Two weeks ago, I was in Greenbelt 1 to watch 'Fame'. The battery of the company-issued Nokia phone died so I decided to go to the Nokia store and charge it. While waiting, I watched the N97 ads on the monitor. I instantly fell in love with it! To cut the story short, I sold my iPhone 3G to my good friend Elmer and got myself an N97.


I have to say, I don't like the touchscreen feature - it's nothing like the iPhone but still better than its predecessors like the Nokia 5800. It responds well but the old Nokia flaw of freezing is still there. The icons are also a little bit mediocre. I read online that critics slammed its Symbian OS which is nothing compared to the Android and iPhone OS.

I don't think this phone will kill anything other than the previous Nokia releases. The steep price doesn't really offer much other than it's 32GB internal memory, nice set of accessories (a Nokia tradition) and 3G capabilities (fast internet, apps, video calling, etc). There's still a lot of reasons to love this phone and I don't think I'll be missing my iPhone that much. I just wish they will give more options on their Ovi store which is their version of the App store.

And oh, even the Ovi site needs improvement Nokia! The interface is much like the phone which is bad. I wonder when it will reach the Apple standard - even the icons on the N97 look a bit funny.

Again, the best thing about this is its memory - as much as 32 movies on your phone!

Oh my! The Sheriff just announced that the Balloon Boy story was a hoax. If you recall, the 6-year-old kid Falcon heene was reportedly on a balloon flight across Denver causing a nationwide panic. The boy allegedly emerged about the intense rescue operation but not from the balloon - from his family's garage. What sparked the speculation that this is a hoax is when the kid said on CNN that they did it for the show.

Apparently the Heenes were shopping for a TV deal just like the popular 'Jon and Kate plus 8'. They already appeared on another TV show called 'Wife Swap'. The couple are expected to face felony charges.

We went to this exhibit in Makati and the place was packed. A few people incurred my ire for stepping out of the line and trying to make their way inside the venue free of charge. Obviously the organizers did not anticipate the number of people who showed up. After all, they didn't have anything to control the crowd like velvet rope or stanchions or barricades. They relied heavily on their ushers which also had worried looks on their faces when some people at the door started packing heat.

This should be a lesson for the organizers. Never rely on human barricades. They should have planned the event well and made sure crowd control measures where in place. I would have been a much appreciated event if not for the lack of action from the organizers.

I just realized my last blog entry was on 27 September. That was a long time. So much has happened - a big typhoon hit the metro and there was water all over. The water in our house was knee-high. Damage was minimal but there were people - real people who lost their homes. Every time some co-workers talk about the big flood I try to avoid the conversation. Who would want to recount those dark moments? Although my family is okay, I was cognizant of what was happening in all the other places around our city. There was so much damage and all I could do is sit, tweet, pray and donate whatever I have on my PayPal account.

Then there was a lot of drama at work. I cannot believe that I've been doing this for how many months now and I'm still not used to all the drama. I can't stand working with people who just don't get it. I consider myself the least intelligent person at work so if there is something I can figure out in a matter of seconds that you cannot, what should I call you? A bacteria? But wait - those guys have culture and you don't. So what should I call you then?

Work is always a world of compromise. If someone doesn't get the job done, they should at least have something to give you to alleviate the pain they caused. If someone doesn't meet the deadline, they should work a few more hours for free to make up for their lack of perseverance. If someone doesn't act his/her age, they should at least stay away from you so they can save themselves from getting shot by a rifle.

What I am writing here doesn't make any sense at all. I am just wasting space. That's what I am always good at - wasting space in this universe. Pardon this blogorrhea. I'll try my best not to let this happen again.

Don't you just hate it when cable companies promise to give you premium channels and don't deliver? It's pretty disappointing. They wouldn't be giving such ridiculously low deals for nothing. Sometimes, I think it's better to switch to a more reliable service from Direct TV. Not only do they give channels in HD, they also have stronger signal as supposed to most cable networks.

