The Bonsai Hunter

My Phone

2012-01-11T16:49:00.002+08:00

is missing.

or stolen.

I'm not sure, actually.

Just delete my number from your contact list. I'll send/tell you my new number later.

Sir, Your Fly Is Open

2012-01-09T15:35:00.005+08:00

The zipper on my pants has a mind of its own.

It opens up by itself.

Okay okay ... I'm fat.

There, I said it.

My hips is as wide as Ayala Ave.

So wide that it stretches my pants when I walk and opens up the fly so easily. And my ~~one-eyed-monster~~ junior peeks and says hello to passersby.

Over a month ago I weighed at around 190 lbs. A few weeks has passed and a ton of lard consumed I'm now at 200 ... my heaviest ever.

This is really REALLY bad.

Now all my pants is either size 34 or 35. And probably the next time I visit a clothing store I will be asking the store assistants for size XL or XXL shirt.

I remember the days when I used to wear large sized clothing ...

for kids.

I'm not kidding.

Image source

Support System

2011-11-09T15:36:00.003+08:00

I know that I'm an emotionally strong person. I've been through a lot of trials and tribulations in past that made me the kind of person I am today. But most of the time, and this is my fault, I expect the same thing from the people around me.

I'm wrong.

A few months back I just found out that one of the individuals, whom I love so much, tried to commit suicide - because of that silly thing called love.

I was furious at the thought of doing such a thing and at the person for having thought of doing it. For me it is just plain stupid and shallow to take your own life just because of a heartache. I'm not like that ... and I don't think like that. I get hurt, I move on. You just deal with it. The pain will just, eventually, fade away. You will find another love, in time.

After having said all these I've forgotten one important thing ... that not all people are the same. I may be strong in the emotions department but others are not. While I forget the pain of being rejected a million times faster than falling in love I have overestimated the fact that some people are just weak and fragile when in comes to the matters of the heart. And most of the time this fragility is one of the major reasons in suicide cases.

People who suffer from extreme depresion, due to a lot of factors such as being heartbroken, have a high tendency to commit suicide. And in times like this that some psychologists would prefer giving them medicine to balance the imbalance of chemicals causing depression and most importantly a support system (family and friends) for the person.

I'm so glad that that person, who's so dear to me, didn't commit suicide. I promised that I will be there to give him the emotional strength that he needs in his most trying times.

Exclusivity

2011-10-26T17:17:00.006+08:00

A new phone is released every 30 seconds. With new features, faster processing, high-end camera, and new other shits.

Chanel No 5

Why can't cellphones be like Chanel perfumes. The fashion house release new fragrances ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS.

Image grabbed from Google images.

Acceptance

2011-10-21T15:56:00.002+08:00

I have moved past the anger stage.

Acceptance, I think, come from complete understanding, forgiveness and consideration (sometimes even love) of the other person. I think I have achieved that.

I'm happy.

The Secret of Dorian Corey

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000+08:00

If you've seen the critically acclaimed gay documentary "Paris Is Burning" you'd know who Dorian Corey is. He/she figures prominently in the film as an ageing drag queen - giving advise and gay wisdom to aspiring crossdressers.

I was watching a Joan Rivers interview about the documentary (probably recorded in the early 90s) and decided to make a research about mister/miss Corey.

Hoodwinked!

2011-10-13T15:51:00.003+08:00

Well ... almost.

For a few weeks now, I have been exchanging text messages with a person whom I thought was my oldest sister working overseas. The person greets me good morning and I greet back with additional details (not too personal information) about our family.

Last Thursday this person asked me if I can send him/her PHP2500 worth of Smart and Globe loads. I said I don't have my salary yet (and I paid the HSBC thingy) and I can't send the person the load he/she needs. I said to my "alleged" sister can she wait until Thursday (today) because my salary will be credited to my payroll account by that time. The person said okay.

Last Monday the person sent a text message if I can send (thru text) 10 Smart cards worth 500 each and 6 Globe cards worth 500 each - a total of PHP8K. He/she said that we will earn PHP700 for each load because he/she can sell it for PHP1200 from where he/she is now (allegedly where my sister is now). I said to my sister "Okay, but you have to wait until Thursday" (yes, I trust my sister so much I send/give/lend her money as much as that). I also said to the person "I will just send you the card numbers and PIN thru your email". The hoodwinker said "No, just send it here to my cel instead".

It felt weird for me.

I felt a certain doubt with that person whom I was talking to.

I didn't feel like my big sister.

