Wa nay Lubi-Lubi...Ur mAH hArT U mAh SoL...

2014 has come to a close and what a year it has been.

I was just celebrating and welcoming 2014 at Marco Polo with my friend and it seems it was only yesterday. A lot of things happened then, and boy it just blinked in a flash. A brand new year is around the corner.

One of the best thing this year is connecting more with my bicycle. Yes that is right, cycling!

Nothing beats the joy of riding a bike, feeling the air flowing through your skin, smiling down on rough roads and at times swallowing mud?

This year, I started to bike to work and from it I discovered how so many Cebuanos commute by bicycle to work and school. An ordinance was passed by the city council to build bike lanes and promote cycling, although I am not for this. Bike lanes in Cebu is premature and such a bad idea, they should first build and provide proper sidewalks for pedestrians. But I am all for bicycle commuting. A lot of work is need to make this acceptable to society, but we are on the right track.

Waiting for the green light.

Cebu has become more and more congested. A lot of people blame it on the increase of car sales, maybe true. However, interestingly we need to improve our traffic flow and make it more fluid. How? One, as mentioned above, is to provide sidewalks, one free from lamp posts, vendors and other obstacles. Improve drainage to avoid flooding. Implement traffic rules not just to four wheeled vehicles but strictly on motorcycles as well.  And, promote alternative transport like cycling and even walking.

Just before the year ended, I transferred to a new team within my company. A big change for me indeed. From being a team lead back to a individual contributor but with bigger responsibility and scope of work. The new team? What can I say? My new teammates are great, I feel very welcomed and the new atmosphere is a welcome change for me.

Mountain biking. I logged more kilometers this year or maybe because I started recording my millage that I feel I biked more, this thanks to numerous free apps available for smartphones. Sunday before Christmas, we rode down south going to Manipis trail in Talisay going uphill and down exiting at Minglanilla.  It was a sweet ride indeed, along the way we met a rather talkative biker whom we nicknamed the Giant Onano, Onana being the Cebuano term for dwarf. As a bystander commented, "ang imong bike Giant pero ang nag sakay kay onano". Total ride was 37.5 km in 5 hours. Pacing was rather slow, but allowed us for more chitchats. Our bike mate brought some sweets and cookies to share with the children we passed along the route.

 
                                                       
 

On Christmas, we had a charity night ride with my biking buddy. We packed our Osprey backpacks with food and some shirts. Rode around the city and shared our blessing to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. It was indeed a very good experience, putting smiles on strangers faces. Not even the pouring rain stopped us from pedaling. We may be drenched in rain but our spirits are high and warm. A genuine smile of happiness on a stranger is just priceless. So  we have planned to do this more often. Cannot wait for our next charity ride.

Last Sunday we pedaled for about 36kms +  looking for more trails and uphills to challenge ourselves. This time around we took a different route on the home stretch. Since there was a tropical depression, the sun didn't showed up, so much the better for us but still had some su burn after the ride. Took us about four (4) hours for the whole trip, along the way meeting more interesting people and places. We passed by a trio of cyclist, two were foreigners on 29er Santa Cruz bikes, drool. As usual we had our pancit bihon half way in our trip and soda to recover our sugar. After more chitchats and laughter we  started our way back home. This time the pacing was much faster but still a relaxing chill ride. 

It was a good long ride to end the year. Of course it wont be complete without meeting an interesting fellow. 

Since it is still the holiday season, we met a talented caroler. Pure home brew local talent at its best.

                  

Adoring the stars of your night

Dreaming of a universe where your eyes are the stars of the night.

In a space that even your whisper attracts comets  to your mystery.

And the planets bows down in awe to your mystical delight.

For you are no less the epitome of an ethereal entity.

Meteors fall, shooting stars flies, and my dreamy eyes

Wishing upon, when only a wish is so much so than it is

If I could reach the moon and back, will fly to Jupiter no less

Then only then, the deity will notice my terrestrial existence

    

Solar flares erupts and my heart goes supernova.

Exploding a beat faster than the speed of light

Excited at the thought and my soul dancing like the aurora

The heavenly goddess herself smiling down tonight

 

 We may be light years away yet I am forever pulled to your gravity

For not a thousand parsecs can I avoid the sparkling lights

Even so, this may only be a dream far off world than reality

I will continue to dream in a galaxy that adores your night

*all images are from nasa.gov

Challenges of bike commuting

Bike commuting to work is not just a challenge...but at times a struggle too.