There are currently some good Direct TV Packages being offered online. You get to choose your favorite channels (good for sports buffs) and most of them are now available in HD. This is the big advantage for Directtv. Cable usually gives you 100+ channels and you're only going to watch 20% of it. With Direct TV you will only choose what you like.

Oh my - Typhoon Ondoy really wanted to be remembered.
Sorry for those lives we lost.
Sorry for those who haven't been rescued.
I am praying for the safety of the rest of us who are still struggling as I write this.

It's the BER season: the HTC Tattoo tops my Christmas wishlist. It's just beautiful LOL. I think that out of all the touch screen phones that compete with the iPhone, only HTC comes close. The only downside is that the internal memory is too small.



- Qualcomm MSM7225 528MHz processor
- 512MB ROM
- 256MB RAM
- 2.8" touchscreen LCD display at 240 x 320 resolution
- 900/2100MHz HSPA/UMTS
- Quad-band GSM/EDGE
- 3.5mm headset jack
- microSD memory card slot
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Built-in GPS and digital compass
- Bluetooth 2.0 support
- 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus

I didn't want to write about it until I actually tried it. Now it can be told: iTunes 9.0 is so freaking cool! It features a less cluttered, more organized iTunes.



I like the two biggest updates of the iTunes software. First is the Home Sharing feature which allows you to copy a song from one PC to another. Just select the song and drag it to your desired directory. That's the catch though - both PCs have to be in a local area network and not connected through the internet. Also, both PCs have to be authorized to play copy-protected media. Remember DRM?

However, the coolest new feature is the ability to organize your applications for iPhone or iPod touch directly on your screen! You don't have to wait for your iPod or iPhone to sync until you organize he apps. Once installed, you can immediately rearrange them to your heart's desire.

I had an opportunity to own a Zune (wink wink) two years ago. It was a fun device. I never thought it was better than an iPod but it was still cool. I was hoping they would have a major upgrade on their line of devices which can compete with the iPod nation. Unfortunately, Zune does not go beyond the music player category - even with the new Zune HD.



The problem is that people's needs have changed - we now have to tweet, play games, and browse the internet. These are things that the Zune HD device does not allow us to do. So if you really love music, videos and photos, the Zune HD device will be good enough for you. But if you are a fan of the thousand of apps on the App store - then this will disappoint big time.

It seems that people are now looking at dogs rebound partners after a hurtful break-up. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson are currently looking for dog experts who can guide them on proper Dog care. Not surprising - if you're down from a relationship that didn't work out maybe it's time to find love on animals!

The thing I didn't like about having a dog is that just like a relationship, it can be pretty high maintenance. Dogs need their dog transport, toys and special bedding so they can feel comfortable and loved. Thank goodness these things can be bought on sites like Shopwiki which works like a search engine for the lowest prices on items you want to buy online. Next time you will shop for your dog care items, you might want to look online.

When I was in third grade, I used to be in the Glee Club. I loved it. I love music and best of all performing. I did more than a couple performances in grade school. I was also a member of the high school choir. I swear I hated my parents for asking me to quit the UP Manila Chorale in college because their rehearsals sometimes end at 11pm or 12MN. Guess what, I now work on graveyard hours -- ironic isn't it?

I first heard of 'Glee' from a Facebook friend. Been hearing a lot of good things about this show. I cannot wait to see it. The trailer's out and it brought back a lot of memories. Only thing is that the Glee Club I used to be a part of wasn't a group of weirdos. We were actually a cool group haha.

Enjoy - the music is excellent!

This was originally posted on my Facebook page. Since a lot of people posted their reactions, I figured I should put it here too.

Dear Friend:

Having a relationship is a wonderful thing. But I would like to caution you. If and when there is a slim chance that yours will end up in a bunker one day, do remember these very, very important things I want to tell you:

1. Switch coffee shops - that way you will not cry over spilled Starbucks coffee
2. Delete that shared Facebook and Twitter account IMMEDIATELY - that way you won't recover those pics
3. Fuck someone right away - that way you'll also feel like you cheated on your partner
4. Delete your partner's contact number and suffer from self-inflicted amnesia - self-explanatory
5. You are allowed to have occasional visits to his/her Friendster or Facebook page but never send friend request again. EVER.

