6/29/05

I'm Sorry...


GMA
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

Have you seen the footage of GMA when she gave her statement last Monday? I personally don't know if I would still believe her after all the things that have been said. She said on her statement that she was anxious to protect her votes and admits that she talked with alot of people, including COMELEC (Commission on Elections) official, Garcillano. I do admire her for her courage to admit what she did although she still denies that the elections was rigged.

Here's an article from The Manila Times regarding the said interview.

FINALLY breaking her silence, President Arroyo apologized Monday for talking with an election official about her hopes for a million-vote margin in last year’s election, calling it a lapse in judgment.

But the President said she did nothing wrong and would not resign.

In a nationally televised speech, she appealed for unity as she addressed the three-week-old political crisis over the wire­tapped phone conversation that has sparked calls for her to resign with five years still left in her term.

“I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment,” Mrs. Arroyo said somberly as she looked into the camera. “I am sorry. I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter.”

Opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson was not persuaded by the President’s explanation. “Now that she has authenticated [the tape], she must vacate,” Lacson said minutes after Mrs. Arroyo’s speech.

He said the President’s admission has left more questions than answers. “Lalo kaming na­li­lito sa kanyang pag-amin sa unang pagka­kataon. Ang maliwanag na lumahok siya sa pan­da­raya [We’re more confused now that she has admitted; what is clearer is that she has participated in rigging the election],” Lacson said.

Environment Secretary Michael Defensor said MalacaƱang expects from the opposition a barrage of tirades against the President.

“[Her admission] will be acceptable to the people, but I am sure the opposition will have the second chapter to this issue,” he said. “Believe me, those who want to boot the President out of MalacaƱang will make another telenovela out of this.”

The President went on: “I take full responsibility for my actions. To you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by this event, I want to assure you that I have redoubled my efforts to serve the nation and earn your trust.”

She said she had made progress in her re­form agenda and asked the people to move on.

“I want to close this chapter and move on with the business of governing.”

In her television address, Mrs. Arroyo did not categorically say she was the woman in the audio recordings.

It was far from clear whether her statement would appease the opposition and leftist groups that have allied against her and held street protests. Several congressional committees began hearings last week on the wiretapped tapes.

6/28/05

I should get a life!


Roasted Peanuts
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

With a cup of roasted peanuts on my right hand and ipod on my left I go through the rest of the night working for this call center in Ayala. Well what more could I ask for? I don't get to feel the heat of the afternoon sun and I get paid just by talking to people half away across the world.

Yeah right! Working for a call center has been my life for more than 3 years now and I've decided to end it. It has it's advantages as well as it's disadvantages. Call Center life is definitely a lifestyle changing career and if you're not really meant for it I suggest you don't try it.

I guess the reason why people specially young individuals go for call center jobs is because it pays more than what an ordinary paying job could offer. Some would think that it's something that you could be proud of... To think you get paid just by talking to someone on the phone or chatting with someone to resolve their issues.

Yeah call center life is good when you still enjoy it and if the management that runs the company is not just profit but as well as employee centered.

I wouldn't think twice working for another call center after this job but I would try to be more picky with the call center I'll invest my time and my lifestyle in.

Damn I really need to get a massage! Hehehe!

Let the countdown begin... 17 days to go before I leave this company.

6/26/05

iPod Shuffle


iPod shuffle
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

Just got another wish granted! I'm now a proud owner of this cool gadget and I'm having so much fun with it!

Simplicity is definitely in thanks to this small gadget.

Here are some info about the iPod Shuffle...

Apple's first flash MP3 player drops LCD screen and complicated controls in favor of simplistic 'song shuffle' style. Basically, iTunes' AutoFill randomly picks 120 songs for you during sync from your favorite playlist. iPod shuffle also recharges via USB, and doubles as a 512MB USB flash drive as well.

Pros: Stylish; no learning curve; excellent endurance factor, on par with system-grade flash memory.

Cons: Overly simplified process of random song selection; slow transfer speed; difficult to tell volume level.

Verdict: The Apple iPod shuffle is affordable and stylish, yet iTunes' AutoFill function needs some more work.

As the most simplistic portable audio design we've seen to date, the Apple $99 iPod shuffle will appeal to music fans who are less enthusiastic about exploring the functionality on a feature-bloated audio player and/or more concerned of the state of their bank balance.

iPod shuffle - a Screen-less MP3 Player?