Fast forward to today. I sent a text message to my oldest sister to her actual number from the country where she is that I will be sending the PHP8K load in a while. She replied "Why would you send me that much load? What am I going to do with that?".

There it is!

I wasn't furious nor disappointed. It just felt weird. That there are actually people like that. Who opt to trick other people than just work their asses off to earn a decent living.

The person texted me today saying "I have additional orders of Globe 500. When can you send me the card numbers and PIN".

I didn't reply.

The person texted me again saying "Where are you now? Are you buying the load now?"

I replied "Change my friend. Because there is karma."

This is the hoodwinker's number - 09153550427.

Thank God!

2011-10-10T15:51:00.005+08:00

I have an outstanging balance with HSBC of a little over PHP100K. The actual amount really is PHP30K. But since I failed to pay for the late payments and interest it balooned to the first figure I mentioned.

You can say that I kinda "ran away" (for a moment) from my obligations to the said bank. I have varied (justifiable) reasons why (which I would not say in this post). But I can say that I have the best intentions of going back to them and paying the obligations.

In the middle of last week I received a demand letter from the representative (law firm) of HSBC. They were ~~asking~~ demanding me to pay for my outstanding balance otherwise they will file criminal charges against me. (Can we call this harassment?)

Luckily they are willing to reach an amicable settlement. Instead of paying PHP100K plus in my balances they are willing to let me pay a little over PHP20K as the FINAL and ONLY obligation.

Great!

Immediately after confirming that I will not have other obligations if i paid the settlement amount I withdrew some of my savings and paid the said obligations to an accredited bank by HSBC. Sent the law firm the signed contract and scanned copy of the receipt.

Thank God I was able to pay it.

Now I'm just waiting for the certification of full payment.

"Carnage" - Another Oscar Best Picture Contender

2011-08-23T20:00:00.003+08:00

"Carnage" is the newest film from one the best Hollywood directors - Roman Polanski.

The movie is based on the Tony award winning play "God of Carnage".

It is topbilled by Jodie Foster (Oscar winner for "The Accused" and "The Silence of the Lambs"), John C. Reilly (Oscar nominee for "Chicago"), Kate Winslet (Oscar winner for "The Reader") and Christoph Waltz (Oscar winner for "Inglorious Bastards").

Red

2011-08-19T18:35:00.005+08:00

I'm loving the color red lately. Bought mahself a red puma singlet and red adidas running shorts.

I'm planning to buy two pairs of red shoes.

One is this beautiful red clay Sebago Docksides.

And another one running shoes probably either from Adidas or Asics.

Haaaay! Gastos na naman! Hihihi :D

All images from google images.

"J. Edgar" The Next "Brokeback Mountain" At The Coming Oscars

2011-08-10T16:31:00.003+08:00

Clint Eastwood directed what could be the next "Brokeback Mountain" and rumored lead horse in next year's Academy Awards - "J. Edgar".

It stars Leonardo Di Caprio as J. Edgar Hoover, a former FBI director. The movie chronicles the director's scandalous career and homosexual relationship with Clyde Tolson (portrayed by Armie Hammer - "The Social Network").

Can't wait to see this film.

Project Runway Philippines Season 3 Is Coming!!!

2011-08-08T21:48:00.002+08:00

After two years, Project Runway Philippines is coming back for a third season.

This time it will be hosted by Tweetie de Leon. Rajo Laurel, Apples Aberin and Jojie Lloren will return and judges and mentors to the contestants.

Auditions will be held in key locations around the country - Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Baguio and Makati City.

Show starts on February of 2012 on ETC Channel.

Meryl Streep VS Glenn Close At The Oscars?

2011-08-03T12:08:00.003+08:00

I recently made an entry about the La-Streep winning an Oscar best actress award for playing Margaret Thatcher in the film "The Iron Lady".

Now I think Meryl will be given a good competition in this Oscar category by one of my favorite actresses Glenn Close ("Reversal Of Fortune", "Fatal Attraction", "Dangerous Liasons") for the movie "Albert Nobbs" where she plays (disguises) as a male butler.

I'm soooo excited for next year's Academry Awards.

I Want My Mommy!

2011-08-01T21:54:00.004+08:00

Walang ma-compose na entry. So I'll just post this photo.

Amazing Dutertes

2011-07-28T15:58:00.001+08:00

First it was Mayor Duterte's barbaric act.

Next it was ex-Mayor Duterte's bad finger.

Then the ever obedient son followed his bad-finger-pointing daddy.

I hope their children and grandchildren would not follow their "freedom of expression" example.