Most importantly, five to ten years from now - if you find someone MORE special than your current partner or most recent ex, NEVER call your Exes to thank them for helping you change your life or share how much you've changed or hand out invitations for your wedding next week. When you bump into an ex one of these days, you look into his/her eyes, smile and walk away - move forward - because that's what failed relationships are really for: moving on.

Lastly, just FUCK OFF.

Wow, this is quite a birthday gift. Glad there are some folks from PI who are in the video!

This just broke my previous record! More than 3k visits in a single day! Wish I could keep this going until like, FOREVER! Give me back my PR! Need to make more money! Haha!



Thanks to the Boinkers out there!

I wish this will never happen to mine! Apparently, there were more than a couple of incidents in Europe where iPhones suffered from spontaneous combustion. A teenager in France said his girlfriend's iPhone just exploded without warning and sent a  shard of glass into his eye.



Apple is currently in the hot seat as the European Union launched a formal inquiry last week. The company denied that they're at fault and blamed users for incorrect use of their products.

Source

This is the primary reason why I [used to] hate tweeting! An insurance company warns that whenever you post something on social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook about your latest expensive purchase or your weekend getaway, the burglars are starting their criminal plans. It is said that 4 out of 10 Facebook members would post something about their holiday plans which is now being used as a source of targets. It's like an online shopping haven for burglars!



People this is serious! Careful with the Tweeting and do not accept friend requests from complete strangers!

Source

Sad news. Famous disc jockey Adam Goldstein, more recognizable as DJ AM passed away due to drug overdose. He survived a plane crash with Travis Barker but unfortunately he didn't survive this one. Rumor has it that he's been battling with depression lately which might have led to his use of drugs. He already battled addiction in the past and was able to rise above it.

While I am busy tweeting on my iPhone, Facebook was busy developing some changes on their application on the world's best smartphone. I have to say, I am not a big fan of applications which do not look a lot like their website and FB is one of them. I wished they'd add more features and change the look because it's just boring. It takes more than one click (or touch) before you get to where you want to go.

Fortunately, they listened! Facebook version 2.5 for iPhone OS 3.0 is now available for download and I am hearing a lot of good things about it. Here's why:



Interface changed completely. You won't have to wait until the next page loads (if your connection is slow) because everything is on the main page.



The Status Updates page looks very much like the one on the website.



For iPhone 3GS users, you can also upload videos! (Unfortunately, I have the 2nd generation iPhone. No video capability).

Go to iTunes now and download the latest version!

Wow, this is really weird but thanks. This is the third time that a blog of mine has been given such award. I started an account with YouSayToo only a few months ago yet I was recently picked for this:



Visit www.BoobooStrider.co.nr for more of the craziness!

Oh my, what will Spencer Pratt say now? Anderson Cooper dissed Heidi Montag for her horrendous 'performance' at the recent Miss Universe pageant in Bahamas.

Highlights:

When Heidi Twittered thanking God: 'I don't think God has anything to do with this production. If God has time to work on this production, and thats the best thing God can do, we're all in trouble.'

HAHA! Gotta love this guy!

Watch the video:

The first time I heard this statement I laughed because I was sitting next to a man who was eating pig skin.I think that was the last time I ate pork. I'd rather be tuna or french fries than be a pig skin or worse - pig tail.

Kidding aside, someone uttered these words to me again recently. It's a painful realization of what I've become after so many burgers and fries and Tortitas and Jamaican patties. I am probably already destroyed but not beyond repair. I need to start working on getting healthier which is why I started exercising again - doing push ups and lifting weights. I haven't been doing enough though. I need some sort of inspiration or at least someone I can drag to the street for an hour's jog or someone that would remind me to lay off those yummy double patty cheeseburgers and cheesecakes.

