Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem http://photoallan.multiply.com/ Sat, 9 Jul 2011 21:55:13 -0000 Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:32:36 -0000 Carpe Diem http://multiply.com/mu/photoallan/logo http://photoallan.multiply.com/ 100 100 Google+ http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/100/Google Google+ is luring me back to blogging. The moment I joined, my dusted existence over at the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/rcaluste">Picasa web</a> and <a href="http://photoallan.blogspot.com">Blogger</a> beckons me to reconnect. I would have forgotten about the inanities that I spread over time at these sites in favor of Twitter, Plurk and Facebook until the Plus came about. Why am I blogging now and why the hell am I blogging this from <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com">Multiply</a>? <img border="0" class="alignmiddleb" src="http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/google_plus_icons_150x150.jpg">I find Google+ strangely engaging. Aside from the fact that they have a wider infrastructure base than Facebook (Android, Gmail, Voice, Talk, Picasa, Blogger, Docs, Youtube, just to name a few), the integration model that Google offers is tighter than I could have imagined. I don't mind that <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/07/05/google-blogger-picasa-rebranding/">Google is about to rebrand Picasa Web and Blogger into Google Products</a>. In fact, <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/03/14/googles-blogger-is-about-to-get-an-overhaul/">I expect lots of better things to come</a>. This idea of having strong, individual services being able to stand on its own two feet, yet being able to function as a single product makes a lot of sense. The Google+ Android App that enables instant uplo... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/100/Google Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:32:36 -0000 Makapag-blog nga kaya ulit? http://photoallan.multiply.com/notes/item/2 http://photoallan.multiply.com/notes/item/2 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:58:14 -0000 Boracay 2009 http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/31/Boracay_2009 http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/31/Boracay_2009 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:27:35 -0000 Heritage Park 2009 http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Heritage_Park_2009 http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/30/Heritage_Park_2009 Wed, 4 Nov 2009 02:49:22 -0000 My tech blog where I talk about Windows 7, cloud computing and other random thoughts. (http://www.caluste.com) http://photoallan.multiply.com/notes/item/1 http://photoallan.multiply.com/notes/item/1 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:37:57 -0000 Palm Beach Resort http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/29/Palm_Beach_Resort Group outing. Excellent facilities, food is great and love the pool! http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/29/Palm_Beach_Resort Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:57:08 -0000 Pool Time http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/28/Pool_Time Good weather smiled upon us when we went to a private resort in Laguna. Random http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/28/Pool_Time Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:52:29 -0000 Family Portraits http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/27/Family_Portraits 2 sets of family portraits, part of charles' school requirements. Romina sets up an impromptu studio at our room using table lamps and a nikon d40 camera. http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/27/Family_Portraits Thu, 4 Jun 2009 02:06:50 -0000 A Day at the Eco Park http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/26/A_Day_at_the_Eco_Park http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/26/A_Day_at_the_Eco_Park Mon, 18 May 2009 07:14:03 -0000 Kagabi... http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/25/Kagabi... ...nagshooting ang ABS-CBN sa katabing bahay namin.. at syempre, naki-uzi si Charles.. habang nakasuot ng pajama.. mga piktyur kuha http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/25/Kagabi... Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:06:37 -0000 Baguio Photos http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/24/Baguio_Photos Blog: <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/99/A_weekend_trip_to_Baguio">http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/99/A_weekend_trip_to_Baguio</a> http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/24/Baguio_Photos Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:50:47 -0000 A weekend trip to Baguio http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/99/A_weekend_trip_to_Baguio Day 1 - Saturday Morning We left Manila Friday night by bus to wake up the following morning to Baguio's cool summer breeze. We were to attend my cousin's wedding by 1 PM, so off we go to Burnham Park to look for a place to stay. <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1/seq1.JPG?et=fWWyTzrDLxALphuje%2ChAZg&nmid=0" border="0"><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a>Burnham