General

2008 March 30 to April 4 Hong Kong Trip

By on Saturday, April 5, 2008

Just came back with Jeff and Racquel from a trip to Hong Kong for a seminar by Adobe on InDesign CS3 development, Flex development, and a preview of the upcoming InDesign CS4.

The seminar was conducted by a bunch of soft-spoken Europeans (Ferdinand, Emanuele, Andreas, and Roger) and a fast-speaking Hong Konger named Sunny (or maybe Sony for “So!” his favorite expression). The attendees were a bunch of Filipinos (that’s us), Thais, Indians, Koreans, a Hong Konger, and an Australian. Quite an international mix.

The material was a pretty interesting (though I couldn’t resist getting drowsy every right about after lunch). InDesign CS3 and Flex development were cool but the InDesign CS4 preview almost blew me away (almost, we try to be unflappable) but I’m on an NDA so I can tell you but then I’ll have to kill you :P A lot of material was covered so we we’re pretty occupied. We did get to go around the city on the first day and at night after the seminar sessions.

Read More

1
General

2008 March 19 to 22 Pagudpud Road Trip

By on Sunday, March 23, 2008

Just got back from Pagudpud aka The Boracay of the North. It’s an unfair comparison, really. Sure both have white sands, both have great water, and both are overrated beach destinations. But Pagudpud is much less congested. That alone makes it way better in my book.

It’s a trip that Bing and I have been planning for a long time. We actually planned to do it summer of 2007 but the plans fell through and Bing and I ended up at Putipot with Erwin. That was also one great trip but still not the same. So we kept the fire burning and now we’ve finally done it!

As usual, the hardest part is gathering up committed people interested in going. After considerable effort, we were able to gather nine: Rein, Jessie, Bing, and I together with Len, her friend Maye, Paul, Ann, and Val. But Len, Maye, and Jessie backed out close to the trip date. Good thing Roly stepped in and joined at the last minute. And so with seven people, off we went.

Read More

0
General

Making Money From Airsoft

By on Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Crissy told me about the PNP now requiring the registration of airsoft rifles and pistols at a cost similar to that of real firearms. So now if you don’t register you can suddenly become a criminal for possession of a toy! Funny since, airguns below .22 caliber don’t even need to be registered. And to think they can’t yet resolve the proliferation of loose (unregistered) firearms that are mainly in the hand of unlawful elements. Talk about money-making schemes. The irony is that the idea was hatched by a brilliant airsoft-playing lawyer (aren’t they all?). Paintball markers aren’t yet covered. But I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before some greedy bureaucrat sees the opportunity.

0
General

Cloud 9 vs Choco Mucho

By on Monday, March 17, 2008

Last friday, even before the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight, I was witness to a fight between two… chocolate bars. Aby mentioned that Choco Mucho is her version of the power bar. I’ve always had Cloud 9 as my version of the power bar. Always in pursuit of the truth… and something to munch on, I got a bar of each and compared. First, the tale of the tape:

CLOUD 9
CHOCO MUCHO
Luscious Caramel, Crunchy Peanuts and Soft Nougat in Rich Chocolate Description Milk Chocolate Caramel Wafer Roll Cereal Crispies
30g Weight 30g
2g Protein 1g
23g Carbohydrates 20g
5g Fats 7g
P7 Price P7
URC Manufacturer Rebisco

And then it was the all important taste test. When the smoke cleared… and only the wrappers remained, the winner was Cloud 9 (sorry Aby :P)! Choco Mucho is bigger and crunchier but pound per pound gram per gram Cloud 9 just got more bang for the buck peso. More carbs and protein and less undesirable fats in a tastier and smaller package that allows you to cram more into your pocket. It has successfully defended its belt and shall remain my version of the power bar… for now.

0