That someone arrived in Manila last Saturday. His name is Dr. Jorge Valverde, the creator of the Mental Toughness program, sent to our company by our CEO. I didn't realize it was a well known program which he uses to create Tennis champions. It also worked for normal people who just want to make big changes in their life.

One thing that really hurt my ear badly was when he started discussing the sources of physical energy. He briefly mentioned that people who do not eat healthy do not make sound decisions. 'Breakfast you eat junk. Lunch you eat junk. Dinner you eat junk. Then you become junk. Now your decisions are all junk. You are junk!' We all laughed at his statement but you could see the faces of the participants (including me) turn red. We all belong to an industry where fries is the only vegetable we know and soda is our water. It's extremely difficult to eat healthy when your working in the BPO industry as there are absolutely no restos serving good food that are open at 3AM. Furthermore, it's expensive and time-consuming to store organic food in your fridge and prepare your baon every single day.

Whenever there is someone who tells me how to succeed in life or how to lose weight or how to be the person I want to be, I usually push back first. I already came to the conclusion that I love my life but admit that some things could be better. But then I look at Dr. Valverde - looking healthy and energetic and successful at his age (he didn't want to reveal it because he says we will be shocked. I think he's in his 70's) and then I start to realize this man is actually doing something that made him what he is today.

So in the next few days, I will start turning my life around. No cigarettes for 7 days just didn't work for me. I need to stop it right away. I need to stay away from foods that destroy my body. I need to make radical changes soon. I will mark this date - August 24 and let's see what happens after a month.

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Hopefully I won't delete this entry only after  one day

A regular chat with my bestfriend Ria went on like this:

Ria: Sabihin mo nga sa mga ahente mo wag kang bibilhin sakin!
Pika: Huh? Ano yun?
Ria: Sa Facebook - yung Friends for Sale!
Pika: Ano nga ba yun? Pano ba yan? Dunno how to access that.

Couple of minutes after, I finally found the link. And I found this:



I dunno why but I kinda freaked out. I felt like I was being bullied - people have been asking my virtual alterego to do stuff like go on a couple of dates, do magic tricks, give balloons and stuff.

Pika (8/19/2009 11:22:53 AM): OMG ria!
Pika (8/19/2009 11:23:02 AM): people have been buying me
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:23:04 AM): naiinis ako Pika ha
Pika  (8/19/2009 11:23:12 AM): and they made me go out on a date!!! kakahiya!!!
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:23:15 AM): ila-lock na kita
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:23:18 AM): leche.
Pika (8/19/2009 11:23:26 AM): lock mo na! taena!
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:23:28 AM): I'm willing to buy tokens
Pika (8/19/2009 11:23:58 AM): How does this work exactly? How do u buy tokens?
Ria Celine  (8/19/2009 11:24:15 AM): for dollars
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:24:25 AM): teka I'm locking you in na
Pika (8/19/2009 11:24:46 AM): like u pay for reals?
Ria Celine  (8/19/2009 11:24:58 AM): yeah
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:25:00 AM): I'm willing to pay for you
Ria Celine (8/19/2009 11:25:07 AM): I told you I'm extremely annoyed
Ria Celine  (8/19/2009 11:25:13 AM): and I'm not kidding. AT ALL

Okay, don't get me wrong. I know this is just a silly application and it's harmless. I really don't know why I hate this. I wrote a message asking people to stop 'buying me' from Ria but someone just did a few hours ago. Ria 'bought me back'. I still don't know what's going on.

I tried to click on Lock to Ria so no one else can mess with my profile but here's what I got:

First of all, I would like to say that this is the first time that almost all of my closest friends wanted to spend time with me on a weekend. I hate ditching one friend for another but I had plans laid out. After work last Saturday, I wanted to grab a few drinks but nobody wanted to join so I ended up going home and taking a two-hour nap. I never thought it was the only nap I was going to get for the entire weekend.