Intimidated And Inspired

2011-07-25T11:00:00.001+08:00

Whenever I have idle time in the office (idle being the time I want to go idle) I visit the photostreams of my contacts in Flickr.com.

I look not only on the photographs they have taken but I also study the techniques and cameras they used. I also look on other details such as ISO, aperture, shutter speed, lens and other important information that I think made a photograph beautiful.

I'm intimidated ...

and inspired at the same time.

I want to take great photos like what they have achieved. I know that it is still a long way and time for me to fully master what I have (Nikon D3K) and really REALLY know what I want and what my style is - a signature will separate me from the rest.

But for the meantime I will just have to content myself in admiring the photos of my favorite blogger-photographer friends Gentle and Herbs.

P-Noy's SONA

2011-07-24T01:00:00.000+08:00

It's amazing (and sometimes baffling) that within the last month all of the sudden almost all the major irregularities in the Arroyo administration (PCSO Fund Scam, Lintang Bedol and Garci's poll faud testimonies) has come to headline our news - just a month before President Noynoy's second SONA.

I'm happy that P-Noy is true to his promise - that he will put to justice all those who have made the lives of the Filipino people miserable for the last 9 years prior to his presidency - and that's a good thing.

What I'm worried about is this might be the only major accomplishment that he will be reporting on Monday's SONA.

I list down what the people should be looking for in the president's SONA on Monday:

Education - What is the current statistics of the educational sector of the country? How many new classrooms were built? Especially in the remote areas of the Philippines. How many new qualified teachers do we employ now?

Peace and Order - What has his administration done to curb terrorism? What peace processes has he done to reach out to communist rebels/MILF/MNLF?

Employment - What is the current status of unemployment in the country and what has he done? How much/many investments were there in the last year?

Standard of Living - Are there fewer poor Filipinos now than in the first year of his service? What can he do to at least limit the oil price hike? Any chance the oil deregulation law be scrapped? (Because I seriously think that oil prices MUST be regulated)

Foreign Policy - What ground-breaking results has his administration done in being a good ASEAN/Asian neighbor?

National Debt - What has his administration done to limit/stop or at least pay for the national debt?

I hope that he would focus more on these issues rather than on the activities that his administration is doing in pinning down GMA ...

because we obviously are already gaging with too much information about it on our daily news.

Project Runway Season 9 Contestants

2011-07-18T17:30:00.002+08:00

I'm so excited for the latest season of my favorite reality show - Project Runway.

The premiere episode, in the United States of course, will be on July 28 @ LifeTime channel.

See the 20 contestants vying for the title of America's next great designer.

Pambansang Handbag

2011-07-15T13:53:00.002+08:00

Everywhere I go I always see women carrying Longchamp handbag.

It is so common it's like shit.

I'm sorry, I just feel sick seeing women (or men) going with fads.

Mercy Daw

2011-07-15T13:28:00.000+08:00

"Have mercy on my family, not to me anymore," - Rosario Uriarte

I wonder if she felt the same way towards the millions of dying poor filipinos when she allowed herself to be used by former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo.

Catwoman Suit For Anne Hathaway

2011-07-12T20:52:00.003+08:00

It's still more than a year before "The Dark Knight Rises" (Christopher Nolan's next installment in the Batman franchise) is shown on world cinemas. But probably every boy, girl and those in between is excited on what Anne Hathaway (Selena Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman) catsuit would look like.

Below is a comment given by those who are involved in the film. (allegedly this quotation is from HollywoodLife.com though I'm not sure. LOL!).

"Anne’s outfit is more tactical, like the comic book, than the previous Batman movies.... She will definitely be wearing the goggles and it’s going to be less sexy than Halle Berry and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman costumes. She’s going to look more like a robber. But fan boys shouldn’t be worried. This costume is going to be form-fitting enough to make Anne look smoking hot."

So having said that, the costume might look something like the one below:

Photo snatched from this website.

The Next HIV / AIDS?

2011-07-11T16:44:00.005+08:00

This article in Yahoo News is really scary. It is about a drug resistant Gonorrhea (or locally known as "Tulo").

This will definitely make all men, heterosexuals and homosexuals alike, be very careful and do safe sex.

2011 Oscar Best Actress Is ...

2011-07-08T07:55:00.000+08:00

Meryl Streep (as Margaret Thatcher for "The Iron Lady").

Watch the trailer of the film as La Streep kicks off her 2011 Oscar campaign.

The fiercest competition of her right now is Michelle Yeow as Aung Suu Kyi for the movie "The Lady".

