Open Sourcing

Having old PowerPC hardware with not much option of an upgrade, it was time to try something different. For some years now, I have been a "fan" of open source: Linux distros YellowDog, Bayanihan, Suse, Ubuntu. I was able to run these said distros on an oldworld PPC (except Ubuntu). It was a challenge not to get frustrated during installations. I found myself using the "$" prompt, and I was successful, to some extent. I even thought about taking up short courses on Linux! (Linux is free, but the classes are expensive!)

After a few months, however, we got an iBook. Then my install disks were shelved and now are obsolete. This was six years ago...

Now, I type this on a WinBox. Open source is still here. I installed VirtualBox and in it I have run Karmic Koala. But Linux is not booted up very often.

Even though running windoze OS, open source is very much active in this box. I have a "complimentary copy" of PS CS4 but I actually prefer GIMP 2.6 over it. I also have a "complimentary copy" of M$0fce but I prefer OO.org.

Other open source software that I use is UFRAW (okay, I'm trying to "love" it but PS CS handles RAW files much better!).

Self publishing is an in thing, and my wife and I are trying to make our first photo book. Open source tools: Inkscape for vector graphics and Scribus for lay-out.

I wish I were typing on a Mac (yes, I wish, and I wish soon! Very soon!). Good thing GIMP, Inkscape, OO.org, and Scribus have versions that can run on the Mac.

Initiated... not!

I got this last Friday after playing football in the Institute's sportsfest.

(Background). I injured myself while playing football (scrimmage only!)last March 5th. I sprinted to catch up with a wayward ball when I felt a sharp pain on the underside of my right thigh. I slowed down a bit, then accelerated again but the pain was still there. I decided to allow Olen to get the ball (she was on the other team) while I limped towards the touch line. Right then, I knew I strained my hamstring.

I couldn't walk normally, I couldn't undo/do my shoe laces. So that was the start of a one-week no-sport week. I had to have this injury shaken off quickly- the Institute games were about to start in two weeks and our team was to play first!

The healing time I alloted was actually one day more than a week. Since our team were playing the following week, I called for a practice on March 13th. My right thigh still hurt so I did not strain it too much- I actually used my right foot during the duration of the practice. Another practice was held a day before the game (Thursday), and again I used my left leg more.

Come game day, I relied on my right leg more. Grabe, it hurt but I just let it be. Shaking my leg once in a while when the ball was not in our half. The game ended and I did a lot of running, free kicks, long clears jumping headers and other "normal" moves.

Friday night, Sheila noticed that I had a small bruise at the lower portion on the back of my thigh. I did not hurt.

The following Saturday, we scoured Divisoria for a variety of stuff. When we came home, there... my overly strained hamstring... so, no sports for 2 weeks again... Sigh...

Pre-Year-End Update

With only a few days left in November and the whole of December remaining for 2008, here's a summary of the tournaments that kept my sports life busy.



Cheers to an active 2008!

Welcome Change

Barack Obama will be proclaimed the next president of the US of A.

In his campaign, he urged voters to "vote for change." And change will be.

More badminton tournaments: KBP and LJ Cups

Been quite busy with work and stuff but could still squeeze in some time for badminton tournaments.

First, Sheila and I joined the Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Cup last January (Premier Sportz Zone, Calamba City). It was small tournament and was lucky enough to finish 2nd in our level. See previous post here.

KBP Cup

Then in April, Pogs and I, along with other pairs from IRRI, joined the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) tourney (Club 650 at Libis, Quezon City). We didn't fare well. Even our other companions didn't do a lot better. What the heck- it was almost a national tournament! Sheila this time paired with Mary.

Thanks to Anton Daluz who adopted for two nights!

LJ Cup '08

And then last weekend (Sept 14th), Sheila and I joined the LJ Cup '08, again at the Premier Sportz Zone, Calamba City. I just sent Ethel (our badminton apparel supplier) an SMS a week before the tournament if we could join and she listed us in level 3 (thanks, Ethel!). Jelo and Epoy also joined, as a last minute addition to level 1- they sent the message to Ethel the Friday before!