What catches you eyes the most on the iPod shuffle is perhaps the lack of features. At the peak of technology convergence, it seems rare to find a MP3 player with no provision of a screen, voice recorder, FM tuner and even equalizers, all of which are present on the all-in-one competitors from Creative, iRiver and Samsung. But minimalism is what Apple iPod shuffle is all about, whether you like it or not is another story.

There is just one circular control with great tactile feedback on the main side of the player, which handles the volume adjustment, navigation and play/pause. The "Hold" is toggled on and off by holding the circular play button for 3 seconds. When you press on the buttons, the hidden LEDs will blink to indicate an activity. Most buttons are very self-explanatory so the provided Apple cheat sheet may probably be unnecessary, but it is a nice touch for less tech-savvy.

Shuffle at work

With a regular flash memory-based MP3 player, you either export an entire playlist and select songs individually into the device. With iPod shuffle, you simply hit Autofill - an exclusive iTunes 4.7.1 or later feature - to have the jukebox software picking out songs for you at random or in their original order from a playlist or the entire library. Unfortunately, iTunes needs a smarter selection criteria, because you don't have much control over what may get picked besides telling iTunes to choose higher rated songs more often.

6/25/05

GreenZap The New Money


GreenZap
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

Greenzap.com online payments

If you guys haven't heard of Greenzap yet and do alot of purchases over the internet try checking it out at www.greenzap.com

Just by openning a free account and putting a referrer's id you automatically get $25. Not bad for a free account.

If you want put ayan2005 as your referrer so you could get that free $25 on your webcash account.

Check their website for more details.

With a GreenZap online payments account, you can send money to anyone. And once they open their account, they'll find a little something from us to get them started - $25 in FREE WebCash.

6/24/05

Kineda Asian Blog Directory


kineda
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

Hey guys... this site is featured at Kineda's website... Check it out here.

What is the network?
The Kineda Network is a member supported, non-profit network created as an inspiration guide for Asian bloggers around the world.

Why join?
The Kineda Network aims to promote, inspire and bring order to one of the fastest growing web audiences on the Internet. Joining the network puts your blogging in front of millions of eyes each month, helping to expose your blog to a much larger audience.

6/23/05

Models Org


What is MODELS?

MODELS: Developing individuals, communities and the world.

MODELS, An acronym for "Media Organization, Development, Enhancement and Leadership Structure."

Together, we pursue our mission: To contribute to the development our countries and the world through each individual.

In pursuit of this mission, MODELS facilitates personality development programs between its members. MODELS aims to provide an environment promulgating and integrating the values of academic institutions for members to discover and develop their potentials by providing personality development workshops, seminars, conferences and interscholastic linkages in an international and local platform.

6/21/05

IdealModels

We are currently looking for Male and Female models for our new Modeling Agency. If you think you have what it takes please don't hesitate to send your pictures and stats / info to ayan.deato@gmail.com

The name of the agency is IdealModels located in FBR Arcade building right infront of The Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan QC. We will also be launching our company website soon.

If you pass our online screening we will schedule you for an interview ASAP.

Thanks!

Events, Fashion, and Talent Management


As I've said in my post Goodbye eTelecare, resigning from my current job was a decision that was so difficult for me to do. There were so many things in my mind that time. What's gonna happen to me? What if I made the wrong move? What if I end up feeling sorry for myself in the end?

So many questions so many fears, but in the end it all sums up to the question "AM I STILL HAPPY?"

Now, looking back at that decision I made, I feel more assured that what I did was the right thing. I can't stay in a job that I don't like. I can't continue fooling myself that things are gonna be better. I know it would sound to mushy but I can't stop fearing for the worst. I got so used to the corporate life after working as a regular employee for so many years. But in life we have to make a decision... something that will change our lives as we know it.

I got a call from a friend the other day who offered me a job as a PR Manager for his new Talent Agency. I thought the idea was great and that I would love to work with my friend and do something that I like doing. The other day while surfing the net at Robinson's Galeria an old friend who owns a modeling agency approached me out of nowhere asking me if I'm still interested to be one of their models / talents. This morning I got a call from a friend who's into events and marketing asking me to head an event scheduled on July and will run until August. Oh I forgot I still have my pending work as a host in this cruise ship bound for Asia.