With bicycle commuting there a lot of concerns and things to consider, particularly with bike to work.

1. You will be sweaty and smelly once you arrive in the office.
2. You have to get up early and ride early to avoid the scorching sun and busy rush hour traffic.
3. Safety concerns when you are up against inconsiderate, unruly motorists.
4. Safety concerns with inconsiderate and undisciplined pedestrians.
5. The need to pack your change of clothes and carry them in your bag. Sometimes your clothes would want to be ironed again once you unpack it in the office.
6. Exposure to the elements, fumes, dust, other particles and rain.
7. Parking space. Yes, sometimes it is a challenge as there will be motorcycles taking your spot at the bicycle designated parking area at the office building parking. I really dislike motorcycles. Either they are plain ignorant and cannot understand parking rules or they just don't care and ignore it. Just the same attitude when they are on the road, complete disregard for traffic rules and lacks road courtesy.
8. It is a struggle to wake up early.
9. Sometimes, you'll feel tired in the office or when you are home later in the day.
10. Vehicles thinking they are entitled and that they own the road. These motorists should be banned from the streets and their driver's license revoked.
11. The proposed or rather new city ordinance for bike registration and biker's permit. -> whiskey tango foxtrot.

However, no matter what the challenges are, I always see to it that I go to work on bicycle at least once in a week. Why?

1. Bike commuting helps to clear my mind for a busy day. 
2. Keeps me alert and alive throughout my busy schedule. 
3. Helps with my savings ;) 
4. I am minimizing my carbon footprint and contributing positively to society by giving Mother Earth some slack and buying her some time to heal a little.
5. Sometimes, no need for a change of clothes, I ride on my office attire. Sometimes. And it is FUN!

Burgers! Burgers! Burgers!

I love eating hamburgers. Actually, whilst most Filipino's can't live without rice, I can on sandwiches alone.

Although I have not been to all hamburger and sandwich parlors in Cebu, there are a few here that are my favorites that I always keep coming back for more.

1. Big Tom's

Probably one of the best burgers in town. The patties are charbroiled, very juicy, delectable and full of flavor. A lot of different burgers to choose from. The Jalapeño burger is my favorite. Their home made sauce is also very good. The place is nice with good ambiance and they present the burgers on a wooden chopping board. I love how it is presented, classy. 

Big Tom's is located along Juana Osmeña St.

2. The Frontgate.

Also one of my favorite place to hang out. Conveniently located near my place in Paseo Banawa.

I come here not only for the burgers, but for their chili fries too. The chili fries is actually potato wedges with chili con carne. Their burgers are also full of flavor with lots of cheese. They also have a lot of burgers to choose from, however I do not like how it is presented in a plastic.

3. Burger Joint.

All time favorite street food burger. Though their burgers are a bit pricey, however still very appetizing and yummy.

4. Army Navy.

I find their classic single quarter pound burger to be very tasteful and satisfying. However it is the starving sailor that is my favorite here over their burgers. Their freedom fries is also something different from the usual fries. 

5. Flame it burgers.

Been around for a while now. Still in the game despite the so many competitors. Their grilled burgers are also one the best tasting that I have tried. Juicy, full of flavor and pure satisfaction. They used to be located in Escario, now they are located at two of the major malls in the city and a new branch at Mabolo. Definitely a must try for visitors of Cebu and for locals too.

I'm a cyclist, still not happy with the Tindak Sugbo Ordinance

Wheew, after a few days of reading news about the bike lanes for Cebu, I am still not over it.

After reading the ordinance (well at least the proposed ordinance before it was passed, I don't think much has changed) I can see some red flags.

On SECTION 5. Rights, Duties and Obligations of Bikers/Cyclist

e.) To keep one hand on the handlebar at all times; 

    - Really? Why? It will now be illegal for a cyclist to keep his/her hands free for a while? We keep our hands away from the handlebar not to do exhibitions or stunts contrary to what non cyclist perceive it to be. We do that to relax our hands and shoulders. All cyclist do this.

h)       To procure the necessary biker’s permit, bike license plate and registration in accordance with existing laws and regulations, such as City Ordinance No. 801, as amended, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Establishing a Traffic Code for the City of Cebu”; and

- this really irked me. Seriously? I said it before in my previous post, this is just a scheme to milk money. Serves no other purpose. Bike lanes yes, registration and biker's permit - hell NO! I have been cycling around the city and outside the city. Nobody bothered about biker's permit and certainly no bike registrations. We get along well, why need this now? Not to mention, this will potentially damage or bicycles. Or just make our bikes look ugly, when we work hard to make it beautiful. Also, this will discourage would be potential bike commuters.

