Saturday, January 30, 2010

Turn Off


We have a new rule at the office to turnoff the pc after using or if you knew that no one’s going to use it in the next few hours.

This commanded different reactions but I welcome the idea. Yes, it’s quite inconvenient to go extra early to prepare for our support tools but it’s a very small sacrifice for the environment which would eventually impact us. Unplugging devices is even much preferred.

This reminded me how filipinoes responded during “Earth Hour”. I am glad to share with pride that the Philippines is the top participant in the event even defeating Australia which propagated the event. More than 15 million Filipinos in 650 major towns and cities from distant islands participated. The Philippines alone saved 611 Megawatt-hours, "which is equivalent to shutting down a dozen coal-fired power plants for 60 minutes.

We may not be the top culprit with the cause of global warming but it is really good to know that we are cooperating to save this planet. We give our contribution because we are not only the stewards of nature but because it is us and our children’s children that would be affected by our actions.

*Earth Hour will continue to be an annual event held every last Saturday of March.

References:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090330-197055/Philippines-tops-Earth-Hour-2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090330-196884/RP-shines-in-dim-Earth-Hour

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Strut that stuff inmates

I can’t let it pass to give credit to the Cebu Inmates. I was thrilled to see them dance MJ’s “Nobody Cares About Us”.

We’ve seen them dance a number of times before but this is a whole new level. Really something big. The production, moves, cool This is it shirts.. galing!. It was no less than Michael Jackson’s choreographer (Travis Payne) who led this. In sync indeed. I wish Michael’ still alive, I would like to know his feedback. Surely, he would be happy to see this performance.

The number will be shown on CNN worldwide with Payne to be interviewed by Anderson Cooper. This would also end up as part of the DVD release of MJ’s swan song. No doubt this YouTube sensation really has gone international with 1.1 million views for “Thriller”.

I wonder what they are taking there but who ever started this idea, it was brilliant.

Travis shared that whenever Michael Jackson had time, he would access the Internet and watch the dances of the Cebu provincial inmates on YouTube.

He would literally run around the room smiling and giggling. It made him happy to watch the inmates dance to his music. Sony Entertainment undertook the project.

All this happened in two days (formation, dance, routines). Towards the end of Monday afternoon, the inmates gave an impromptu presentation of “Ben”. This came as a complete surprise to Travis and brought him to tears. He used his shirt to dry his face.

The dancing inmates were also featured in a published book “The Official Michael Jackson Opus”, a definitive photographic tribute to the King of Pop which was launched in Los Angeles, California recently.

As of this writing, their new video has 1,025,473 views.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKtdTJP_GUI&feature=player_embedded#

References:

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20070725-78735/%91Thriller%92_from_Cebu%3A_Pinoy_inmates_get_1.1M_YouTube_views

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20100126-249571/Inmates-star-in-Jacksons-Drill

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20100107-245985/Cebu-dancing-inmates-in-MJs-book

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Snatched


This is not about the Brad Pitt movie but what I experienced one Saturday night (Jan.23, 2010). I really have another thing in my mind for my next blog but this incident happened. Pardon me for not following my theme this time.


Here I am, trying uplift the image if Pinoys and cite the traits we can proud of but unfortunately, reality bites. There really isn’t a perfect community. Of course, it’s not true that ours is a land of thieves but there really are people who would taint our image and doesn’t really value the consequences of their actions.

Let this be a lesson to all commuters. What pisses me of is that I’m already aware of this tactics but lose that idea in that moment. So in a bus when you’re about to exit, be mindful of the people around you specially when someone in front had second thought of not going out (of the bus), the moment that happens, someone’s hand is sneaking in your things.

Right after I landed out of the bus (landed talaga), in a matter of less than 1 minute, I realized people surrounded me. I frisked my pocket. Checked my wallet, ATM and I can’t locate my phone. That happened in a matter of seconds. They’re a pro. So swift that you wouldn’t notice or feel that evil deed. I hope they would not burn in hell because I know they’re doing this to a lot of people.

I even called the attention of the person beside me when I’m about to exit the bus (one of those who surrounded me). I told him I lost my phone and asked to give it back. He told me the man in red is the pickpocket and that I don’t have any proof of the accusation. Yeah, sure you’re part of the group. What a way to temporarily fill-in their tummies.

I immediately went to the Sun office and had my number blocked. Good thing I could still retain my number, bad that I lost my contacts, my songs (pc was reformatted twice) and some details.

I posted in Facebook/Friendster about the incident and if by chance someone contacts them with my name/no. not to easily believe. Somehow their detail (number) was also stolen.

I hope this would be controlled and these people would realize the real value of hardwork.

Again to everyone, Ingat. I hope the bill below would have a bigger impact

http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2007/1106_gordon1.asp
Press ReleaseNovember 6, 2007
SENATE APPROVED GORDON'S ANTI-CELLPHONE SNATCHING BILL

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Haiti and the Pinoy Peacekeepers


And so the blogging begins.

I chose the UN Filipino Peacekeepers for my initial/official post because somehow there’s a connection. It’s my long time dream to represent the country in global arena, God willing that would happen and hopefully soon.

I believe it’s an honor to be part of the United Nations. It’s a prestige to be included in such international organization.

I am glad to know the report of Ambassador Hilario Davide Jr. (permanent representative to the UN) saying that the Philippines is up to the 23rd position in the list of the top troop and police contributing countries.

“We are proud of the fact that despite our limited resources, we were still able to fulfill our obligations as a member of the family of nations,” the envoy said.

This only proves the Philippines as a “responsible and reliable” peace-keeping partner.

It’s a pride that we are contributing to this humanitarian mission.

The world’s eyes are in Haiti now after the terrifying earthquake. A lot of stories are gathered as I watch the news. Sad, but it’s a relief knowing that many are concerned.

Here at home, we receive news that Filipino contingent is missing after the incident. Four of the 172 assigned soldiers and police are found dead as of this writing. These people did not die in vain. They died serving, doing their share in helping the country torn by conflict. They are representing the Philippines and our goal to help other nations in the best way we can.

A salute to all Filipino Peacekeepers. They really are Pinoychievers. Theirs and their families’ sacrifices are not forgotten.

References:
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100110-246585/RP-sends-more-peacekeepers-to-worlds-hot-spots---Davide

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542811&publicationSubCategoryId=63

For information about United Nations Peacekeeping, please visit:
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/

For latest information on the situation in Haiti, please see
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minustah/index.shtml

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Pinoy Achiever, are you? (Intro-About)


So here it is. I am not really a fan of blogs and rarely read one. But since we have this project, I am compelled to create one.

I thought this is just a fad. For writers. For those who like to broadcast their thoughts and experiences.

Looking further, it really has benefits (blogging). For the author and for those who would take time to visit and read it's content.

It's actually bit exciting starting your space on the net. Voicing out. It kills time and makes you think.

I already have a website, http://vjgonzaga.com a legacy of my very first supported product (MS-OL) but have not updated that piece for ages. Probably, I may not be good maintaining certain things. Hopefully, I could keep this up and/or resurrect my initial site.

So why did I chose Philippine success stories? It is because of the following:
* It seems there's a number of Filipinos who do not value their roots. Doesn't care much.
* That there's more in the Philippines than corruption, poverty and boxing.
* I want to promote the faceless pinoys who makes a difference. Be it a big or small contribution.

This is a channel relaying that Filipinos makes an impact - a positive impact. This should make us proud of who we are, give us hope and lead our direction to where we are going as people and as a nation. There are Pinoychievers - world class, concerned and a good example. All of us could be "pinoychievers". We all have a chance.. and it starts now.

A happy day to you!