Musings of a Media Strategist turned Retirement Strategist <img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Blindsided/blindsided.jpg" border="0">

Musings of a Media Strategist turned Retirement Strategist <img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Blindsided/blindsided.jpg" border="0"> http://blindsided.multiply.com/ blindsided tr.v. blind-·sid·ed, blind-·sid·ing, blind-·sides <ol><li> To hit or attack on or from the blind side.</li><li> To catch or take unawares, especially with harmful or detrimental results: •€œThe recent recession, with its wave of corporate cost-cutting, blind-sided many lawyers(Aric Press).</li></ol>Definition courtesy of the American Heritage Dictionary Blindsided. I just can't get enough of saying that word. The most common picture which comes to mind when this word is uttered would be that of a speeding car trying to beat a red light. Upon reaching the intersection, another car coming from out of nowhere rams into its side catching the driver unaware. Blindsided.Blindsided. This is the exact picture of a great multitude of people who try to speed off in life trying to beat an imaginary "red light". Let's just say that at this moment, this "red light" would be what is most commonly known as 'retirement'. Come to think of it, most people don't really speed towards retirement. The great majority of us just trudge along.Suddenly, reality hits us when we realize that we've missed a sizeable portion of our life doing something which isn't what we've wanted to do all along. Unfortunately, time is irreversible. Oh how cruel! Upon realizing that, the great majority come to think, "I've been BLINDSIDED!".<table id="table1"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="18">TIME OUT: a word from our sponsors.</td> <td> <object height="150" width="425"><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='never'></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GHuO6qmiSgg"> <embed allowscriptaccess='never' src='http://www.youtube.com/v/GHuO6qmiSgg' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' height='350' width='425'></object> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <a href="http://oohresource.multiply.com" target="_blank"> <img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Blindsided/adspace.jpg" alt="OOHRESOURCE" border="0"></a> This blog in a nutshell : Helping people see around the corner so as to avoid being....well, blindsided. <a href="http://daisypath.com"><img src="http://daisypath.com/pic/080308/8jV5.jpg" alt="Daisypath Anniversary Years Pic" border="0" height="80" width="59"><img src="http://dn.daisypath.com/JNigp8.png" alt="DaisypathAnniversary Years Ticker" border="0" height="80" width="400"></a> Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:35:19 -0000 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:00:51 -0000 Musings of a Media Strategist turned Retirement Strategist <img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Blindsided/blindsided.jpg" border="0"> http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/logo http://blindsided.multiply.com 100 100 The Longest Summer Ever And so it ends... My 2008 summer has been the longest ever.  Ever heard of a six month long summer? Summer began the day the kids ended school in March.  After the week and a half of seeing the kids just bum around at home, the early part of April was highlighted by my birthday march into 40.  Following that, two weeks of daily travel down to Cavite for Joaquin's elimination rounds for the Junior World Golf Championships.  108 holes in total. After golf, it was swimming lessons for the kids.  Just when we had forgotten about golf, we were surprised to have the notice come that Oaui would be taking the slot for the Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego.  The already frenetic summer became more hectic as we had to obtain the visas as well as raise the finances for the trip. In scheduling for an appointment at the US Embassy for the July 15-18 tournament, the online appointment system stated that the next available appointment would be in August - pract... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/148/The_Longest_Summer_Ever Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:00:51 -0000 Demistifying Jose Pidal BACOLOD- 6:00 am.  I took an early morning stroll in the neighborhood and passed by a simple two storey house.  It is the Bacolod address of an alleged Jose Pidal.  The property is simple.  The property is rented.  Quite out of sync to the personality of a person who stepped out to claim that he posseses oodles and oodles of money and owns various properties in the US.  It is all the more out of sync with the Negrense decadence I last wrote about. When Jose Pidal came out in 2003 claiming he was so, the planters in Negros were laughing.  