On SECTION 7. Prohibited Acts. The following are prohibited acts:  

g)       No biker shall do any exhibitions and stunts on the Tindak Sugbo Lanes, such as riding on the handlebars and “step nut” riding and the likes.

- I also find this disturbing. Because what non cyclist perceive as stunts are not stunts for cyclist.

Yes, riding on handlebars and step nut riding are stunts, but what about the "likes"? This is a concern.

Riding with my hands free from the handlebar can be considered a stunt to non cyclist, when in fact we are just relaxing our shoulders and hands. Riding while standing on the pedals can be considered a stunt when again we are just trying to relax our glutes and legs.

Under section 4, CITOM will be implementing this ordinance. Well, I do hope they implement first the traffic rules, the very basic traffic laws that are continuously violated in front of their enforcers. Like overtaking on solid yellow line, motorcycles, jeepneys, taxis and some private cars counterflowing traffic on the opposite lane so as to be ahead of others on his lane. And even jaywalkers, they seem to be so tolerable with jaywalkers.

Now with this new ordinance, they will start to police cyclist who do not have both hands on the handle bar, seriously?

While I am happy that Cebu is embracing bicycle commuting, I do hope that people responsible for this can implement this properly. 

I am for bike lanes in Cebu, but now is not the time. Certain issues on road and traffic needs to be addressed first. 

You can read the full article of the Tindak Sugbo Ordinance here.

If the city really supports green transport, then they better promote it - not discourage it.

On the IDEA of Bike lanes, yes I am all for it.

Implementing it now in Cebu, NO I do not support it now.

It is nice to dream of our beautiful city embracing and supporting green and alternative transport. As an avid cyclist, I do wish that my city has bike lanes and that the citizens support bike commuting like they do in Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, London and in any major European cities.

However, reality check this is not Europe and sad to say the citizens of the city lacks discipline and respect for bikers on the road. Traffic is chaotic. Adding bike lanes well not in any way help traffic congestion. More so it will only probably worsen it, at least here in Cebu and possibly anywhere in the country.

Motorists already lack road courtesy and driving etiquette. Cannot follow basic traffic rule nor at least respect pedestrians. Motorcycles driving on the wrong lane opposing traffic hoping the car "in the correct lane with the right of way" will give way so he can overtake all other vehicles and be ahead of others. Motorcycles do this a lot, but so does taxis and some private cars. Resulting to more traffic congestion. This typical driving attitude alone is already a big risk and major concern for cyclist. Adding bike lanes on the right most part of the road will only invite motorcycles to use that lane. Disastrous.

Another concern that should have been thought of is that, aside from the motorists, the general public does not respect bicycle commuters. They see bikes on the road as nuisance, as if cyclist has no right on the road. Pedestrians would just cross the road once it is cleared from motor vehicles, ignoring any bicycles. As a cyclist, you have to adjust even if you still had the right of way. And you'll hear from some of them complaining why cyclist are plying the busy streets.

Although the city is on the right track about alternative transport, the city council should have not done this in haste but in phases.

First, they can require all establishments, offices to have a designated bicycle parking or bike racks.

This way, we slowly integrate and promote bike commuting.

Then, slowly they would address unruly motorcycles and motorists by strictly implementing traffic rules. Actually, not slowly but implement it now like how it is supposed to be.

Third, improve our sidewalks so that it will serve its purpose. Pedestrians need not to walk on the road but on the sidewalks. Clear it from telephone and electrical poles, clear it from sidewalk vendors and other establishments (sari-sari store, hair saloon, food stand who are "squatting'). This alone will greatly improve traffic flow.

Improve the roads, then they can implement bike lanes once we have fluid traffic. That is, motorist would obey traffic laws, respect both pedestrians and cyclist and anyone using the road. Pedestrians and the general public will too recognize bike commuters as rightful road users.

Lastly, do an information drive and educate the public about bicycle commuting and alternative transport.

