I.juander

 It's been a while since I last posted. what's keeping me busy? WORK! what's keeping me late up at night? late WORK and later surf and research... a little twitter here and there... what I need to change...my temper. what I need to learn...patience. what I try to be...kind..errr! til my next blog.ciao!

Another test drive was requested before (come January) but they didn't respond to my request that month and so I thought, OK! Maybe they sensed I will not be a buyer anyway. But come February, they messaged me and was told by the agent that they usually schedule test drives in time for their marketing promos. So here we are, and I requested to test drive their Dzire. Initially I just inquired about the S-presso since it's the compact (or mini) SUV and it's cheap. If you're only after the point A to point B destination and nothing else, then you'll just consider the budget but value for the buck. Aside from it not being available when I inquired, Accdg to the agent, it's also a quick seller since it's really the lowest valued vehicle in their line-up. Add to the fact that it's also MT (stick shift) transmission and no AT available which is quite a downfall. But don't get me wrong, I started driving stick but convenience-wise, AT shift is really the be...

Actually, this is the first time I am visiting car showrooms just to get the feel and hang of it. I never really intended to buy or anything just yet (read: I don't want any loans and I don't want to splurge on anything). But there's just 1 thing which I still haven't done in my entire life which was to visit car showrooms and do an ocular on car displays. The experience was quite fun. Seeing all the brand new cars and sitting on it and inspecting it. There's also this feeling which is indescribable everytime I smell a new car.  I have done ocular in Suzuki, Nissan and Toyota where the showrooms are just pretty near my place, therefore it's easy to go and sneak there. But the very first who responded to my request for a test drive will be with the Nissan Almera. Aside from this being the only low-end car in the showroom, what really caught my eye is the color and the "porma". There's really an "angas" to it from the front. And it doesn...

  Just about a few blogs back I've mentioned that my postpaid plan retention is already due. My primary option is still to continue with iPhone since I am more comfortable with the "User Experience" that iPhones give which I cannot really find in Android phones.  And now this was just about it. Last week, I was already hands-on with the new iPhone XR which I got from my provider. But why shifting to renew on a 3 year old phone model and not on the latest one? Simply put it this way: I cannot cash out a sum for the newer models or even the iPhone 13. I am not a person who would break a bank just to avail of such extravagances. And besides, I got what I need: a very big 128 GB of internal storage which is my primary consideration of considering this phone. But of course, I still have an installment plan on top of my monthly bill to cover for the cost of the unit. iPhones are known for it's high price point and re-sellability value. So even for the still OK models, you c...

When the pandemic started and the lockdowns were supposed to start, I haven’t had the idea of how long it will take for the lockdown and up to when the WFH arrangements will last. Somehow I thought that the privilege of working at home sounds cool since you’re just earning your keep whilst doing it at the comfort of your own home. Sounds cool right? No more long early morning rush hours to go to office. No early morning wake ups just to rush and head out to the office. This is truly ideal.  However, the 1st year of pandemic really hit hard on the economy. Many businesses closed down because the business(es) were affected badly by the lockdowns. I for one lost my job mid of the year because projects had to push back and down-size. It was really stressful since the thought of how you’re going to survive with a lot of businesses and companies affected? Thankfully, my line of work is still very marketable. The 1st day of my employ was after the new year of 2021 and it’s still into the ...

Every I don't exactly know and am not sure when, apple releases a new variation of the iPhone which you don't specifically know the difference between the last variant honestly. Now they already have the iPhone 13 variant and its quite hefty for the highest end costing a whopping P100K +  Don't get me wrong. I own an Iphone because eversince I am an iphone user and functionality-wise, between an android, I just find the Iphone much easier to use and navigate. Android seems to be lacking in terms of organization which apple definitely has in their iphones. But, would I updgrade to a much expensive flagship release which has tons of features which I am not exactly familiar with? basically, the features that I love in an iphone is just Imessage, Facetime, cameras (back and selfie). But do I need a phone with cinematic features and tons of zoom? Not really. Maybe for vloggers it might come in handy but not for me. I still have my trusty Iphone 6S+ and still updgraded with the I...

 welcome to the Philippines... ...the country that did not close its borders when the Covid-19 was first reported. the country where face shields were considered to be a must have to protect from Covid-19, in addition to face masks. ...the country that procures vaccines that are China made even if the major pharmaceutical manufacturers are offering more effective and less costly vaccines. ...the country that seems to have a confusing (or rather confused) quarantine classifications. one moment, we are in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and just about to happen, the more laxed General Community Quarantine (GCQ). despite still having surges in Covid 19 and hospitals in full capacity already given the dreaded Delta variant as well. the government seems to be playing with the classification like a Yo-Yo without looking into the counts, stats and projections.  many citizens have already died from Covid since the beginning of this pandemic and it seems the gov'ts efforts to conta...