It was so unbelievable.  There were even some comments about actually doing a backtrack on Jose Pidal's previous income tax returns. So, may we please ask the real Jose Pidal to step forward? http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/147/Demistifying_Jose_Pidal Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:31:31 -0000 Demistifying Negrense Decadence A few months ago, over a round of golf, I had this interesting discussion with investment banker, Richard Dalao, who told the story of their family's "reverse migration" from Negros to Manila.  It was the mid 1960's and Richard's dad opted to move back to Manila as in Richard's words, "my dad couldn't take the lifestyle in Negros.  Being an Ilocano, he found the life too decadent.  So back to Manila it was". The same impression lives on until today.  For those who are not familiar with the inner trappings of the sugar culture, the flamboyance displayed is easily misconstrued as outright arrogance. How did it get to this point?  What triggered such behavior?  If you still have these lingering questions, allow me to take the first step in breaking apart the mystery. There is a saying that the people from Davao spend yesterday's money today, the people from Cebu spend today's money today, but the people from Bacolod spend ...well, tomorrow's money today. Spen... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/146/Demistifying_Negrense_Decadence Sat, 9 Aug 2008 13:08:15 -0000 It's a new day 08.08.08! : the MediaVisibility partnership <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SJtzSwoKCDQAABUHKz41/header-copy-01.jpg?et=OgyyYqRH9M%2B%2BIQPKuC1CJA&nmid=0" border="0">Not that any of us are superstitious, we just thought that today would be the best day to come out as a newly formed partnership. Today, 08.08.08, Dep de Pasion and I embark on Visibility (full name : mediavisibility) .  Visibility is born out of the growing need of ad agencies to have specialized strategists and planners in the realm of out-of-home media without having to staff up and increase headcount. Dep and I worked together for a few years in UniversalMcCann as the Out-Of-Home media specialists on accounts as Globe Telecom, Coca-Cola, Unilab and Philip Morris. We bring to the table the experience drawn from handling these clients as well as all the dealings we've had with various Out-Of-Home media suppliers who own the numerous billboard sites in the metropolis.  We are not another OOH supplier.  Neither are we an OOH media agency.  I have to admit that I have not found the right term to describe the partnership as the word "consultants" does not exactly fit ... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/145/Its_a_new_day_08.08.08_the_MediaVisibility_partnership Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:37:03 -0000 Curiosity Saw this as one of the clickables on my web-email account. "Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas."                                                                  -Marie Curie http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/144/Curiosity Thu, 7 Aug 2008 01:56:59 -0000 A Practical Tip on Saving Money for Retirement There are a lot of tips on how to save money in books, magazines, and newspapers.  One of my friends here on Multiply, <a href="http://randellt.multiply.com/">Randell Tiongson</a>, is a Registered Financial Planner.  He has a column in the Business Mirror which provides insight on how to save for the future. This small post I have is merely a practical tip on how to apply what Randell advocates.  Consider this a rejoinder on the item in my last post wherein the advise was: Force Yourself to Save One way to save more is to trick yourself. Transfer money automatically from paychecks into savings or investment accounts. With less available in your checking account, you'll be more careful about your spending. Gradually increase your automatic savings rate over time. My practical tip is:  Exploit Available Technology Use Internet Banking Services.  Use your internet banking account to manage two (2) separate accounts.  Tag one account as your ("alkansiya" or "piggy bank" account).  Transfer money into t... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/143/A_Practical_Tip_on_Saving_Money_for_Retirement Wed, 6 Aug 2008 20:42:59 -0000 The Anatomy of a "NO" NO. When a man says NO - it is the end of a discussion. When a woman says NO - it is actually the beginning of a negotiation.  This explains how all these sales ladies at cosmetic shops eventually get to bag a new customer for the product being promoted.  Be it a moisturizer, perfume, concealer, or wrinkle erasing cream, they first invite the unwilling shopper to try out the product.  