I do support bike lanes, but certain issues needs to be addressed first before jumping on the bandwagon on "going green" and alternative transport. And before I forget, trash the need for biker's permit and bicycle registration. If the city truly believes on a greener transport to slow climate change, then they better promote bike commuting and not discourage potential bikers.

Cebu City council approves bike lanes, and I am not exactly happy

While I am an avid cyclist, had my share of pedaling through the streets of Cebu and has been and still is bike commuting to work, surprisingly I do not welcome this news.

After several deferments, the Cebu City Council finally approved Wednesday the ordinance establishing shared priority bike lanes or bike-friendly zones in the city. Known as the "The Tindak Sugbo Lanes Ordinance"

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/10/29/bike-lanes-soon-cebu-city-373666

The article states that the city is  hoping to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation to reduce pollution, address global warming and slow down climate change. I totally agree, however if you read further, the ordinance calls for registering the bikes and the requirement of a biker's permit. It also states that license plates will be issued. This certainly will not encourage bike commuting.

Actually I am disappointed with this development.

First of all, before this ordinance, there are already a considerable number of citizens who are bike commuters. Mostly from the blue collar sector and an increasing number from the white collar workers including myself. While bike lanes is certainly a huge welcome for us, requiring us permits is certainly not.

The idea of bike lanes should be to encourage more to use bikes as an alternative transport. This is not for "bikers" alone but for the citizens in general. Car owners are now encouraged to leave their cars at home at least once in a week to use bicycles in going to work or to schools. Those who commute by public transport will now also start to use bicycles as a cheaper and greener alternative.

But this ordinance apparently will not encourage these. Why? Here are a few:

>> First of all, as mentioned there are already a considerable number of bike commuters. We do not have bikers permit and certainly the bicycles are not registered. And there are no problems with the current setup. I say status quo.

>> Issuing license plates will potentially damage the bicycles. As some of those who commute by bike to work are using their high end mountain bikes and carbon fiber road bikes. Certainly putting license plates or stamping registration numbers on the bicycle will potentially damage it. This alone is a very big factor of discouraging bike commuting.

>> The requirement of a bikers permit. Seriously, what is this for? Or is the council is just really thinking of how to make more money, and said "hey why don't we require bikers permit and registration of bicycles?" I really do not see any purpose to this rather than to milk some money. And where will the money go?

If you say that we need to pay for the bike lanes and the use of roads, then WTF?! Whether we bike or not, drive or not, commute via public transport or not, the roads are basic need for the city. They are not built for the motorists alone, they are built for the citizens for public use. We all are paying for it through our taxes, and better roads are expected. Bike lanes are expected whether some bike group asked for it or not. It is basic and should have been provided a long time ago.

Pedestrians have rights to use the sidewalk too. So do they need "walkers permit"? 

I think the city should look into those squatting along the sidewalks. Establishments and vendors who occupy the sidewalks and the electrical and telephone poles as well. Pedestrians are walking on the roads instead of the sidewalk because of these "squatters", effectively causing traffic congestion. And bike lanes being on the right most side of the road, wherein sidewalks are effectively useless, certainly it will not encourage bike commuting. 

This ordinance is premature. This should have not been done in haste and more thought should had been given to it.

But I seriously hope that these issues will be addressed and that indeed the city will encourage and embrace bike commuting. Again forgo the bikers permit and license plates. Status quo on this and just add the bike lanes. I do support bike lanes but not on the idea of bikers permit and registration. We need to encourage bike commuting, not discourage it.

Bike Commuting to Work

I have been asked and even joked a lot by my office mates that the reason I bike to office is so that to get thin and fit.

Truth of the matter is, I don't have enough money to keep up with my rising fuel costs. LOL! Not only are fuel prices high, I am conscious of my carbon footprint. Makes sense? 

Yeah, the real reason I bike to work is: I just love cycling. I love to bike and I enjoy so much being on a bicycle. 

Getting fit and saving money while biking to work is just a plus. It is not even the real intention, well trying to save some money, yes? 

What's interesting with bike commuting is, you get to see the city on a different perspective. You can cruise down the busy street without getting stuck in heavy traffic. Of course you have to catch in your face all the fumes and dust and other weird particles coming in your way.