If you're quite very busy the previous week due to numerous work and tight deadlines, who wouldn't appreciate having weekend breaks? Part of having to Work-from-Home (WFH) set-up is an unmistakable need to extend work hours. It's inevitable. Don't get me wrong, I truly, genuinely, really appreciate the current Work from Home set-up especially during this time of pandemic. You're quite the multi-tasker: you can sideline a little house chore or errand whilst doing the job you are being paid to do.  Now, going back to weekends: do the times to help you relax or unwind. It helps to relieve the stress or at least bring back to your sanity during the hustle and bustle of the previous week. It helps you check your mental health. Sometimes, you feel drained out and tired from the the work you do and the tasks that you need to deliver. Eat your favorite food, do some exercises, read your favorite book. Or maybe Blog (just like me). Something that you can do and separate your...

I am not quite sure if this 'tradition' is just common in the Philippines or anywhere else, but when September 1 steps-in, this is when the Christmas feels starts to step in. Well at least here in the Philippines as I am quite aware of it. Some may begin decorating for Christmas this early on. But not for me.😃 You already begin to hear Christmas carols playing in the background in some establishments already which is like having a feeling of longing for Christmas. As my contribution to this tradition, I just usually begin to play Christmas carols but not really on blast. Not to be over-exaggerating. The term is 'sakto lang'. I usually begin to put Christmas decors during Halloween period so that when November steps in, the decors are already in full-blast and somewhat in place already for a longer time. " Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la 'Tis the season to be jolly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la..." This has been the second Chr...

The covid situation can be controlled but it would take time. It's not like its gonna be eradicated in a couple of years time. Sad fact. As with other pandemics in history before, it's likely going to stay around for quite some time as per the World Health Organization (WHO). At the rate that countries are rolling-out vaccines and new variants come and mutate, it's highly unlikely we're here to conquer it at least by the end of the year. Similar to pandemics in the early 1900s like the measles, or tuberculosis which took many lives during that time. The world is just bound to perfect the antidote for covid that would make it likes measles or chickenpox nowadays....easily treatable but no more deadly. Let's hope and pray that this will be bound to happen very soon. ~end~

My current profession was not where I envisioned myself to be in if you're going to ask me maybe 10 years ago. I entered the IT sector because 20 yrs ago, Technology was booming and even in demand than say the production sector. This was where the money is during that time. But if you're gonna ask me what would've I been if I could turn back time?  I would've been a.... ...doctor for the reason that I thought that this is the profession of the rich people. However, my parents cannot afford to send me to med school.  ...architect because I am fond of conceptualizing. pretty much seems cool. However, during that time, this wasn't really in any of my liking. ...industrial designer because you'll be able to design things and envision modernity. However, I didn't see the value of this during that time period. ...businessman. bottomline, we don't have any family business going and I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth to inherit a business. But I am o...

Loving this quote from Paulo Coelho. I just want to provide my own insights on this. Every thing takes time. If you want to get rich, it takes time to build wealth...It doesn't happen overnight. If you want to be successful, it takes lots of determination, struggles and hard-work... It doesn't happen overnight. If you want profits from your business, you have to invest. You wouldn't realize your profits immediately. It takes time...It doesn't happen overnight. No seeds ever grow immediately. It takes nurturing and lots of care. It takes time for it to become a tree and start bearing fruits. ~end~

During this new normal brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic situation, and work and school are being done remotely, it is inevitable for the need to procure or secure a laptop. Well, a good stable internet connection is likewise a necessity. But let's focus on what's necessity nowadays: a good working laptop. Why a laptop, and not a desktop? Well, primarily for portability and limited space where to setup a desktop. I am a desktop user before. But trust me that it's hard to clean especially when it's pretty-much dusted-up. But different strokes for different folks, I guess. Some may still prefer a desktop. I just pretty much prefer a laptop. In securing a laptop, here is the primary consideration: Budget . Life's hard nowadays and we might be procuring with a limited available budget only.  I have below the budget categorizations (from Low-High) Hint: I am not a techie person. I am just basing on my experience and some knowledge regarding these: Basic netbooks (w...

December 2019. Who could've thought that a flu that emerged from Wuhan, China could cause global catastrophe? The virus spreads throughout the world. Economies collapsed, death toll rises, unemployment became a huge problem. Businesses closed. Nobody saw this coming that from a place in China, a flu virus much potent and deadly sprung and cause global deaths. Initially-thought to have come from eating bats, but it's a lab child virus. Numerous lockdowns, health facilities on the brink of collapse due to surges and resurges. New variants mutate. Vaccines on the roll-out.  And now it's August 2021. Vaccines were rolled-out but it's still not quite able to reach herd immunities in some countries. We still live is masked world. We have been bereft of fresh outdoor air to breathe for 1.5 years already. How many birthdays and special occasions we've missed because of prohibited gatherings. Places of worship are likewise closed. Online jobs and remote arrangements have bee...

