Quote Update

This should add up to something inspiring.

We all need difficult people to prove we could be better than them.
We all need bad days to prove we're strong.
We all need need time alone to realize who we miss and want to be with.
We all need to be scared once in a while, to experience bravery.

Season 2?

I think i should start writing here again. It's been already a month since starting my mba here in nyc.

Doing this now through a mobile app. Cool.

I should write something more profound.

Here we go...

I'm about to leave for the states. It's finally happening...

Here we go...

Reaction

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. - Viktor E. Frankl

A minor bump on the road

My student VISA wasn't approved last Friday. I lined up for three hours only to not get approved, which really got me down.

It was one of those dream threatening moments that really scared the shit out of me.

The only thing to do now is to get my shit together, beause dman that was scary.

Braces gone!

Today's a big day for me, kind of like a milestone in my life.

My braces are all gone!

Still it's a battle half won because I took it out early since I'm leavinfg for the states soon.

Still, a good day!

My first Magic tournament

That last post bugged me, but then I remembered that Saturday was an awesome day for me!

I joined a Magic: The Gathering Prerelease Tournament which featured cards from the new set Avacyn Restored. Kind of a geeky thing to do but I wanted to exeprience it and find out what cool stuff happens during those events. Honestly, I was super excited when I bought my ticket.

Before the event I had to get some tips from my bud Maki from the office. So we looked over the card list online and plotted out strategies. Yes, if you geek out, it better be ALL out.

So I arrived at the event a bit early and met up with Vinno from the office, who was also participating. He had friends with him so we stuck together and ended up being in the same division with each other.

We were given 6 packs each and given 30 mins to make a 40 card deck. My strong cards were mostly red and white so I made a deck out of those cards. Crazy pressure building the deck, 30 mins flies too fast.

Probably, the only six pack I'll have in my life

Round 1 was against a super intense guy (who brought his own magic mat). My hands were shaking during the first game. He used a red/black deck and outplayed me with his expereince (?). Anyway I lost the first game but won the next two which made me win the round. That guy was scary because you could smell the frustration he had when he was losing. We had to have a judge rule one of the events that happned to my success! Eat it!

Round 2 was against one of our group, who was also a noob in the event. He used a green/red deck which had bigger creatures. Again I won two out of three due to good draws and my nifty creatures. What was fun about that round was that it was when we were filling out this achievement sheet which makes us eligable for extra freebies. I even quoted flavor text to get an achievement. So the Helvault which held the goodies was opened in this round and I got me a giant card!

Awesome art on an awesome card

Round 3 was against another of our group, but this guy was more experienced. He also used red/white but had cooler cards. I managed to sneak one win but lost the round. That was the end of my winning streak. The organizers gave free dice and tokens during that round which made me feel better.

Round 4 was a consolation round and I was against some dude who used green/white. What I felt weird was he insisted to shuffle my deck even after I shuffled it. Shuffler. Again, I won one but lost two against his bigger creatures. Maybe I was tricked with master shuffling.

At the end of the event, I went home with two more packs (my prizes), cool freebies and a fun memory of a really geeky day.

I think everyone should have days like these and geek out in their own way.  

Age rage at the carpark

Something crazy happened today. As I was getting out of my car, I accidentally hit the next car with my door. Nothing intentional, my hand slipped.

Out comes this guy who's in his 40's or 50's raging out on his bare feet. He shouted at the lady in his car (his wife?) for his slippers which he wore outside. He starts swearing and pointing at me for hitting his car. He even made me open my door again to see where it hit. There was a scratch but those which you could easily wipe off with your fingers, which I saw he did.

I was apologizing but all I was receiving from him was "PI mo". He was asking why I was in a hurry and that he would pay me back for what I did. He even asked if he scratched my car, would I get him back for that.

At that point, I realized this was not going anywhere, I said no and apologized again. I left my car there with him giving the benefit of the doubt that he had some goodness hidden in that fugly exterior.

