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Gerber EZ-Out

This is in memory of my Gerber EZ-Out which I lost somewhere not so long ago.

The EZ-Out is a lockback folder with a modified clip point blade that is partially serrated. A non-serrated version was available but I chose the serrated version for the flexibility. The blade has a thumb hole for rapid opening with either hand.

Its handle is Zytel plastic with Kraton rubber inserts to provide better grip. The handle is pretty durable. The Kraton inserts disintegrated over the years and I had to remove them for aesthetic reasons. But the Zytel was still going strong.

Finally, it has a strong clip so it can be secured to your pocket. Unfortunately, it can’t be switched to the other side so if you prefer it on another side, you’ll have to compromise.

The total package is small, light, and handy. You can carry it everywhere. Which is what I did. I carried it at work, at play, to hills, the occasional mountain, caves, swims, and even dives. And through all these it often came in useful: cutting cardboard, rope, vines, wood, preparing food, even for prying. Even when it was not needed, it always gave me comfort that it was there ready for use.

I’m going to miss it.

Rating: 5/5

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2007 April 28 to 29 Putipot, Zambales

IMGP1015Just came back from a spur of the moment, sort of, trip to Putipot, a small scenic island off Zambales. Bing and I had been planning a trip to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte but that plan was shelved when we couldn’t achieve critical mass.

The alternate plan was to go to Putipot but at the critical last few days, interest kind of waned. So instead I set a dinner with friend and Crissy whose birthday I forgot. Coincidentally, Erwin had a planned trip to Putipot on the same weekend but he canceled to join the dinner.

Come friday, the dinner had to be canceled due to various reasons (read: I don’t wanna dwell into it). Left with nothing to do, I called Bing and Erwin and asked them if they still wanted to go.They did. So at 4AM we were on the way to Putipot.

Continue reading “2007 April 28 to 29 Putipot, Zambales”

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Food Delivery On Credit

Finally! Shakey’s Pizza has made available pizza delivery via credit card. Val had told me about it a week or so ago and tonight I decided to try it. I ordered pizza and told them I want to pay via credit card. After a while, the rider came in, delivered the pizza, and swiped my card using a handheld device that wirelessly contacted the approver. I still had to do some signing on slips printed by the same device but it was otherwise very convenient. I hope the Jollibee group does the same.

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Blood Diamond

This morning, there was this woman in front of me while waiting for the lift. I couldn’t help but notice the diamond on her ring. It reminded me of my long overdue review of Blood Diamond.

At first, I didn’t want to watch this movie. I have developed this allergy to anything starring Leonardo DiCaprio since that cheesy one about a sinking ship. But I didn’t have anything else to do last Holy Week so I finally did.

This is the third in the continuing series of movies about Africa that I’ve been watching. Before this there was Hotel Rwanda and The Last King of Scotland. This one is set in Sierra Leone. Yes, that’s in Africa.

Djimon Hounsou was a fisherman whose village was raided by rebels and was separated from his family. He was pressed into service panning for diamonds. He found a particularly big one which he stashed before he was imprisoned by government troops who raided the rebel mining camp.

Leonardo DiCaprio is a Rhodesian ex-soldier, ex-mercenary, diamond smuggler whose package was confiscated when he was caught and imprisoned. He knew he had to pay up for it. He learned about the big diamond and saw it as his salvation: his payment for the lost package as well as his ticket out of Africa.

As they journeyed to recover the diamond with Sierra Leone exploding around them, you are given a glimpse of the diamond trade and the realities of Africa: From the demand– women who want their fairy tale weddings; To the middlemen who manipulate the market to keep prices up; and finally to the source including that of so called “conflict diamonds”– diamonds from strife-torn areas whose proceeds are used to finance war, including the use of child soldiers and drugs.

A surprisingly interesting, if a bit gloomy, movie.

Rating: 3/5

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MBA Graduation Day

IMGP0819Graduation Day! Sure technically it was over with the last exam. But the ceremonial graduation day makes it formal and official. Finally, after three long years of hard work and fun, of frustration and joy, it really is over. I gained a lot of knowledge during those three years. But more than what I learned are the friendships that were forged during those times. Classmates became friends, friends who help you pull through the long nights of classes, studying, and exams. So to Ed, Rose, Rizza, Beth (and Banjo), Trina, Val, Wil, Glenn, Roche, Clare, Calen and all other classmates turned friends: It’s been a great ride. THANK YOU for being with me! I know, that we will remain friends forever. This song is for you guys.