People nowadays, complain on a lot of things regarding daily commute. There's heavy traffic, smelly fumes and pollution at the top of it. Then there's the flooded streets when it rains and the undisciplined motorists.  If you are one of those who commutes by public transport, then you'll likely experience heavy traffic, undisciplined driving, not to mention inhaling all those foul air. If you drive a car, then you'll probably got stuck in heavy traffic and complained about the rude public drivers, creating more chaos on the unruly roads. Either way, you are contributing more to the foul air, heavy congestion and flooding. We all contribute to it one way or another.

Global warming. 

1. You drive your own car, you burn fuel and release more toxins in the air, regardless if your driving a gasoline engine or diesel engine. You are burning fuel and releasing carbon monoxide.

2. The more yuppies buying their own car, the more and more toxins released to the atmosphere.

3. Public transport are mostly unmaintained vehicles that are heavy smoke belching machines. The more you ride in them the more you contribute to global warming, accessory to the crime.

4. Motorcycles. More and more are plying the roads, not only are they a menace (total disregard for road courtesy and traffic rules) on the streets, the more people buy them, the more toxins released in the air as more people burn their own fuel.  You think by buying a motorcycle and moped you save yourself from traffic woes? Well, you just made the streets more unruly and congested.

5. Citizens becoming more hot headed and hot tempered due to above - this is real global warming.

And so, I try to contribute to society by trying not to contribute to any of the traffic woes.

Bike commuting:

1. No fuel cost or daily fare.

2. No smoke emission - pure green pedal power.

3. Burns calories, free aerobic exercise.

4. Less road congestion. Compare driving a car as to pedaling your way to work.

5. Zero Carbon Footprint.

And while most yuppies fancy their shiny new cars, I fancy my two wheels. Consider this: public transport and private vehicles are increasing in numbers on the road. It only means more engines are burning fuel and releasing carbon monoxide. Those who once travel by public transport are now driving their own cars. The prize of urbanization, the prize of better living standards. As more yuppies buy their own cars, public transport continue to ply the streets daily. We have increased our carbon footprint and increased road congestion effectively.

And yet we complain a lot about the increasing traffic congestion, and the seemingly becoming normal flooding every time it pours from the heavens.

Had there been lesser cars on the road, it would have been a lighter traffic, yes? No. Increasingly a lot of new car owners does not know basic traffic rules and road courtesy. Not to mention a lot of the public utility drivers are rude and lacks courtesy. As a result, still heavy traffic. Traffic flow is not fluid.

So going back to my point, bicycle commuting is the way of the future. It is the key for a more sustainable and livable city. One less car is always better. One less car on the road means more road space and lesser carbon footprint. The lesser internal combustion engines on the road, the lesser berating drivers. Imagine if all car owners would together leave their cars at home, and they would commute to work via public transport and by bicycle. Let us just assume that for one day this will happen. Free flowing traffic, no congestion and lesser air pollution. While I mentioned that public transports are heavy smoke belching machines, still if those who drive to work would leave their cars, overall it would still decrease air pollutants.

Bike commuting, the way to go.

Usual office holiday Ado

Public holiday and I am in the office.
No, I am not workaholic.
Do not have pending jobs to do.
No conference calls, no meetings with the big bosses.
No teleconference with the stakeholders
Nothing important to do.
It is also a public holiday in China, in Singapore, in Bangladesh, in Malaysia and in most Asian countries. It is a public holiday in Australia.
The AP countries we are supporting are on holiday, but I am in the office.
So why am I here? To support the business.
What business? I really do not know.
Ado about nothing. Just plain nothing.

Wished I am on the saddle of my mountain bike right now, over muddy trails or on a hilly climb.
But I am here at office, doing nothing.

A box of sweet dough

Queuing patiently in line just to grab a box of J. CO doughnuts. No it wasn't me. I would have not done that. I can wait patiently until the storm calms. Then there won't be long lines for this sweet concoction. Just similar to Krispy Kreme, you would wonder why they have to stand in hours just to have their doughnuts. Is it that super yummy delectably delicious. No, it wasn't. Not for me. Their doughnuts though was good paired with their coffee. But it was not worth queuing in long lines. Too sweet for my taste.

Going back to J.Co, a few actually posed as if they are pregnant so just to get ahead in line. Hmmm cunning and creative. All that little trick for a box of sweet doughnuts. It only fed my curiosity even more. Are their doughnuts really that super yummy delectably delicious? Or is it just another very sweet concoction as with Krispy Kreme?