Google+, My New Addiction

2011-07-01T22:27:00.001+08:00

Okay, so who want's to be invited on Google+?

Mas gusto ko filtering ng new networking site na ito.

So much to explore and mabilis. :D

Oscars (2011) Best Actress Hopefuls

2011-06-28T21:03:00.002+08:00

This is a very early Oscars prediction (for the year 2011). I'm just so excited for this line-up of actresses that will (might) be vying for the Best Actress Award Oscars for next year.

The Academy Awards is very much obsessed with actress playing real life individuals on screen - case in point are Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side"), Julia Roberts ("Erin Brokovich"), Helen Mirrren ("The Queen"), Gwyneth Paltrow ("Shakespeare In Love"), Kim Basinger ("L.A. Confidential") and so many more.

This year the Oscars voters will be drooling on high caliber actresses playing significant female historical figures.

And they are the following (in photos):

Michelle Yeoh - playing Aung San Suu Kyi for the film "The Lady"

Meryl Streep - playing Margaret Thatcher for the film "The Iron Lady"

Michelle Williams - playing Marilyn Monroe for the film "My Week With Marilyn"

Project Runway Season 9

2011-06-27T20:43:00.003+08:00

I'm very excited for Project Runway Season 9 premiering on July 28 at LifeTime channel.

I hope I can still download the episodes on my favorite torrent site. LOL!

Huling Hirit ... (Photos P2)

2011-06-16T13:05:00.000+08:00

Below are some more photos that I took from the San Juan beach trip.

This is one of my personal favorites. Two kids (brothers?) playing near the shore.

Huling Hirit Sa Tag-init (Photos P1)

2011-06-14T18:44:00.005+08:00

Went to San Juan, Batangas again a few weeks back. It was sort of family reunion slash going away party for my sister (because she's going to the Visayas). We had a lot of fun - bonding time with my siblings because we missed each other very much.

Took the photos below using my Nikon D3K and with my newly purchased Nikkor 55-300mm lens. These are just some of my experiments that I want to display here.

Thankful

2011-06-08T15:50:00.002+08:00

Ok so I got my promotion last week. And I also got another salary raise, which is the second one this year.

Thank YOU!

Now I'm just waiting for my managers' instructions on what to do next.

Doomsday Stupidity

2011-06-02T15:14:00.003+08:00

If the end of the world is tomorrow, would you give your money to false prophets like Harold Camping?

I mean common use your coconuts, if the end of the world is nigh what would you do with that money?

Nothing.

You can't do anything about it.

It's worthless.

I hope people would be more smart next time. Unlike this dimwit.

Factions

2011-06-01T18:25:00.004+08:00

I was reading this article in inquirer.net a few minutes ago and I can't help but notice (again) the factions in PNoy's cabinet.

These factions being the Balay Group (the group that supports Mar Roxas) and the Samar Group (those in favor of VP Binay). I just can't believe this divide has dragged on until now.

This is not good in PNoy's administration. Can't they just drop this faction thing and just help the president better manage the country?

And I don't understand why Inquirer (everytime I read some news article about Mar Roxas) has always have to mention this Balay-Samar Groups thingy.

Next Level

2011-05-27T15:18:00.004+08:00

I have been a bonsai fan since I was in elementary (and that was like eons ago). The first time I saw a short segment about bonsai art in NHK (yes, there was already an NHK channel during that time) I immediately fell in love with miniature trees.

I've had a great time of training plants to become bonsai: kamuning, fookien tea, kampupot, bougainvillea, ficus and my all time favorite kalyos. Some of them survived and mostly died primarily because of two reasons: one, my plants are in Laguna and I rarely take care of my babies because of my work in the metro and two, my family are not plant lovers and are too lazy to take care of my trees when I'm not around. It was such a waste especially for the dead kalyos plants because this specie is the most challenging one to grow and train.

Now since this is a hobby that I'm truly passionate about I'm taking this on to the next level. I'm going to make it into a business venture.

The first step is to search for potential suppliers of bonsai pots. I'm planning to find an exporter from mainland China - someone who sells world class bonsai pots at a very affordable price.

Second, I'll look for exporters of bonsai equipment/tools and fertilizer probably either from China or Japan.

Third, I'll look for bonsai hunters like me who can provide me plants that are bonsai potentials. A lot can be found in the mountain regions of Batangas, Quezon and Laguna. My primary trademark specie would be Kalyos of course.