I expected to see my car uncratched when I came back to it because maybe it was just an anger spurt old people have. Maybe maturity would kick in and replace age rage. When I came back, there it was. Fresh scratch.

What pissed me off was how low that guy went to, just to feel better. I so wanted to scratch his car back but then, that would just make me him. I left it go, plus I wasn't even sure if that was still the same car beside me. Funny how that could have ended up as a chain of car scratching.

Going home, a lot of different scenarios played off in my head on how I could have handled that better, a majority of them involving what to do with his car. And if majority of that invoved revenge, then I'm glad I played out the way I did.

I don't believe anyone deserves to be sweared on, even if it that person has wronged you. Hate it when someone at an advantage uses it to abuse others, just to make themselves feel better. All respect I had for that guy went to zero once that first swear came out. That guy clearly has issues (I hope them to be bedroom related).

I feel sorry or his wife in that car, seeing her husband blow his top off, there even so much "top" to blow off. And if his wife disturbingly enjoyed that, I feel sorry for their kids. Dealing with that shit at home must be terrifyingly annoying.

If he's that kind of person, maybe his car deserved to get hit.

Gunther

It's always sad when good people pass away. It's probably why it's always so when dogs move on, because they're always good people. Gunther was big and crazy but he was always one of the best.

You will be missed brother.

I20 Delivery Option

So my I20 form is ready for sending and I had a choce between 4-6 weeks delivery or 8 working days delivery. I played the rich kid card and used the express delivery.

It cost me $55, which now that I think about it, pains me, physically.

All in the name of this adventure I have this year.

Holy week

Dropped Anj at the airport yesterday. She's been here a week for holy week vacation. It was a short week but still a lot happened. She reserved a house at Nuvali for her parents which is super cool. I don't know who else can say that. Anyway, aside from the trip to Sta. Rosa, it was a steady weekend.

What's cool about this holy week was we were able to spend it with our families and not out on some vacation partying with friends. I think I've leveled up that way too, because as much as it's fun to party, nothing beats staying with family.

Anyway, felt bad seeing her go again. It's always a heartbreaking moment when she goes back to Singapore.

On difficult people

We all need difficult people to prove we could be better than them.

Weak?

"A man is never too weak or too wounded to fight, as long as the cause is greater than his own life" - Oenomaus, Spartacus: Vengeance.

On bad days

We all need days like these to prove we're strong.

Waybills and apartments

Tracked my document package at DHL and I found out that the package was delivered two weeks ago already. I wonder why I haven't got a reply from Fordham about my ID number and their receiving of the documents. Kind of makes me paranoid about my application.

Sent out my reservation request for the campus apartments. Hope that pushes through. Glad I have a back up plan with my boss' apartment which he wants to rent out. It's a bit more but for a bigger place. I'm thankful I've got options for this. I'd like to think this is niceness being paid off.

Not a good day

Three things:

So I had a dream today that I was in this office field trip and had to crap in some shady place. The only toilet was in this house with no walls around it. Plus there were ghosts or something all around and that made crapping much much more stressful.

Woke up from that crappy dream to find out one of my college friends separated with her husband. So sad because they got two kids already. I don't usually judge other people's relationships but that is just all kinds of messed up. Hope she gets through this awful stage in her life though.

Lastly, I once again have sore throat. I don't know if i caught it from someone in the office or the super cold aircon. Again, this is all kinds of messed up. I can't think of another way to describe it and my brain's too tired to think of anything.

Here's to hoping tonight will bring a better day tomorrow.

Goals, requirements and a bonus

For some reason I was updating my drawing post yesterday other than this one. I have a feeling that this one should be more important. Still drawing is fun. Part of my goals this year is to finally write (or even draw up) a fictional story.

I feel everyone should have their try in writing something. You'd be surprised what you think of when you write.

In other news, I've send some requirements over to Fordham so that I can get this other form which will help me get my student visa. Things are getting real-er by the minute, it's scary.

