On x number of chances

Can't really sleep as of this time moment (3AM, Tarlac City) as I have lots of thoughts running on my mind. Lately, I had a this not-so-regular self-retrospection of the things I achieved career and family-wise. Such things happened once in a while for me to prepare myself to prepare for the future (as short term as tomorrow and as long as 5 years). Yes, it appears that I am at crossroads.

Compared to 2006 (death of my father) and 2009 (major career shift), it is not that something drastic happened this year that pave way me re-thinking things again. Now is much better (career and family wise). Looking back on the blog I did in December 2007 that I should hit a million by 2012, it never happened. Also in the same period, I have envisioned myself earning my much coveted MIS degree in 2008. I never happened. In 2009, I am planning to quit in the field in health informatics, it never happened.

It's September 2013 and tons of things have changed. Majority are good I must say. Perhaps, I am at crossroads again but this time with a clear vision and map on how to achieve plans. Top three career  things I would want to achieve in the next 6 months:

1. Consolidated and improve resources
2. Start my startup
3. Finish my MIS degree

As long as one is alive there are X number of chances. But as the saying goes, "one must strike when the iron is hot".

Gangnam style hits 200M

I first heard Gangnam Style song at One FC: Pride of the Nation event in Araneta Coliseum last August 31 2012. The Korean MMA fighter nicknamed as the Stonecutter with one of his ring man and the One FC ring girls dance at the enjoyment of the crowd. When I googled it, I learned the Gangnam is a high class district in South Korea with the singer Psy appears to have a girlfriend living in it. More like a Korean version of the song 'Uptown Girl' I think.

Well, the craze just got larger as it reaches the 200M mark in terms of Youtube views. And to add, numerous versions have been appeared from various countries and nationalities. Even US presidential candidate Mitt Romney was spoofed dancing Gangnam style.

The famous 200M man (i mean video) Gangnam Style:

A sexier version which is my personal favorite: 

and a hilarious Pinoy version of Eric Tai of the Philippine Volcanoes with cameos from various Philippine celebrities

TEDxDiliman: The Future

Last September 15, CANVAS organized the second serving of TEDxDiliman with the theme, The Future. Just like the first serving last year, the event was held at the Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law. The theater was not overly crowded when the event started. It is due to the fact that only 100 registrations were approved by the organizers. Nonetheless, the line-up of speakers is impressive and the topics are diverse and worth listening for.

Brief insights and lessons learned on every speaker and topic:

1. Benjamin Dela Pena on The Future of Cities -- Cities are about the people who are living in it

2. Atty. Ted Te on The Future of Human Rights Law -- Reinvent the way how law is being taught.

3. Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani on The Future of Philippine as Maritime Power -- In diplomacy, there is no permanent friend or foe, only permanent national interest

4. Direk Joey Reyes on The Future of Mass Media -- The introduction of social media technologies made man isolated from the real world and created a virtual world where he calls the shots.

5. Atty. Tony Oposa on The Future of Flood. It is easy to earn but money but it is hundred time difficult to make a difference.

6. Jaedmark Tordecillas on The Future of Philippine Sports. One doesn't need to have an award or trophy to be a champion (referring to Ginerbra's never say die spirit)

7. Carlos Celdran on The Future of the Past. You cannot find the vibrancy, soul and personality that Manila has elsewhere.

The audience were treated as well with live musical performance by students from the Philippine School of Arts . The kids (violinists, guitarist) were all master of handling chords. Ang bibilis ng mga daliri mag-strum. And to cap off the eventful day, the participant were treated to a sumptuous Thai food dinner.

As of this writing, TEDxManila will be conducted sometime this December 2012. But I am already looking forward for the next TEDxDiliman event next year.

The Dancing DOH Asec. Tayag and PHIN

A unique way to close an opening remark and to energize the audience at the PHIN Forum last September 13, 2012.