Park <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oPAoKCDIAAFPtptg1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/Se0oPAoKCDIAAFPtptg1/seq2.jpg?et=VupgJxKoX%2BI8B5R6anbpqg&nmid=0" border="0"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a><a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oBAoKCDIAAFJ8jtU1"></a>Tour of Luzon, Baguio Leg <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0oqwoKCDIAAGbnBKw1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/Se0oqwoKCDIAAGbnBKw1/seq3.jpg?et=OfdbT4PTTSspSe1m6fRAvg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Time to check out the Cathedral. Afternoon The rain poured hard as I stepped down the cab, just before the start of the procession. It was surreal, as if the heavens blessed the union at the right time. <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0pPgoKCDIAAHVpSHU1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/Se0pPgoKCDIAAHVpSHU1/seq4.jpg?et=tcgPKg7pOGgxpTcZhu3rBA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Me with the reasons why we were in Baguio. <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0pqAoKCDIAAAY@GYY1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/Se0pqAoKCDIAAAY@GYY1/seq5.jpg?et=CGfC6HqtcRJUWlt8Yyc%2Crw&nmid=0" border="0"></a> Me with announcement duties Evening After the wedding celebration, we strolled down Session Rd, looking for an authentic local coffee. We ended up in SM Baguio, and got settled in Cordillera Coffee. <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/Se0p9AoKCDIAAA4gOBE1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/Se0p9AoKCDIAAA4gOBE1/seq6.jpg?et=iwfFi%2CM9mIC1GyqdCRs7%2BA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Tired me, Gid, and cordillera coffee. Perfect combination. They also serve civet coffee for 300+ a cup! Civet poop coffee anyone? Day 2 - Sunday Morning We woke up really early, and we're already on foot by 6am. I've plotted our route the night before, and off we go! First stop is Mine's View Park... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/99/A_weekend_trip_to_Baguio Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:38:05 -0000 Isang Araw sa Eco-Park http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/98/Isang_Araw_sa_Eco-Park <img class="alignmiddleb" border="0" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SeCdJgoKCDIAAGklq3E1/ecopark1.jpg?et=f3MD3lRbnr8UbVgbzjNf0g&nmid=0"> Ako ay sumabit, Pati utol ko ay binitbit, Sa araw na nagkodakan, Ang aking kaibigan <img class="alignmiddleb" border="0" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SeCdlQoKCDIAAHxtFo01/ecopark2.jpg?et=Kl58SsAYewMjnC3tHgvwUA&nmid=0"> Larawan ng saya, Tuwa at ligaya, Hiyaw at kanstyaw ko ay ininda, Tanging ngiti ang namumutawi sa kanilang mga mukha <a href="http://rominacaluste.multiply.com/photos/album/22/Pre-Nuptial_at_Ecopark">http://rominacaluste.multiply.com/photos/album/22/Pre-Nuptial_at_Ecopark</a> http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/98/Isang_Araw_sa_Eco-Park Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:42:18 -0000 Fight me!!! http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/97/Fight_me <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SdtrnwoKCDIAAGYyKOI1"><img class="alignleft" border="0" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SdtrnwoKCDIAAGYyKOI1/mybrute.JPG?et=ZD81SEIiyTP060kEFTY2fg&nmid=0"></a>If you're looking for a quick brutal fun, here's a tip: 1. Go to: <a href="http://ronaldallan.mybrute.com">http://ronaldallan.mybrute.com</a> 2. Type a unique name for your player on the entry space at the left. 3. Choose a persona, a look that would fit your character. 4. Click validate to ensure that nobody else owns the name. 5. If all is well, we fight! :) I don't really endorse games or anything, but this is stupidly simple and fun that I am blogging about it. First day you get 6 tries to challenge anyone you know. Each day thereafter, you get 3 attempts. Get enough experience to level up and fight some more. Give it a shot :)   http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/97/Fight_me Tue, 7 Apr 2009 15:09:29 -0000 We're supposed to be outdoors http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/96/Were_supposed_to_be_outdoors ...but we're not. because of this: <a href="http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SdoFwgoKCDIAAC5UcrA1"><img class="alignmiddleb" border="0" src="http://images.photoallan.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SdoFwgoKCDIAAC5UcrA1/recumbent.jpg?et=W61I5R5jTgDEsRIGX5%2Bgzg&nmid=0"></a> and new episodes of Dr. House S05 1-20, Dollhouse S01 1-8, and Legend of the Seeker S01 1-17 (between old episodes of CSI, NCIS, Law and Order, The Practice, and everything else in the CD album). There's also that anticipated boxing match last Sunday between Bradley and Holt, aside from the Valero and Pitalua bout that I could only watch in Youtube. We're supposed to be outdoors on a long weekend, but pleasurable indoor cardio activities keep me locked in. http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/96/Were_supposed_to_be_outdoors Mon, 6 Apr 2009 13:53:25 -0000 The Black Edition and the WGA Validation Crack http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/95/The_Black_Edition_and_the_WGA_Validation_Crack