Thank goodness for Netflix. There are a lot of good TV mini-series and local and Hollywood movies as well there. What's more is that you can watch it mobile: on your phone, tablet or laptop. All you need is a reliable broadband. Since we don't have the luxury of having Smart TVs, I'd prefer to watch it via mobile phone. In fact, I'd prefer to watch it via my Samsung J2 pro for the Amoled display. There are a lot of stuff to watch in Netflix both for the young, and the young-at-heart. For me, here are my top picks (in other words, highly recommended): TV series: The Assassination of Gianni Versace Fantastic. It showed the events that transpired before Versace was gunned-down by Andrew Cunanan. It showed how Cunanan came to be a 'spree' killer. It showed Versace's passion that drove his brand to be an empire. It's R16 for Sex, Violence and Language. The cast portrayals are great. American Horror Story: This series has it's up and downs. But so...

Are you caught up in the cobwebs of corporate politics? If you are: what is your immediate reaction towards it? Will it affect you? Will you let it affect you? Shall you choose to ride the tide and go with the flow? Or shall you just shrug it off and just learn how not to affect you. Politicking requires some form of mastery and sometimes it clouds your integrity just because you have to. Power is really blinding. In politicking, sometimes there is no God..people in position plays the God. Like they made you and you have to obey every whims and commands that these people would ask you to. In reality, these are the type of people you encounter within the corporate world: The Lazy - does nothing but kiss the Gods. Puts the best face in front of the Gods who appear to know it all when in fact, just does not know anything. The only task these type of people know are to get other people's task to impress and just let the people below do the work for him/her. The God - who acts an...

In my two months of job-hunting up to this moment, I’ve come into some experiences which I can say is quite note-worthy. I may have already been outdated when it comes to some job-hunting skills since I haven’t been pursuing this for the longest time in the past couple of years. I’ve not really been aggressive when it comes to applying for other jobs during my last tenure ship with the previous company. I’ve been wrong to think that I will retire into this company and just felt self-assured up until the inevitable came and my role was axed. But I have to move forward from this phase and boost my self-confidence again in terms of looking for another job. Here are some of my listed tips in job-hunting. 1.    Resume that speaks . I have been working for quite a time now and my last chronological resume is 3 pages long. I have trimmed-down some role descriptions and it still remains to 3 pages. I just have this perception that if resumes are this long, recruiters will get...

It's quite unfortunate that I've lost my job just recently because of cost-cutting measures of the company. But looking-on the bright side of things, maybe this is a wake-up call on my end to further break out of my comfort zone and explore other opportunities. Trust me when I say that being out-of-job is hard even for just a few months. Officially as of this writing, I'm on my 4th month without work. Apart from being family-centered during this downtime, I've also dealt with some health issues and have undergone a surgery. I've done this all because for 12 years I've stuck with my previous company, it's about time I give my family some time as well as to look over my health which I couldn't do a lot during the time I was still employed. Job hunting has been a friend of mine just maybe around two months after I got separated. I've been using two jobsites/platforms: jobstreet and linkedin. Between the two, I think I'm getting some feedbacks from...

This is the first time I've had the opportunity of dining in one of the expensive albeit luxurious buffet in Town - Sofitel Spiral. Being one of the five star hotels in manila, they truly deserve to be the at the top of all buffets around the metro. Spirals is not cheap. Being priced at P3,300++ tax inclusive with service charge per pax. They go up to P4,000 ++ during Sundays to include the cheese and wine feast. The price tag is commensurate to the selection available, more than enough that your eyes can feast upon. I was quite surprised that given the price tag, the place gets crowded which means that there are a lot who can afford such a hefty price tag. Good thing my brother has one of those membership cards that allowed him to avail of thee 50% discount per head, which mathematically means the price is at P1,700++ per head which is still quite pricey. But what the heck, this is not weekly activity and will just be once during special ocassions. Prior to going to the buffet...

...and the winner is... Grab a Taxi. I am not really much of a taxi-person. But when circumstances arise that I need to hail one, I prefer to use the free apps from my phone: Grab a Taxi and Easy Taxi. To be fair, I have used Grab a taxi much more than Easy taxi. Have used grab a taxi in Kuala Lumpur and it also has its peak periods where getting a taxi really takes time. Maybe it was the location of pick-up that makes it harder there. But here in Manila, I have no problems using the Grab a Taxi taxi app. Well, there are glitches during peak hours but nevertheless, you are assured that you will get one. But again, it's in your luck if you get one quickly. And what's important is that you can give a feedback if ever you got a cabbie that irked you (example: confirmed to pick you up but never arrived). I prefer to use these apps because I feel much safer to use them than hailing one that passes-by the streets. There are lots of modus operandis that pry on anyone but thet pr...