Female shopper says NO....and then it all begins from there :-) http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/142/The_Anatomy_of_a_NO Tue, 5 Aug 2008 22:20:57 -0000 What The Books Don't Usually Tell You About Beating The High Cost of Living I was doing my email when all of a sudden I was drawn to am Adsense clickable which said, "Three Cheers for The Cheapskate!".  I clicked on to it and I was led to an article in Business Week entitled, <h1><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jul2008/pi2008084_292115.htm">Three Cheers for the Cheapskate</a></h1> <h2> Spending money now can be fun, but it can hurt your future financial well-being if you don't save enough. Here's how to cut back...</h2> It contained a slideshow which, although applies in general to those based in the US, provides more than enough nuggets of financial wisdom. I painstakingly copied all the details for blindsided readers' appreciation. Here it goes: Track Every Expense Financial advisors say the best way to control your spending is to know precisely where all your cash is going each month. There are several options: Make a budget; keep a spreadsheet of all spending; or buy a computer program designed to help manage your finances. Vacation in the Off-season Reston (Va.)-based financial planner Frank Boucher says he is taking his beach vacation ... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/141/What_The_Books_Dont_Usually_Tell_You_About_Beating_The_High_Cost_of_Living Tue, 5 Aug 2008 22:02:05 -0000 Raising Capital Believe it or not, one of the easiest things to do these days is raising capital for a small and medium business venture. From the time my wife and I were out last year in Europe, up until a few weeks ago in the US, practically three quarters of all foreign-based Pinoys I bumped into had this oft recurring question : "Ano ba ang magandang business na mapag-imbesan ("investan") sa atin?" . My answer:  Marami. Follow up question:  Ano? This is where I started my discourse.  Number one, you have to find something that will match your character.  After all, this business you will invest your hard-earned money in will eventually require your active participation in the years when reverse migration begins. I told one person, I am working on something new right now but I wouldn't want to invite you in it.  Asking me why, I told the person, "You are too structured.  You want to see a plan laid out before you and build it like a house until completion".  I con... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/140/Raising_Capital Tue, 5 Aug 2008 09:46:49 -0000 Your Entire Life to Flash Before You <img class="alignright" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SItkHgoKCDQAAFvTdlo1/inqpicqantas.jpg?et=%2Bqfc1IKR7olOJnDr%2Bvi0%2BA&nmid=0" border="0">Just read this article from Inquirer.net .  Just shows the value of being prepared for the final appointment. How about you?  Are you prepared for your final appointment? As a retirement strategist, this is perhaps the most important aspect of retirement strategy. ;) Qantas jet lands with 'gaping hole' at NAIA Agence France-Presse First Posted 13:35:00 07/25/2008 MANILA, Philippines - A Qantas Boeing 747 flying to Melbourne made an emergency landing in Manila on Friday after a dramatic mid-air rupture that punched a "gaping hole" in its fuselage, officials and passengers said. Stunned passengers reported how the jumbo, which had taken off from London and made a stopover in Hong Kong, plunged nearly 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) in what one said was an "absolutely terrifying" ordeal. An urgent investigation is underway into what punched a hole of about three meters (10 feet) in dia... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/139/Your_Entire_Life_to_Flash_Before_You Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:54:48 -0000 Tiger Woods Photo Op <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIk6nAoKCDQAAHYsETM1"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIk6uAoKCDQAAHqcKuw1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIk6uAoKCDQAAHqcKuw1/tiger01.jpg?et=uOgvdxc9ozB2besgkVj%2Bmg&nmid=0" border="0"></a></a><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIk6nAoKCDQAAHYsETM1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIk6nAoKCDQAAHYsETM1/tiger02.jpg?et=SndMD%2Bi7kFMcqfsdEsBy0A&nmid=0" border="0"></a> http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/138/Tiger_Woods_Photo_Op Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:31:33 -0000 Homeward Bound It was just a few months ago that we were on our daily trek to Cavite to do the qualifying rounds.  Now we're on our way home.  Not from Cavite, but from San Diego. Though the effort didn't too well as we were up against 6 year olds, overall, there could be no pricetag to the experience of caddying one's own son.  