I guess resigning is the best thing I ever did... and there's no turning back.

I can't stop but smile and look forward to my new life... Wish me luck!

6/20/05

Make Poverty History


MakePovertyHistory
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

Every single day, 30,000 children are dying as a result of extreme poverty. This year, 2005, we finally have the resources, knowledge and opportunity to end this shameful situation.

That's what this website is about. Join the band of people who are taking action to make poverty history. It only needs to take you a matter of minutes every month, but it will help us to literally change the world.

If this is your first visit to the site these are the 3 things you should do - join us now, get a white band & find out more.

Free and Commercial Hotspots



I'm trying to make a list of the different hotspots here in the Philippines.
And here is a short list of free and commercial hotspots I gathered from the web.

Free HotSpots
1. Cyberzone, SM Megamall Building B (Philcom)
2. Jollibee, branch in Cebu beside Holiday Plaza (Dominion FREE)
3. Baywalk - in front of Max's Resto (EG 6 FREE)
2. Mabini cor. Salas (linksys FREE)
3. Shell - Magallanes (linksys FREE)
4. Starbucks Greenbelt 3 near the lagoon
5. Mobile 1 Park Square Makati (FREE)
6. Palm Store Glorietta 4th Floor (FREE)
7. Starbucks G4 (FREE_
8. McDonald's Lacson, Bacolod (FREE, but testing lang yata when i tried)
9. Manila Peninsula (FREE)
10. Shargri-la Hotels, main lobby. (FREE) - ibang IP block, i think from US.
11. University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) - lobby, lumalampas hangang parking... (FREE)
12. BaanG Coffee, Timog (FREE)
13. Ashcreek, Madison Street corner Ortigas Avenue (FREE)
14. The Podium (FREE)
15. Pier One, The Fort (FREE)
16. Glorietta Makati e-Lounge (FREE)
17. Chef and Brewer Bar and Restaurant, Emerald Ave., Ortigas Center (FREE)
18. Pier One, Boracay (FREE)
19. Nebit - Central Park Subd. Matina, Davao City (Free)
20. BlueGRE - Pryce Business Park, JP Laurel Avenue Bajada, Davao City (Free)
21. Bastis Brew- Victoria Plaza, JP Laurel Avenue Bajada, Davao City (Free)

Commercial HotSpots
1. Seattle's Best, E. Rodriguez (NOT FREE)
2. PAL Airport departure (NOT FREE)
3. Seattle's Best / Kenny Rogers, Katipunan, Ateneo (NOT FREE, airborneaccess din)
4. ADMU Faura Hall (student and faculty access only)
5. DLSU (student access only)
6. UP Diliman (student access only)

If you guys know more please feel free to post a comment here.
Note: This list is for the Philippines only.

6/19/05

Thank you eBay.ph


D-Link Air
Originally uploaded by AyanD.

Had the opportunity today to try out eBay.com.ph and got myself a WIFI card for my laptop. I guess the reason why I never tried it before is because I'm just not so used to dealing or transacting with people or doing business online but I told myself what the heck?

Anyway I got inspired to try it myself because most of my friends have tried bidding online at eBay and they got cool stuff for half of the market price so I told myself it's time to try it.

I tried creating an account at eBay last week and made my first bid 5 days ago or so and believe me it's really fun and at the same time addictive because you're thinking that someone might outbid you. Especially if you really like the item.

Anyway I won the bid and got the product today and really am very pleased with the wireless card I got. Plus got to go online for free at the podium using their wireless access.

Check out the specs here:

Product Description

D-Link, the industry leader in wireless networking, introduces the new and improved DWL-650, part of the D-LinkAirTM family of award winning wireless products. The DWL-650 is a 32-bit Wireless Cardbus Adapter capable of transfer data with a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 11Mbps*, giving you the ability to connect to a wireless network at home, at the office or at wireless hotspots. Now, with the DWL-650 in your notebook PC, you can stay connected wherever you are and wherever you go.

The DWL-650 is Wi-Fi compatible, meaning that it can connect and interoperate with other 802.11b wireless routers, access points and adapters. With its quick and easy installation along with driver support for Windows XP, 2000, Me, and 98SE; the DWL-650 ensures that you will be up and running on a wireless network in just a matter of seconds. Now, you can have wireless connection over standard 32-bit cardbus architecture for optimal performance capability. The DWL-650 also features up to 128-bit WEP encryption to provide a level of security for information that you wirelessly transmit.