All these would take some time (and lots of money) to accomplish. But I'm very optimistic about it. There's nothing more fun than doing the things that you love. :)

Patalastas

Congratulations to Ka Pabling for winning Best In Show in the recently concluded Philippine Bonsai Society Inc. Bonsai exhibit held in SM North EDSA.

Image from http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com website

Thank God For May 22, 2011

2011-05-22T17:00:00.003+08:00

Were there people ~~who drank cyanide~~ raptured yesterday?

Me, I'm just happy that this day came.

Learned A Lesson In Humility

2011-05-20T23:02:00.003+08:00

"To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness." - Benjamin Franklin

Missed Opportunity ... Again

2011-05-16T14:39:00.005+08:00

You never get a second chance ...

in making a good first impression.

R & R

2011-05-09T12:40:00.000+08:00

I'm posting here the latest photos from our team's swimming yesterday in Antipolo's Casa Ibiza.

I was lucky to take these photos before the rain fell.

May bagyo daw kasi. :(

I only used Microsoft Office Picture Manager to edit the brightness and contrast of the photos. My favorite is the bee shot.

Idiot Sarah Palin

2011-05-06T15:22:00.005+08:00

"Show photo as warning to others seeking America's destruction" - Sarah Palin

Releasing a photo of a man with a bullet(s) hole on his head will not turn away terrorists - they are people who are ready to die in any way possible.

Miss Palin's statement is an interesting piece of dishonesty - it goes further as being contradictory. Why? Because the statement as it is is both "politicking" and "drama".

I hope Obama would not give in to pressure from idiots like Sarah Palin and Jon Stewart.

One Of The Reasons I Don't Like Facebook

2011-05-04T17:55:00.002+08:00

It has been almost 6 months now since I deactivated my Facebook account. I really wanted to delete my account, but apparently they don't have a delete account functionality unlike Friendster and Twitter.

I don't know if that is one of the marketing strategies of the number one social network in the world - not to have a delete account functionality. Because when they say that they have 500 million users worldwide (I'm not sure if this is still the current stat) it is technically true and very much attractive to advertisers. But if you ask Facebook how many of these users are active or activated, it brings out a new story and reality. And it is, for me at least, misleading. And no one wants to be mislead, of course.

Having said that, I actually believe what Julian Assange said in his interview with the Russian TV network RT. I know I'm being paranoid, but he has a point you know.

Possibilities From Osama Bin Laden's Death

2011-05-02T13:29:00.004+08:00

First of all, if this is true, I want to see the actual dead body of the terrorist leader.

And if this is confirmed 2 major things will (probably) happen across the globe.

First, Obama is a assured of a second term.

Second, U.S. and its allies will (probably) get some major retaliation from Osama's supporters. People, please take special caution in public places from today and in the coming days/weeks/months.

Let's pray that the latter scenario won't happen.

What Is A Hat?

2011-04-29T21:52:00.003+08:00

1: a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim
2a : a distinctive head covering worn as a symbol of office b : an office, position, or role assumed by or as if by the wearing of a special hat - Merriam And Webster Dictionary

I have a small collection of caps at home. I use it, most of the time, to cover my head from extreme heat from the sun. It is a very handy and helpful head apparel.

While viewing some photos of the overly hyped royal wedding of William and Kate a few hours ago I can't help but notice the variety of hats worn by the invited guests at Westminster Abbey.

If one of the definitions of a hat is "an office, position, or role assumed by or as if by the wearing of a special hat" ... then I don't know what kind of office or position does Princess Beatrice hold.

Photo dragged from Yahoo Photos

I Did My Best ...

2011-04-28T13:01:00.002+08:00

but I guess my best wasn't good enough.

Ganyan talaga. :D

Reliable

2011-04-28T09:39:00.003+08:00

It's now 9:39AM here in Manila and I want to make a fund transfer to my sister in the province because of some very urgent money needs - but I can't because my bank is soooooo reliable with its promise of 24/7 banking services.

*BIG SIGH*

Practicality

2011-04-26T11:57:00.002+08:00

I was watching a segment on BBC a few days back about the current state of some british children - I was surprised to find out that 4 out of 10 brit kids live in poverty.

I'm not fond of weddings, especially super costly ones (read: William and Kate wedding). I just wish that they would spend the (approximately) $30M price tag to this royal wedding vow on something more practical and charitable.

Mess

2011-04-20T17:20:00.000+08:00

analyze
design
code
build
run

run
analyze
design
code
build

build
run
design
analyze
code

code
design
build
run
analyze

code
stare
headscratch
argue
@#$#!@#$!