I am thankful to God for providing this very enriching experience to me and Oaui. <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIea9goKCDQAACciVsc1"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebNAoKCDQAADGZb-U1"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebTgoKCDQAADGfdQc1"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebfwoKCDQAADGfdR41"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebkwoKCDQAADYLBto1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIebkwoKCDQAADYLBto1/home01.jpg?et=KUtlxK1NLUGMv3LW31QM6g&nmid=0" border="0"></a></a></a></a></a><a href="http://"></a><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIea9goKCDQAACciVsc1"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebNAoKCDQAADGZb-U1"><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebTgoKCDQAADGfdQc1"></a></a></a><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebTgoKCDQAADGfdQc1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIebTgoKCDQAADGfdQc1/home04.jpg?et=4GblTBwFl65s%2C%2CZNIGhfiQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebTgoKCDQAADGfdQc1"></a><a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebfwoKCDQAADGfdR41"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIebfwoKCDQAADGfdR41/home02.jpg?et=huXXNzTU386iPwg2AqwF8Q&nmid=0" border="0"></a>We shall surel<a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIea9goKCDQAACciVsc1"></a>y<a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebNAoKCDQAADGZb-U1"></a> b<a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIebNAoKCDQAADGZb-U1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIebNAoKCDQAADGZb-U1/home03.jpg?et=qRpLZ4KcgtsnZAPR8FadCg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>e back for more. http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/137/Homeward_Bound Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:11:12 -0000 Weekend at Torrey Pines One thousand and twenty eight contestants.  More than fifty countries represented.  Forty-one junior golfers comprising the contingent from the Philippines.  Loads of parents, grandparents, and relatives. This was the scene at the weekend registration of participants to the 2008 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships.  The 40 year old competition has drawn junior golfers to San Diego, CA year after year since 1968 producing so many golf greats including Eldrick "Tiger" Woods and current lady golfer superstar, Lorena Ochoa. It numbs the mind to actually think that the future golf superstars are in the lot of the 1,028 contestants.  Raw talent waiting to be discovered. We are glad to have made it this far to bring honor to our national colors. <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsB2goKCDQAAAgcVzw1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsB2goKCDQAAAgcVzw1/57000.jpg?et=53NixpcptBRS2hZ9thRn2Q&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsBuAoKCDQAAAwQZ3g1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsBuAoKCDQAAAwQZ3g1/57000a.jpg?et=cuqm3N6jU%2BaJTSKl6Zt%2CJA&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsBjwoKCDQAAAMeNN81"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsBjwoKCDQAAAMeNN81/57002.jpg?et=iMmyPNgQrDF%2BCNFtdFLcRg&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsBQAoKCDQAAHjAemU1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsBQAoKCDQAAHjAemU1/57003.jpg?et=ddkWIYyR4b%2CSuEMMop%2BGGQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsBpwoKCDQAAAgcVv41"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsBpwoKCDQAAAgcVv41/57001.jpg?et=EOc%2CPsz%2Bdp1OeZaOXxy%2CRw&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsA8woKCDQAAHRocmM1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsA8woKCDQAAHRocmM1/06c.jpg?et=HA35b6E%2CKACCbYPXqo%2Cfug&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsAuQoKCDQAAG5OTPI1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsAuQoKCDQAAG5OTPI1/57005.jpg?et=1Uw%2CkXrXtIiRpK4vjUCgBw&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsAmAoKCDQAAGo3RTA1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsAmAoKCDQAAGo3RTA1/57006.jpg?et=ZUdErLL67Ei%2CCyFz8x46zw&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsAcwoKCDQAAGg6J-81"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsAcwoKCDQAAGg6J-81/57007.jpg?et=hXLLI2SksYdwqSgS5Stxmg&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsAQwoKCDQAAF4ZC501"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsAQwoKCDQAAF4ZC501/57008.jpg?et=so59gyDNZq97SWPomPrs1w&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHsADQoKCDQAAFQJ7881"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHsADQoKCDQAAFQJ7881/57009.jpg?et=yQc6553ZIYuKRbQZXF3w5Q&nmid=0" border="0"></a> http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/136/Weekend_at_Torrey_Pines Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:37:33 -0000 NEVER let them tell you, "You Can't Do It !!!" <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SHPobgoKCDQAABjfciw1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SHPobgoKCDQAABjfciw1/00001.jpg?et=EBGK220ZP1BUgC72nYDhTw&nmid=0" border="0"></a>July 2007.  