Using its default settings, the DWL-650 automatically connects to other D-LinkAirTM products as soon as its active.

6/14/05

No more GIMIKs

So I haven't had the chance to go out for the longest time. Not that I'm complaining or what since it's my choice.

I guess everyone gets to a point when staying at a friend's place talking about total nonesense and updating each other with your stories until you get bored, or having coffee with your special someone and staring at each other without uttering a word, or just simply watching a movie with your family could feel more relaxing than going on an alcohol frenzy at a bar on a Friday night (or any night for that matter).

Been so happy with the fact that things are going great for me and my friends. Uma is gonna have a show on TV which will start airing July 28 called Club TV with Tim Yap, Lora, and Gary Valenciano's kid (I forgot his name). Rose got the job as a member of Speed (an all girl dance group with regular gigs in Club TV and SOP) and I got the job at the cruise ship and most probably be leaving for Malaysia August or September (once I finish processing all these paperworks and damn requirements! Arg!)

Who knows what the future holds for all of us but at least the futures seems to be bright for me and my friends. But I know I will miss them so much when I leave the country. I also hate leaving behind my family but I guess it's something that we must do to experience what life has to offer for us. I also miss seeing my friends from Guam Kin, Benita, Ron and the rest. I wish I could pay them a visit instead of just them always going here in the Philippines. Who knows maybe I'll be able to go there sooner than expected. For now I just wanna take one step at a time... enjoy life... live it to the fullest... hey I'm young I should be happy. :)

6/13/05

Goodbye Etelecare!

Finally I made up my mind... I'm resigning from my current job in Etelecare. I just passed my resignation letter last night which will take effect starting July 15.

It was really hard for me to decide since I had to consider so many things but I guess when it's time to leave, it's time to leave.

I made a list of the things that I will miss and won't miss working for Etelecare in no particular order... Etel and ex-Etel employees will agree with me on this for sure. Hehehe!

Things I will miss working in Etelecare:

(1) My friends - people come and go but the friendship will always remain
(2) My boss - I was lucky to have worked with 6 supervisors in the span of my stay in the company but only 4 made a mark and really made me feel at home... Thanks to TL Victoria, TL Jenny, TL Mandy, and TL Vera for the time and the lessons you taught me.
(3) Unlimited Ice Tea and Coffee in the pantry
(4) Home-made sandwiches / Tacos / Burritos / Steak with mashed potatoes from my favorite "tindera" at the 21st floor of CC3
(5) Walking to and from work from my condominium
(6) Working out at Fitness First Eastwood or Makati and rushing to work after
(7) Team and Company GAs with my co-workers... Astoria, Puerto Galera, Batangas, Laguna, Tagaytay etc.
(8) Checking my ATM every 15th and 30th of the month for my salary (heheheh!)

Things I won't miss working in Etelecare:

(1) Sleeping in the morning and working at night
(2) Not knowing what time it is
(3) Not knowing what date it is
(4) Missing out on family and especial occassions because of work
(5) Going to work on holidays and weekends
(6) Not seeing my old friends and not being able to spend time with them
(7) PAC - I'm not saying everyone is a pain in the a_s but there are really so many power trippers here... I feel sorry for them though. Good thing I'm leaving and won't have to deal with you people anymore.
(8) I definitely won't miss seeing Ms. Piggy and Minnie Mouse (Who are they? Well I really can't tell you guys their real names but they're both SOICs and I don't think they're doing a great job as SOICs)

To my previous teams... Team Puerto Galera, Team Lynx, Team Arwen, Team Evolution, Team Grimlock, and Team Bruno... I will definitely miss you all... thanks for the friendship.

To Matrix Wave 6, I still believe that we are the best wave in Matrix!

To Team Charlie of foundation... I miss you guys!

To my friends from Ecare / HR / Frontdesk / Recruiting 'til we meet again.

Ciao!

6/7/05

My E-Smile Button

E-Smile
E-Smile,
originally uploaded by AyanD.
Here's my E-Smile Button

Thank you to everyone who participated in this project. You're donation will definitely make a big difference in the lives of these kids. :)

6/6/05

E-Smile Part 2


E-smile



These are the faces of children whose lives will permanently change for the better.