Finally I got a taste of it, thanks to my ever chubby, bubbly and cheerful office mate, who, like the rest of Cebuanos cannot wait to have a box of J.CO.

The verdict? I must admit it is much better than their competitors. Similar but not quite. Of course it is still very sweet indeed. But at least it has flavor as compared to just a sweet sugary dough. 

However, I still do not see the logic why one has to queue in long lines just to have a bite. I would rather wait 'til most of the folks have enough and the storm will settle. Then I do not have to queue, instead I would genuinely enjoy a pair of their doughnuts and signature coffee at their store.

To my cheerful bubbly buddy, thank you for sharing the J.CO way, keep smiling!

Obnoxiously annoying

Over the course of your daily life, you will meet a lot of people. They add color, joy and spice to your life. Makes your life more interesting. However, there are those who will also make you a bit irritated and annoyed. It all depends on how you see and accept them. You can be totally cool and just don't care about them. But sometimes you just can't help it and smile in annoyance. There are times that they just really make you smile in amusement too. Here are few of those I encountered.

When commuting via public jeepney:

1. A passenger who would not alight until only at the exact spot he/she wish to stop even when the jeep already stop to alight someone a few meters back. Can you not walk?
2. Not passing on the fare to the driver from a fellow passenger and tends to not hear and see.
3. Sitting next to a girl/ woman with her hair all over your face. Do you know about an invention called hair clips?
4. Or sitting next to someone who is very untidy and doesn't seem to have a bath. Smells great though.
   

Meeting someone who:

1. Does not know where the sun rises and sets. Seriously? Maybe you think the world is flat too? Have you been to grade school?
2. Think highly of themselves and thinks they are entitled to something. Geez. You're not the only person in this planet. Who do you think you are?
3. Thinks they are always right and would never want to lose in an argument or debate. Yeah they are always right, never argue with them.
4. Judge others, yet they themselves are not perfect. They are even worse than the person they judged. Eat your words you are no better, look first at the mirror!
5. Is a nagger.
6. Close minded. Inconsiderate and has the tendency to think he/she is always right.
7. Does not appreciate history. Just because.
8. Insist on using an elevator when an escalator and stairs are available. We do not have disability God forbid, let us put our legs and feet to good use.

At the mall, restaurant and public places:

1. Cutting you in line and does not seem to know the concept of waiting for your turn. Really obnoxious!
2. Talking out loud on their phones. No, I do not need to hear your story and your problems. Be discreet.
3. Laughing boisterously. Usually a group of people at dinners. Really annoying and irritating. There are other patrons, you know. Keep it low and respect your neighbors.
4. Chewing their food with an open mouth. 
5. No table manners. Yes it is not fine dinning, but it doesn't mean you cannot follow basic table etiquette. There are rules for everything even on the way we eat food. And it's there so that at least you will not be annoying among other things. If you're done, close your spoon and fork and please finish your food. Do not waste it. Why would you order or get more than you can actually eat? And please do not use a fork on your banana while holding it with your left hand, it is not to be eaten that way. Eat it directly with your mouth. You only have permission to eat it with a fork only when the banana is totally peeled and is on a plate.
6. Fried chicken, is a finger food, they are meant to be eaten with your hands.
7. The lane for senior citizens and PWD are for senior citizens and PWD. Not for your convenience healthy fool.
8. Those who use the elevator when stairs or escalators are available. Don't overcrowd the lift, reserve it for the senior citizens, PWD and mothers. 
   

 While driving:

1. Drivers who do not know basic traffic rules and no road courtesy. Why do you even have a driver's license?
2. Not using their turn indicator (signal light) when turning. Really irritating. Please let me know your intentions.
3. Using their turn indicator (signal light) when there is no other way to go. Like on a bend or when the only way is to turn left (or right) and still signaling to turn left. I do not know 'bout you but I really would turn left in a road that only has to go left.
4. Not staying in lane, and you have no clue if she is to go this lane or the other.
5. Driving turtlely slow. Stay right if you are slow moving, do not block the other motorists.
6. Cutting your lane. 
7. Overtaking at the wrong time or at a no overtaking lane and will suddenly cut you in front. Can you not wait?
8. Cutting and overtaking anyone on his path as if he/she is the only motorist on the road. Or maybe he/she just do not respect anyone and feels entitled to cut just anyone.
9. Not parking their vehicles properly. 
   