I walked up to one of the best golf pros in Makati Golf Club and talked to the person about training my son, Joaquin to prepare for the local qualifying rounds which would lead up to a slot for the 2008 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships (the "Olympics" of Junior Golf) . Golf pro says (in my own paraphrase), "Hmmm, San Diego?  If I were you, don't set your hopes too high".  It was obviously short of saying, "you can't do it".  Either that or, "Huwag ka na'ng umasa at baka masaktan ka lang". I have to be honest.  I was disturbed a bit.  But deep down inside I knew that there was a form of positive defiance brewing in my gut. As the post title goes, NEVER let them tell you "You Can't Do It!!!".  Dads, Moms,....this goes for us too, NEVER let them tell you "Your son/daughter Can't Do It!!!" Well, about a year later, here we are on the eve of boarding a plane to San Diego.  It won't be easy because as I said in the prelude post (<a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/119/San_Diego_Awaits">San Die... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/135/NEVER_let_them_tell_you_You_Cant_Do_It_ Tue, 8 Jul 2008 22:51:15 -0000 It's so easy to put the blame on someone else....(part 2) A rejoinder to my earlier post <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/131/Its_so_easy_to_put_the_blame_on_someone_else....">"It's so easy to put the blame on someone else"</a> The Inquirer online edition now states in its headline, House Grills PAGASA Over Ferry Disaster . What?!!!! You mean to tell me that PAGASA is now at fault?  Egads!!!  Guys where have you been?  PAGASA is prone to err in their reports.  This has been the case for so many years since Tessie Tomas spoofed PAGASA by being Amanda Pineda in the early eighties. Guys, you should have done your research by checking other weather websites.  Or, are you just blind and not being able to see the entire Typhoon Frank eclipsing 1/3 of the archipelago in the satellite picture of June 20? Who were they waiting for to give the correct weather report?  Ernie Baron? http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/134/Its_so_easy_to_put_the_blame_on_someone_else....part_2 Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:17:17 -0000 The Perks of Being Unemployed (Part 2) Yesterday I wrote : "The perk of not having a payslip is being able to trust God more.  He is after all, the great Provider.  There is no room for me to make a financial decision based on what's coming in the middle of the month and at the end of the month. In being unemployed, one will begin to feel the intensity when praying the Lord's Prayer as one approaches the line "Give us this day, our  DAILY bread".  The fact that there is no other source apart from God's blessing drives me closer to His bosom." The day hadn't ended when I was at the driving range while my son was doing his practice when a very unexpected call comes in.  It was from the office of our City Mayor, Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr.  The Mayor will make a financial contribution towards Joaquin's trip to San Diego next week! The perk of being unemployed...drawing closer to God for dear life and seeing the miracles take place before one's eyes. http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/133/The_Perks_of_Being_Unemployed_Part_2 Fri, 4 Jul 2008 02:14:20 -0000 The Perks of Being Unemployed My posts in this blog have been off topic for some time now.  It has been quite awhile since I last posted something on "Retirement" and "Retirement Strategy". Here's my first "Retirement" post for the 2nd half of 2008 : The Perks of Being Unemployed It has been more than three years now since I last received a payslip under an employer-employee arrangement.  For a large number of working Filipinos, the payslip which comes on the 15th and 30th of the month is a very comfortable security blanket to have.  In actuality, most decisions made by heads of families are tied up to the figures printed on the payslip.  This either frees them to make the decision to make a purchase or to withold the urge to spend and wait for a better day. This is not the case for people who are unemployed like me.  I do not have a payslip to fall back on.  Nothing to expect at mid-month and at the end of the month.  The perk of not having a payslip is being able to trust God more... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/132/The_Perks_of_Being_Unemployed Wed, 2 Jul 2008 22:27:05 -0000 It's so easy to put the blame on someone else.... <a href="http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGlgIQoKCDQAABf2wII1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.blindsided.