Because of your help, they will no longer have to endure a life of ridicule and the social stigma associated with having facial deformities.

Soon, their real voices will finally be heard.

For those who bought the E-Smile buttons, and the Angels of E members who volunteered, you definitely have one good reason to smile as well… because you helped make this possible.

Thank You!

6/4/05

Rose Gold, Calatagan Batangas

Rose

The Cottages 1
Rose

The Cottages 2

The

The Beach 1

Rose

The Floating Cottages

The

The Open Sea
Sunset

The Sunset


Etelecare Global Solutions - Matrix (Technical Support Business Unit) had it's team building / summer outing in Rose Gold Beach Resort in Calatagan Batangas last June 3.

I didn't really like the place that much... the sand wasn't as white as that of Boracay or even Puerto Galera. Another reason why I didn't like the place is becuase there ain't no part of the beach where you can swim because the water is too low for swimming unless you walk to the far end, but you still won't be able too swim because you'll get yourself hurt by the big corals.

My co-worker said that during high tide the water goes up a little over the waist. Too bad we got there on a low tide. Well on the bright side we still have the sand and the beach for ourselves. The management prepared a small program and a number of games for the group so it wasn't a waste after all. After the game we walked through the knee-high sea water and check out the starfishes, corals, small fishes along the sides of the beach then we went to the club house and took a swim in the resort's swimming pool while the others sing their hearts out on the club's videoke while drinking beer.

Typhoon Dante



To say that traffic in Metro Manila tonight is a nightmare is an understatement. There's flooding, traffic jams and stranded commuters are everywhere. I had to wait two hours before I got a cab to go to work. --- To think I was already having a bad day ---

Around 4 PM I got a text message from my Team Lead informing me that there was a change in our sched and we have to go to work two hours earlier tonight. It has something to do with a change in team groupings or something and we have to fill in for another team. This is something you get for working in a call center and dealing with a terrible resource team. --- they are the people responsible for preparing shift schedules for teams ---

Anyway I tried leaving the house at around 6 PM and guess what it was already 8 when I got a cab? At that time I really wanted to go home and forget about going to work but after talking to my friend over the phone I decided to follow his advice and go to work.

Here's an update on the Typhoon Dante from PAGASA's website.

Issued At: 4:00 p.m., 04 June 2005
Synopsis : At 2 p.m. today, the eye of Typhoon "DANTE" was located based on satellite and surface data at 990 kms east southeast of Central Luzon (15.1°N 131.0°E) with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It is moving northwest at 13 kph. Tail-end of a cold front affecting Northern and Central Luzon. Southwesterly windflow prevailing over the entire archipelago.
Metro Manila: Mostly cloudy with rainshowers and thunderstorms, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the southwest and west, Manila Bay will be slight to moderate, temperature range 26 to 34°C (79 to 93°F).

Mobango

Image hosted by Photobucket.com


If you are looking for the best site to download free software for your mobile phones check out www.mobango.com.

Advantage(s):

1. It's Free
2. Easy to use
3. Did I say it's Free?

Disadvantage(s):

1. There's a limit to the number of applications you can download
2. You have to register first before you can start downloading files
3. You get this annoying message to upgrade every so often

aside from that it's all good... so what are you waiting for? Start downloading those files.

6/1/05

Give the gift of smile

eSmile



One in every 300 Filipino children is born with a cleft lip and palate. Unless reconstructed, these children are bound to endure a life of physical and emotional trauma. Many have difficulty breathing, eating, and speaking. This greatly hampers their ability to communicate, which further leaders to isolation, even abandonment.

By raising funds for cleft lip and palate operation and reconstruction, Angels of E from eTelecare Global Solutios Cebu seeks to bring the gift of smile, laughter, and a brighter future for children with such facial deformities.

You may take part in this mission by simply buying an E-Smile pin for just Php100.00. Your little contribution will go a long way in helping change a child’s future for the better.

If you want to buy the said pins you can get a hold of me by emailing me at ayan.deato@gmail.com and I will get them for you. The pins will be available by June 3. The said operation for the kids are scheduled on June 12.

Project of Angels of E of eTelecare Global Solutions - CEBU, in cooperation with Jaycees Mandaue (CEBU), and ABS-CBN.

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