 At the workplace:

1. Micro managers
2. The underloaded, and just keep sending and forwarding non work related emails.
3. The vanishing. This could be a superior or subordinate. They are always not there when they are needed and will be at their workstations when there is nothing much to do.
4. The punctual. Knows every public holiday, and will be gone in less than 60 seconds at the end of shift. Actually they are always tardy and their attendance sheets are full of lates and undertimes.
5. The hyper active and enthusiastic. Yes, they are those very active in complaining about almost everything from a job being given or delegated to any policy changes and announcements.
6. The lonely fool. Blasting their speakers as if everyone wants to listen to the music they're listening. No we don't.
7. Someone who uses the elevator going up or down one (1) floor. Please use the stairs and have some exercise once in a while.
   
   

Well, you will meet them to add spice to your day. Whatever is the going, just try to smile instead.

Cheers :)

Big n Tasty

Just one of my favorite fast food burgers. It's Big and it's tasty. Well not really that big, but bigger than most fast food burgers around.

And yes, it may be not that healthy but once in a while I indulge myself with this tasty mouthwatering burger. 

No, it is not perfect, but it is savory delicious. A bit expensive but it does somehow justifies with its flavorsome taste.

Of course there are other tastier burgers out there. But with this delectable burger, I can get it virtually anywhere I am within the city and anytime. Convenience!

I don't have to drive far and look for a parking space just to have a tasty burger. No need to wait in line at the only available store of a specialty burger. No hassle. Be at the mall, the city center or at the office, I can have my scrumptious burger anytime I want.

No need for ketchup, no drama. Just plain flavorful burger. Delicious with every bite. It has its own dressing, with cheesy melted cheese. Tomatoes and lettuce. Appetizing.

Life's simple pleasures. Surely I will be eating more of this in the future, no matter how unhealthy it is. It is delicious, yummy, savory, and succulent with every single bite, ambrosial even to the last bite.

RoboCop, nah

                                      

On my recent trip to Bohol, RoboCop was played on the return trip to Cebu. 

It was the 2014 remake version, and while it is a fresh movie, I think it was dull.

Expected more from this movie as I was a big fan of the original '87 RoboCop. Of course I was still a little kid but it captured my imagination like every boy and even girls my age back then.

As a kid, I never really understood the subtle political tones of the '87 version and all its satire woven within the movie. But it was a fresh movie back then. A robot cop roaming the streets bringing justice. Wow, every kid must have watched that movie even if it was really violent. And I remember we would imitate RoboCop's movements, it was fun back then.

The remake however, for me, feels rather dull. Not much satirical humor. RoboCop himself looks like he is just a regular guy wearing an exoskeleton body armor much like Iron Man. After a days work he can just remove his armor and be a couch potato. Actually the new RoboCop is very similar to Iron Man in terms of the design of his armor. This one can run fast and has fluid movements as compared to the slow mechanical movements of the original, which actually added to the menacing aura of the robot cop. This time the story is totally different and it takes a while in the movie before Robocop finally emerges on screen. This new movie also showed us what is left of officer Murphy which in the original left us guessing what remains of him. The mystery added to the charm of the original movie: part man, part machine, all cop.

Action pieces though are stunning and entertaining. However, again it fells not as refreshing as the original since there have been a lot of big action blockbusters recently.

This new movie however has RoboCop more practical and human from the start. He has a variety of weapons depending on the situation like a stun gun. He can opt to disable instead of killing. His memory is intact as to being wiped cleaned in the original. He rides a motorcycle instead of a squad car. And it tackles modern day issues on drones and mechanized weapons on the battlefield. The Murphy family has a major role in this film too, which is nice.

But watching the whole movie I can't help but still compare it to the original '87 movie. That's me, I am biased since I enjoyed and still like the original RoboCop.

Thankfully we decided to watch the Lego Movie instead of this at the time it was playing in the cinemas, I would have surely regretted it.

Beatles and the love for classics.

I am always fascinated with the classics, history and antiques. Yeah that's right, from classic rock to watching classic films and documentaries about world wars. Even the story on how a car icon or company came to be, I enjoy reading or watching a documentary about it. And I really do not know why, I am just fascinated with it.

Well it is not entirely about history or anything old, it also has something to do with my "likes". For example, popular art like music and movies. Cars and fast cars. Technical innovations, inventions, discoveries (it just happens that most of these were invented, created or discovered during the world wars). Nothing glorious about wars but on the topic of world war I am also fascinated with its stories about survival and humanity.