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGlgIQoKCDQAABf2wII1/epi4.JPG?et=AU9puuaeBSA5j9Ytuauk2g&nmid=0" border="0"></a>I cannot help but be appalled at the reaction of shipping firm Sulpicio Lines Inc. concerning the tragedy of the ill-fated vessel, M/V Princess of the Stars.  The latest news is that Sulpicio Lines is pinning the blame on the government's weather agency, PAGASA, for not coming up with an accurate weather report and thus they had allowed the vessel to sail. WHAT?!!!!!! As early as Friday, June 20, my operations people in Cebu had already advised me that they would roll down the billboards in the area because of the strong gusts already buffeting the area.  Typhoon Frank was coming in from the East and headed Northwest to Manila in an upward motion which was the exact opposite of the M/V Princess of the Stars' voyage path to Cebu. In simple terms, the M/V Princess of the Stars was really sailing into death's chambers. People in the outdoor advertising business are not meteorologists.  However, we have enough common sense though to feel the strong gusts of wind and can s... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/131/Its_so_easy_to_put_the_blame_on_someone_else.... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:31:53 -0000 Lack of Creativity? I just leafed through Media Magazine's June 12, 2008 issue and was stunned by the fact that in their traditional list of Asia's Top 100 Creatives, the first Filipino weighs in at number 57.  Everyone else who precedes Joel Limchoc, ECD of BBDO Philippines is either Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian or Chinese.  If it's any consolation, the Pinoy (note, the Pinoy meaning only 1) weighs in ahead of Indians and Japanese.  Still, he's outnumbered. As usual, just like Philippine basketball where we enjoy the participation of imports and the Philippine Olympic Team which openly embraces Fil-Ams, the Philippines chalks up an additional name through Simon Welsh, Executive Copywriter for BBDO Philippines. Does this actually mean that we are less creative than our regional neighbors? I don't think so.  I've worked with the best of them creatives.  You know who you are (you're on Multiply too!).  Thing is I've seen our best ideas often shot down by clients who are too scar... http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/130/Lack_of_Creativity Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:30:48 -0000 Golfers Are Optimists I just texted the organizer of my son's tournament for today, "Tuloy ba ang tournament? It's signal number 1".  Some advisories even declare a direct hit to Manila at signal no. 2 strength. Response : "Tuloy po, walang advise si ma'am sa akin na cancelled ang tournament". To this I smiled and exclaimed in my mind, "Indeed, golfers are always optimists!" http://blindsided.multiply.com/journal/item/127/Golfers_Are_Optimists Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:28:04 -0000 Great Expectations Happy Father's http://blindsided.multiply.com/video/item/13/Great_Expectations Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:23:25 -0000 Tiger & Earl Woods Tribute Video Happy Father's http://blindsided.multiply.com/video/item/12/Tiger_Earl_Woods_Tribute_Video Sat, 7 Jun 2008 21:33:17 -0000 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships Philippine Eliminations Shots taken from the first round of the eliminations for Team Philippines for the upcoming Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, CA. Photos taken at the Riviera Sports Club in Silang, Cavite. The field for Class F boys (kids aged 5-6 y.o.) has now been narrowed down to 4 players. Our little "Tiger Woulds" for Team Philippines now consists of Matthew Miravite (6yo), Alex Bernard Trinos (6yo), Josh Jorge (5yo), and my son, Joaquin (5yo). As of this posting, one more round to play tomorrow at Riviera and three more rounds next week at Royale Tagaytay. Whatever the turn-out, Team Philippines will have 3 players for Class F boys plus one substitute. A great opportunity for all the kids in this competition. Enjoy the http://blindsided.multiply.com/photos/album/7/Callaway_Junior_World_Golf_Championships_Philippine_Eliminations Wed, 9 Apr 2008 14:51:00 -0000 Let The Truth Come Out http://blindsided.multiply.com/video/item/11/Let_The_Truth_Come_Out Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:52:08 -0000 Bill Gates' Last Day at Microsoft Bill Gates' Last Day at http://blindsided.multiply.com/video/item/9/Bill_Gates_Last_Day_at_Microsoft Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:57:27 -0000 New Music from the Old Days http://blindsided.multiply.com/music/item/3/New_Music_from_the_Old_Days Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:25:27 -0000