen per ejaculation: 1-2 teaspoons
• Average number of times a man will ejaculate in his lifetime: 7,200
• Average total amount of lifetime ejaculate: 18 quarts
• Average speed of ejaculation: 28 miles per hour
• Its muscle drives nature's only known rotary-joint. The tail SCREWS, not whips. (no pun)
• Average number of calories in a teaspoon of semen: 7
• Average duration of orgasms: 4 seconds
• Average number of sperm cells in the ejaculate of a healthy man: 200 to 600 million
• Distance sperm travels to fertilize an egg: 3-4 inches
• Sperm lifespan: 2.5 months from development to ejaculation

Where will KB24 go?

I am a fan of the LA Lakers and there is no doubt that KB24 is one of my favorite NBA players. He's probably the best player in the NBA and even in the world today. His talent and basketball savvy is something to drool for. He is a fierce competitor who always brags about winning, he hates losing. Period.

After the Shaq-Kobe tandem which gave 3 championship rings for LA, everybody doubted if KB24 can bring the Larry O'Brien trophy to Lala Land again without the help of the 'Big Daddy' Shaquille O'Neal. Years had passed, Shaq got another championship ring in Miami while KB24's Lakers did not even reach the 2nd round of the western conference play-offs this past 2 seasons. In both seasons, they were eliminated by Steve Nash and the 'runnin and gunnin' Phoenix Suns. Now what's next for KB24? Months ago he made public that he wants out of LA and nothing can change his mind but had a change of heart after his coach, Phil Jackson persuaded him to stay. The team owner promised to give him the support he needs to make a good play-off run next season. Now he wants out of LA again. KB24's frustration about losing was evident when he made bad comments to GM Mitch Kupchak and LA center Andrew Bynum (Remember the infamous video?)(Mitch pulled off the Bynum-Jason Kidd trade last season)

Though the issue has calmed down and cooler heads prevailed, I cannot wait what will be KB24's next big move. We now all know that KG (Kevin Garnett) will never be in LA as he was traded to Boston already. There are few big names left in the market. Jermaine O'Neal expressed his desire to play alongside KB24 but I believe Jermaine's team, the Indiana Pacers will only trade him for Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum. LA I believe will not let go any of the two.

LA's salary cap is another problem. KB24's salary has eaten up most of the cap. If KB24 decides to stay in LA this season with the same cast of team mates, I will brace myself for another frustrating season. If KB24 decides to go to another team, LA can start rebuilding again. I know KB24 has no plans to be part of a rebuilding program. He wants to win now, not after 5 years when his legs are too weak even to make a bunny hop.

Where will KB24 really end up?

Kujo - My PSP

Eversince the world began, Errrr! Sorry! What I mean is eversince Sony released their own game systems, I became more addicted to video games. My fascination started with Atari then with Nintendo family computer until the released of Playstations' 1 & 2. I'm not much into Arcade games. I want to feel really comfortable while playing. A pack of chips and bottomless cola at my side while playing will make any boring day perfect. I can play from 5 to 8 hours without rest but I can only do that during day-offs (How I wish it will be everyday. hehehehe)

I remember when I and my brother used to sit 5 hours or more playing at game stations during the time when we still do not have our own PS 1. It is costly to play that long, not to mention the taxi fare (we usually play at night until 2 or 3 in the morning). When we we're able to get hold of our own PS 1, the frequent going out at night stopped and at last we are able to save money (from our daily allowance) but our electric bill sky- rocketed! (Sorry Mom!)

Before going here in the UAE, I was planning to bring my PS 2 which I bought from my best friend's brother. It's not brand new, but it was in excellent condition. Good as new. My plan did not push through because I decided to buy PS 3 instead once it will be released.

I spent months depriving myself of what I love to do. Life is boring here sometimes. You have to make your own way of entertaining yourself. So I decided to give myself a gift. I told myself that I deserve to have this because I spent a lot of boring months. My first plan is to buy a PS 3 but it was too expensive and I cannot bring it anywhere I want. So months ago, I opted to buy PS 3's little cousin, the Playstation Portable (PSP). At least with this little wonder, I can bring it anywhere I go.

I gave my PSP a name, I call my system Kujo. I have not modified it's software version yet as what other's did with their PSP's. Maybe if I can have the time, I'll do it sometime next month. This game system is amazing. Aside from playing games, you can listen to Music (MP3's and other specified formats), Watch Movie (MP4), store photos (Jpeg format), play Flash games, surf the internet and a lot more.

For now, my PSP gave temporary solution to boredom. I always tell myself, have no fear, PS 3, Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 are just around the corner.

Let's wait and see. . .

The Sunsilk Shampoo Dilemma

Some experiences are really hard to forget. When I first visited a supermarket (more than a year ago) here in the UAE to purchase some personal needs and other stuffs, I got dumbfounded when I reached the hair care section. Damn, the scene is surreal! Flashes of the past run through my mind. It's like going back to the good old days when I was in the Philippines. It was part of my job to check and ensure the availability and visibility of Unilever-made shampoos most notably Sunsilk shampoo in the Supermarkets.

After realizing that I am already in a different place (miles away infact), the clouds of sadness began to hover above my head. My body began to stiffen as if I was a dead man walking. Then "Puff!" I realized why I suddenly began to feel empty. It was because I remember all the things that I use to do in the Philippines for a living, the people whom I met and the experiences that I had. It was actually not the job (and the salary) to die for but who cares, if you enjoy what you do. Before I was working as a Supervisor but I can't feel that my salary is really meant for a Supervisor. Hahaha! It was a battle between satisfaction and happiness. You know, you can't have it all. Sometimes you are satisfied (with your job) but you are not happy (with your salary) OR you are satisfied (with your salary) but you are not happy (with your job) Am I right?

After staring at the displays for a period of time, I began to pick and smell some of the familiar brands that I know. I was like crazy smelling them one by one and telling myself if the one I'm holding has the same fragrance of what we have back home. "Smells the same", "Smells not the same", Smells the same", "Smells not the same" :). It's certainly funny and weird but I did enjoy myself doing that.

The way they display their shampoo on the shelve is a far cry of how we do it back home. I was then thinking, I really cannot blame myself for feeling this way because I did that thing for a number years. It became a part of my life.

As I was walking away from that section, I told myself to wake up and brace myself for the challenges that I will be facing ahead. Maybe I was only feeling home sick at that time and Sunsilk shampoo only reminded me of the past that is connected with it or maybe because it was one of the dominant figure in my life when I was back home.

Right now, I'm using a brand made by it's competitor to disconnect myself from plugging in to the past again because it just makes me wanna go home.

There is no problem with Sunsilk shampoo, It does not ruin your hair or make you bald or makes you insane. It is a dilemma for me and the reason is personal. I guess there is no reason for Unilever to sue me because of the title of this topic. Hehehehehehehe. Chill!