When I was in grade school, I thought I was the only one (in my age group that is) that knew about the Beatles. I just love listening to the music of the mop-tops. But no, I was not the only one. Surprisingly I lot of my classmates also knew about the Beatles. Can't explain why I enjoy their music, I guess the tunes and lines were catchy. My love for Beatles continued through high school. And again I thought I would be the only one who is listening to the Beatles, but no, found out a lot of my peers also appreciate it. Although not quite as I do. I continued listening to the Beatles up to this day, even if most of my friends and family would say I am an "oldie". Or some would find me weird enough to listen to songs they never heard even to the point of mocking. And what's funny though. Most of those who say they do not listen to oldies and the Beatles, are humming tunes and even singing to the tune of  Beatles music. Little do they know that the music they heard and came to like is just one of the many cover versions of a Beatles song. Ironic. On the topic of Beatles, most people would think only of their early 60's music. They never heard of the late 60's, early 70's music of the band which were entirely different. Totally different and revolutionary.

Without the Beatles, we would not have Music Television (MTV). Yes, they revolutionized MTV as we know it today. They were the first to record a music video and sent to TV stations for promotional purposes. Oasis (heavily influenced by the Beatles, 70% of their songs referenced a Beatle song), Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Cold Play, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, U2, The Verve, Franz Ferdinand and the likes are just some of the bands and artists influenced by the Beatles. Heck, they influenced almost all in the music industry, they shaped music as we know it today. They were the first to do experimental mainstream music. Doing techno, pop, hard rock and even metal rock. They were the first to do music across different genres. The first to have a Sitar in a rock music!

The Beatles music is not only artistically beautiful but is also still very influential and is still very fresh. In My Life, Yesterday, While my Guitar Gently Weeps, Here There and Everywhere, Come Together, Getting Better, A Little Help from My Friends, A Day in the Life are just among the few that I love. My favorite album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It is just simply amazing.

You cannot say you are a music lover if you do not know the Beatles! Cannot imagine the music industry now if the Beatles did not exist.

Bohol trip

Never been to Bohol after the 2013 quake. So I was a bit curios on what's Bohol like now. And last month I finally went to Bohol with my friends.

Boarded a 6am trip for Tagbilaran from Cebu and arrived there a little after eight in the morning. We went straight to Alona beach where we will be staying. I must say the rooms are pretty good considering the rates. But best of all, the view. The beach is just amazingly beautiful.

So after settling in, we went ahead with our little road trip across Bohol. First stop was on the Bee Farm where we had our lunch.  Our main course or shall I say main attraction, was an organic flower salad. It was great.

Organic flower salad

We also had their very own squash bread with organic spread. Of course we had a platter of grilled goodies (squid, shrimp, fish and pork belly).

 

Meat and Seafood platter

View from our table

Tourists waiting in line, more not in the frame.

After our sumptuous lunch, we went straight to Loboc river. But we did not go there for the river cruise, instead we went there for the zip line above the river. Boy, it was worth the wait. Yes, the line was very long and we had to wait for a few minutes, I think over 30 mins.

And just like that, the zip line experience was over in less than a minute. I would have wanted it to last longer and enjoy the view and the adrenaline rush. Surely I will do it again in the future.

 

On our way to Loboc, we saw some of the devastation brought about by the quake. It is quite amazing actually because the only evidence that they had a strong quake are the destroyed churches. Other than that you won't even notice of any damages since the roads are all new, houses are repaired. But it is really unfortunate that these old churches are destroyed.

From Loboc river we went straight back to Alona for some relaxation in the pool. For dinner we went for their seaside beach restaurants. It was relaxing indeed.

Seaside restaurant

Beach restaurants

If you are after relaxation on a beautiful beach, then for me Alona is way much better than going to Boracay.

The following day was for dolphin watching and snorkeling on their fish sanctuary. The snorkeling was the best part of this tour.

Just after lunch, the last stop before heading home was the Hinagdanan cave. Hinagdanan cave is an underground cave with a cold pool of water where you can actually go swimming.

And since we still have plenty of time before our trip back to Cebu, we headed to a cinema and watched Dawn of Planet of the Apes.

All in all, it was a worthwhile trip for rest and recreation.