So, you installed that Windows XP Black Edition that you got from your neighborhood pirata. Really cool install, optimized for that power-user in you, loaded with all the useful power-user apps and none of those lousy programs that came with the original. Until one day, you updated your windows, thinking that maybe, since it passed previous Windows Genuine install checks, that you could get away again this time. Then, a message appeared in your screen, saying that "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting", in all it's black background glory. What do you do? Even if you want to legalize, you can't without re-installing. The previous wga cracks prevents you from using the Product Key Update Tool. (If you deactivate your windows, you'll notice that the the notification app is set to notify to you re-activate in 49023432 days. Funny.) One alternative is to search google for WGA Validation Crack. Get the latest version. Apparently, wga works in two fronts: the client and the server. The... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/95/The_Black_Edition_and_the_WGA_Validation_Crack Sun, 22 Mar 2009 02:02:18 -0000 Kinder na! http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/23/Kinder_na Nursery closing ceremony @ Two Hearts Study http://photoallan.multiply.com/photos/album/23/Kinder_na Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:53:56 -0000 Dinner at Mom and Tina's http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/94/Dinner_at_Mom_and_Tinas Google for Mom and Tina's and you'll get good raves about the place. It's very near our place (located in Ugong, Pasig, just along C-5), so deciding where to eat dinner on our 5th anniversary, the choice was obvious. At first, I dismissed the place as another bakery cum restaurant (just like red ribbon and goldilocks), albeit for a niche market. We almost always pass by the place but we never entered the establishment. Only when a good friend passed word on how great the food was, I decided to do some research. It didn't take long for me to find reviews on the place. <a href="http://dessertcomesfirst.com/?p=562">Dessert Comes First</a> wrote a lot of good words about it and photos looked very enticing. After surprising Gid with <a href="http://www.islandrose.net/philippine-flowers/bouquet1.htm">lavender roses and belgian chocolates</a>, I told her that we're having dinner somewhere in Ugong. She doesn't have a clue. I took her through the streets of Ugong,  and asked her how she likes her tapa, because there are good tapsilog in the area. She made a frown and the frown became a surpise and the surprise ... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/94/Dinner_at_Mom_and_Tinas Fri, 6 Mar 2009 05:03:36 -0000 Saturday movie marathon http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/93/Saturday_movie_marathon Saturday was movie day. Gid went to Makati so I had full access to the TV that day :) After a brief workout, I loaded up my USB playlist for a movie marathon. I moved the rear speakers to the rear sides of the bed for that extreme surround experience. I started with Into the Wild, a moving film about the true story of Chris McCandless, <strike>an idiot</strike> an idealist, who went to the wild to cast out the evils of organized society, to live life simple and alone. He eventually ended up dead in the wilds of Alaska. Next on the playlist was the extended version of the Gladiator. I really liked how the surround experience brings more life to the already excellent film. This movie never fails to bring me close to tears after watching it (especially during the last scene when Maximus gave back Rome to the senate, fulfilling the wish of a dying man). Last was Casino Royale. I never liked the idea that there is a new James Bond, but after seeing this movie, I'm now another fan. I had to turn the volume dial... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/93/Saturday_movie_marathon Mon, 2 Mar 2009 08:44:20 -0000 The best birthday dinner ever http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/92/The_best_birthday_dinner_ever I went home last Wednesday night to a tableful of delightful feast prepared by Gid. Since it's ash wednesday, we can only serve fish. There's chunky tuna spaghetti, garlic bread, fish fillet, cheese sticks and pancit. After devouring all the food, there's still the chocolate cake and the chocolate ice cream. Charles was even more delighted than I was. We blew the candles together (he counted 3 candles) and took the first bite at the sugar flower. Gid made everything extra special. I guess she's extra happy that at last, I breached the 30 year age mark :) http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/92/The_best_birthday_dinner_ever Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:29:25 -0000 To the Surgery Suite and Back http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/91/To_the_Surgery_Suite_and_Back It's my second time to go inside the surgery suite at Medical City. The first one was during my tonsillectomy several years ago. This time, however, the visit will be brief and pain-free. I was about to have another <a href="http://www.ohiorehabcenter.com/Lumbar%20ESI%20TF%20061606.pdf">lumbar epidural steroids injection</a>. It's basically a way to inject a type of steroids (cortisone) directly into the affected area to reduce the inflammation. During my first shot more than a year ago, it was done on the pain management clinic. This time, their protocol changed, and it is now required that the procedure be done under a flouroscopic xray guidance. So, even with a simple procedure, I still had to be admitted before my trip to the surgery suite, where the uber-xray (they called it the c-arm) is located. So butt-naked and sterile, I was on the surgery table, with a long needle in my back. The doctor injected the dye so they could see where the drug would travel up my discs. I wish I could see what the doctor was looking at the x-ray monitor, but I couldn't without... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/91/To_the_Surgery_Suite_and_Back Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:55:26 -0000 Tow me not http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/90/Tow_me_not It was a Tuesday night and I was waiting for Gid to get to the car from her office at PBCom tower in Makati. I waited longer than usual, so instead of patiently waiting for Gid at the car, I went down to Ministop which is just across the street where I was "parked". It was probably hunger; I couldn't resist the call of oreo and iced tea waiting for me at the counter. Gid met me at Ministop and we went back to the car together. Just when I was about to go inside the car, a tow truck went in front of us, with chain-wielding men threatening to put the chains on my vehicle. Apparently, that side of the street was a tow-away zone. Of course I protested. They are not supposed to do that when the driver is already on the scene. They asked me to talk to the "yellow boy", aka, the traffic police officer in Binay yellow uniform. I wasn't really in the mood to talk with the officer, much less offer him a bribe or something. It's probably because I was a bit tired from work, and hungry, and quite f... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/90/Tow_me_not Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:55:43 -0000 150 word love story for Rose http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/89/150_word_love_story_for_Rose Allan and Rose lived and loved on two different worlds. Six years ago, their worlds met. Allan was drawn to Rose as a bee to a flower. Yet, ironically, every time he saw her in the canteen, the butterflies would crawl up his stomach and leave him speechless. Allan, master of the subtle, would email Rose with messages that almost always end with romantic haiku signatures. Rose would encouragingly reply with the same poetic subtle zeal. Mustering enough confidence, Allan devised a plan to invite Rose for a date. Despite being budget conscious at the time, he organized a group date that would eventually bring the entire IT and HR departments together for a night out. Unmindful of the crowd, Allan and Rose felt alone together that very night. And many nights would follow. And together, Allan and Rose dreamt of a world that they will both live and love. http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/89/150_word_love_story_for_Rose Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:03:37 -0000 Too good to be true http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/88/Too_good_to_be_true Yesterday, a friend sent me an Ebay link to a notebook that is up for auction. It's an HP Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz, with really good specs. The price was really, really cheap. It's just 14,999. Sounds good to be true? You bet. I happened to be looking around for a good priced notebook that we are planning to send to my cousins in Iloilo. We don't mind if it's just second hand. We also recently bought one over at Openpinoy.com last week for my sister-in-law, and we are thinking of making a repeat purchase. We bought an IBM Thinkpad T42, single core 1.6 Ghz and basic specs, at Openpinoy for 14k. Almost the same price as the HP Core 2 Duo ebay offer, albeit half the specs. So yeah, the Ebay offer was really, really good. I didn't notice the location of the seller, and I quickly assumed that he is just somewhere in Manila. I was thinking that when we come to an agreement, that we'll just set a meeting and seal the deal. So there, I clicked the big blue Buy It Now button and committed to buy. The sell... http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/88/Too_good_to_be_true Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:41:14 -0000 Plurk http://photoallan.multiply.com/links/item/3/Plurk Got invited to plurk, how about http://photoallan.multiply.com/links/item/3/Plurk Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:13:34 -0000 Mini computer for my mini me http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/87/Mini_computer_for_my_mini_me Charles got his own computer last night. Using an old crt monitor, a new keyboard, a tiny mouse and an asus eee pc, I've set up a working desktop for him at the corner of room where he can play his favorite games, disney, jumpstart pre-school and dora :) No more taking-over papa's pc while papa is playing Neverwinter Nights 2! http://photoallan.multiply.com/journal/item/87/Mini_computer_for_my_mini_me Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:45:16 -0000