I started my rest day with a simple celebration of my Tito's birthday in Seaside near Mall of Asia. I realized I haven't really joined any of the family celebrations so I saved the date for this one. After all, I missed eating in Dampa (last time I went there was in 2007). Just before we left, my little sister asked if we can go to Mall of Asia to watch a movie. We were supposed to go the next day but since we were only five minutes away, I figured we should just go. We haven't spent some quality time together since June.

Unfortunately, GI Joe was rated PG 13. I asked my sister, 'Will they believe us if we lie about your age?' Then I looked at her hot pink Crocs with some Nickelodeon characters on them and her cute black shirt with some kiddie designs on them. So I told her, 'Let's go see Harry Potter on IMAX instead. I'm sure they take kids.'

We were sorely disappointed that only 15 minutes of the entire movie was on 3D. But it was still great seeing it on IMAX. I was afraid that my sister wouldn't really get the story - I don't remember watching the last movie with her and she hasn't read any of the books either. Glad she liked the movie though.

I kept telling myself I should get new glasses. Impulse purchase hit me and we ended up in Ideal Vision where I saw these nice glasses. Best of all, they were on sale! Very cheap but classy! The doctor checked my eyes first. I told them it might not be a good time since I only had 2 hours of sleep but the saleslady insisted so I did the whole test anyway.



We went home around 7PM and I was worried because our videoke night was supposed to start at 8PM. I asked that we resked at 9PM. It was just Mamorale and  Marse but Louie and his partner joined us. We got ourselves a private room where we stayed for a couple of hours before we moved upstairs where they had a stage and we could sing infront of everyone.



Then Alexis texted me saying she was with Jon and they're on their way to meet us at Topgrill. After we went on stage and sang a couple of songs, we moved to Music 21. I still don't know why we did. We were with a couple of visitors from our Rochester office plus Kyle who told me I should introduce him as a friend and not just some guy I used to work with. I agreed.





Unfortunately, we only had an hour left before the place closed. They literally kicked us out! The machine just stopped and someone went into the room and started turning the TV off and collected the empty beer bottles. We were pissed but it was already 6AM. We were tired.

We ended our day with a nice breakfast at North Park. Why is it that when I get drunk with these folks we always end up in North Park? I was afraid that mixing two groups of friends would not be a good idea but I saw Mamorale and Florence enjoying themselves so I was happy. Besides, Alexis was the ultimate social butterfly. She didn't make them feel uncomfortable at all.

Good times!

I felt guilty about not going to President Cory Aquino's funeral so I decided I should do something in the office to pay tribute to the great woman. I asked my entire department to wear yellow and sent an email blast telling them I'm declaring Friday as Yellow Day for Cory. I was pleasantly surprised that almost everyone came in yellow (with the exception of some who said they didn't have a yellow shirt). Some - including myself - even bought yellow shirts. It was not a big deal but hey, the color and the woman does have a magical way of uniting people.

PS: Okay, this is a pretty late tribute but I miscalculated her 'Pasiyam' so there.

A few changes: first, I renamed this blog (for the second time). A few months ago, I decided to rename my online journal as 'Boink!' which I thought was a catchy sound people make when you get hit by something or someone. I even had an online promo where people take their photos of themselves holding a piece of paper saying 'I've been boinked in [their location]'. I convinced my cousin in Florida to send me a photo but she said his brother warned him that I might use the blog in an adult site. Apparently, 'Boink' (silly me) also means 'F*ck'. I didn't believe her so I kept the name. Besides, people were sending me photos - I didn't get any complaints.

Then, a few days ago I read something online:

I went straight to my blog and renamed it. I didn't have time to think of another catchy name so I opted to rename it PikaOnline. I'll just change it to whatever if something comes up.

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Last Sunday, I started my 7-day sacrifice. No Facebook, No Twitter, No Friendster - it's time to see if I still have a social life outside these online networking sites.

No Rice, No Cola, No Smoking for 7 Days - let's see if these small steps can make a big difference in my health.

Wish me luck!