I also got my performance bonus yesterday. Pretty hefty amount indeed. Still thinking what I'd get myself, but I'm already set back a few dumb purchases already. One thing's for sure, I'd really want to treat my family to something. It will probably be pizza since everyone's too busy to go out, but pizza ain't a bad idea.

Caterpie

It was a stressful day at work and a payday yesterday. I don't know if that justifies me buying these guys.


Rumble and Frenzy

If a journey...

of a thousand miles begins with a single step, every memorable one begins with a single mistake.

Don't be afraid...

...of an unclear future.

That's the best thing about it, you can make it what you want it to be.

Things you own

Scratches, dents and marks on your things only mean they're yours.

Be you

I don't get why people are afraid. Sing, dance, draw and write. Those people who laugh at you will one day want to be you. If that's not what they're doing right now.

Birthday shopping

Remember the story of my dad getting me a birthday gift last year? Well, he did it again. Pretty nice of him to spend Sunday morning taking me to the mall with my brother and his kid. It was 3 generations of family bonding.

I'll admit it was different from last time because this time, I didn't know what to ask for. So I went for default Gundam model kit. It was one I wanted for a long time though so it was an awesome gift.

Oh yeah MG Sandrock Gundam!

This just shows what kind of dad I want to be in the future.

Google Summit 2012

This past week was crazy. We had visitors from Google and everything was about meetings and presentations. Clients were asking about things we were doing and how we could improve our work. Some slip ups and missing processes were highlighted and that got us all stressed out. We had to make changes in what we do because it looked like we weren't doing too well of a job.

That's when we had a butt kicking pep talk from our bosses. What we were doing was actually right. We were the best vendor they had and always delivered most often than not, stellar work. Any problems they point out is actually gold because we are being pointed into the right direction for improvement. Most clients won't even point out what we're doing wrong. We needed that pep talk because it put some confidence in us to make it through the week.

In the end, things turned out okay. My perspective of nothing-but-complain clients was changed into a cooperative kind because what everyone really want in the end is to deliver. It's hard to see it in this light but when you do, things just run smoothly.

10 things I've learned during this visit:
1. Never say "I think..."
2. If you don't do it, just say so and say what you plan to do about it.
3. If you don't have it, say so and when you'll give it to them.
4. Clients that complain highlight improvement points.
5. Reading the participants in the room (who doesn't like who), and how to use it.
6. Keep discussions within the topic.
7. They are people too, find out what they like doing.
8. Powerpoint whatever you have. Short ones are best.
9. Keep handy data handy.
10. Keep a killer karaoke song handy.

Pic from our last dinner.

Potlucks and pasts

Blockmate potluck was a success! Not everyone was able to go but a good enough number of old college friends were able to make it to my house for a late dinner.

Marjoe, Pepe and fiance Mabeth, Kat, Jabs and me.

It's funny how most of what we talked about were how other people were. I guess that's the fun with catching up with people. Old stories are always fun to talk about especially the most embarrasing ones. I'm glad I can laugh about them now.

I'm also glad that I haven't lost the will to make new memories and live an awesome life. These new memories add up to the old ones and add up to a great story. I hope everyone never forgets that.

A profound cardholder

I found this in a Korean bookstore. 

The writing says...

"As you think, you travel
and as you love, you attract.
You are today where your thoughts have brought you.
You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."

Insight from a Korean Drama

"Don't be discouraged by things not progressing quickly. If you go slowly, there's more to learn along the way than someone who goes faster than you. If you were to ask me who wins between the two, I'd say the one who goes slowly but experiences more."

Have to admit these lines from the KDrama "Dream High" made me feel a lot better.

Quiet birthday

Turned 29 last monday. Kinda quiet for one of my birthdays because I had to work and was tired from all the celebrations and trips. I got myself a real cool journal since it's fun having to read one when it's done. Plus I feel stuff's more personal inside because it doesn't get shown here. Still, I'll post some profound stuff I write in there.

Mighty journal.

Spent our 3rd year anniversary with Anj in Korea which was very cool. Was able to come back and celebrate my birthday with family too. Glad to be able to do as much as I could during my one week leave.

Now all I have to do is celebrate with friends. I plan to organize some get togethers soon.

Mighty Moments 2011 pt. 2: Catching up and moving forward

Now it's on to the awesome fun memories of 2011. Each of them memorable in their own way.

Here we go...

10. Boracay with high school friends
This trip also shares a moment with with the worst list but what was made this trip momorable was that it was the one of the very few we had since we graduated. This might actually be the first. We had an awesome time with beach, food, drinks and rolling down a hill in a zorb ball. Not much compares with catching up with high school friends.

Where we had crixus the crab.

 9. NBA, WWE and mouse catching with Franco and the siblings
It's not that often that my siblings and cousin Franco find the time to play video games like we did back then. Everyone's busy with their lives but each time we get together for some NBA or WWE, childhood comes back and it's amazing. One of those times became extra memorable because included in one of those gaming sessions was catching one of my brother's white mice that got loose. That was a crazy crazy night. 

8. Got a chance to teach
I think everyone dreams of teaching once in their lives and thankfully I was able to do so more than once in Wideout. I was part of the people who facilitated our management training program and sharing what you know is always cool. Also, it's really true that you actually learn a lot as well from the people you teach. I hope other people have a chance to teach others as well.

7. Watched a Man U game with Man U hooligans
In Bankgok with Anj, we found a Manchester United bar and lucky us, there was a championship game between Man U and Barcelona that night. We have dinner early and this place gets packed with Man U superfans. The energy that was in that bar that game was so high and contagious. People who go crazy about something they like are really awesome. Man U lost but still fun night.

A bar of red.

6. Had a chance to do Charity work
I've never done a big charity in a long time and when the opportunities came up to help the unfortunate, I was glad to accept. One involved me donating old shoes for kids who had no shoes, and I donated some shoes that meant a lot to me. Another was to join a birthday party for special kids, and their smiles during the event were priceless. Both events really worth it.

The best McDo party I've been to.

 5. Wore the best costume I ever had for halloween
My robin costume for this year was really cool. It was so good I wore it twice and even won our costume contest. I was so into Halloween this year. The real fun thing about it was that I got to have a great time while looking silly. Somehow wearing that costume taught me that if you're having fun, whatever anyone thinks about you does not matter.

Batman and Robin.

4. Another Pantangco boy enters the world
My brother had his second kid this year and named me one of his godfathers. Although this is clearly a sign that I'm getting old, this was a big plus because another individual is added into our family. New life should always be celebrated and we are happy to have Matteo as the newest Pantangco.

Matteo Manuel.

 3. First time I saw real snow
I can't describe how magical it feels to see snow for the first time. To hold a glob of ice and make a snowball is something everyone should do once in their lives. Anj and I were lucky to experience this in our Korea trip. Being in a place so diferent from the Philippines covered in white was so surreal, and was something we would never forget.

Snow!

 2. I got accepted into an MBA program in NY
2011 was the year I was back at my old work and I always doubted if that was a right decision. Just when I was losing momentum with my plan to take an MBA, I get a letter of acceptance from Fordham Univeristy in New York. That letter just made this year feel like I was doing things right. I had a great experience going back and now have a path set at another experience in 2012.

1. Dad bringing me out to buy a birthday gift
Not exactly something you do at 28, but this really brought back good memories. After my birthday my dad brings me to the toy store to buy me a gift. Heartwarming not only because my dad wanted to get me a gift, but also because it made me feel one of the best childhood experiences. And this also made me realize what kind of dad I want to be in the future.

My bithday gift.

So those were my best memories of 2011. It was a pretty good year for me now that I think about it. I was able to have a lot of trips, meet up with lots of friends and enjoy a lot of experiences. And I feel it's prepared me and given me perspective on how to live out 2012. Keep learning, focus on family, be adventurous and give back. If live it out that way, then 2012 year will surely be great as well.

You were a mighty year 2011. Thank you.