Sheila and I dropped one game. A card of 2 wins - 1 loss was not enough to advance to cross-over (two brackets in level 3 MXD- only the top pair will advance). The pair who dealt us our sole loss eventually lost to the top pair from the other bracket. Well, even if we advanced to the championships, our chances of winning would be very slim. The champions could very well be placed in level 2. Tsk, sayang! But no sour-grapes around here! With only one day of practice, Php300 joining fee (inclusive of court fees, shuttlecocks, tournament shirt, lunch and snacks), I have no complaints. Well, may be just the heat. :p

The Jelo-Epoy tandem did a better finish- 2nd place! I tip my hat to the two!

For a job well done, we treated ourselves to a hearty meal of bulalo at Aviles Restaurant (Real, Calamba City). We also feasted on Jelo's afritada.

Next tournament: Laguna Cup Calamba Leg (Sept. 28th, Premier Sportz Zone)

I saw the sign (part 2)

(photos taken along C5, Quezon City- using my trusty SE K610i)

3. The Old Spaghetti House' answer to the rice price crisis:




4. How do I say I love you? Scribble it on a pillar along the hi-way:



5. Uy, binata na sya...

Stop mousing around, Cat!

Last night, the equilibrium of stacked up unwashed dishes was disturbed! The plates came crashing down along with the spoons, forks and dirty pans (I’m exaggerating).

So this minor disturbance was caused by a mouse jumping over the dishes. This prompted Mig, the resident Persian cat to check out the scene. Our youngest and I were waiting with anticipation how this feline of royal pedigree would finish his prey. Alas… it got shy and almost ran upstairs. I grabbed him and laid him down about one foot away from the rodent.

The vermin went behind the trash bag resting against the wall, but the cat just waited there. I got impatient and picked up the trash bag, exposing the terrified rodent: it dashed to a corner and Mig was close on its tail (literally). The mouse was trying to climb to the top of the sink in which it was unsuccessful. All the time it was trying, the Persian cat just stared at it. This cat wouldn’t have a chance of being featured in David Attenborough’s Life on Earth or Discovery Channel's Animal Planet. This would more be appropriate for Funniest Videos!

I frustratingly whacked the mouse with a walis ting-ting and disposed of it.

Dead mouse

So for mouse control, I recommend getting an Akita. But wait, an Akita’s a dog, right? Yup! Our Akita, Gem, used to catch mice and smaller rats. I think her rodent count was 4 (okay, 3.5- we both took care of the last one), before she passed away.

Think again if you want a Persian cat for rodent control :p

(Pusa mo Pau ha)

I saw the sign...

1. This complements "Quilloy's Pancit" (c/o grimdirge)



2. Hungry? Try my wares:

The Adventures of Inday (with Dodong) Part One

Hopefully this will be the 1st of many series of sightings of Inday and her "Indaynations" (ako lang nag-coin nito ha). A lot of items are circulating in cyberspace, and a whole lot more in the SMS world. Inday's popularity has even penetrated prime time television when GMA-7's Babol Gang dedicated around 3-4 segments for 3 weeks to Inday and her antics.

Anything "published" here is not my own, except for (some) photos. :) Enjoy!
----------------------------------
Inday on the Loose

It was jazz an ordinary day. The skies were clear, the birds were chipping. Ang ganda-ganda ng araw!

Nasa SM ako noon at katatapos ko lang mamili ng groceries. Timing naman nasa foodcore si Angel Locsin, nagpro-provoke ng movie nya. Grabe, andaming fans, pull-packed talaga! Dahil fans nya rin ako, nakipila rin ako.

Inday at the Foodcore (a.k.a. Tiny, taken by Dodong a.k.a. Icoy)

Then suddenly, out of the loo, may bumulong sa akin ng: "Indaaaayyyy......"

Huh? It sounded like a familiar sound. Who can it be now? "Dodong!" sigaw ko.

Napalakas yata voice ko. Kasi the other fans turned their backs to their behind at napatingin sa amin. Sabi ko "Sorry, I didn't mean to be loud and proud." Hinawakan na lang ni Dodong ang kamay ko at lumayo kami from the crowd.

Holding hands sila...

Being a manager

Tough job, if you ask me...

Yup football managers really have a difficult task of rounding up the players, fix their conflicting schedules, decide on the uniform and of course the transportation.

Tomorrow IRRI FC will be testing the mettle of Manila-based players in a mixed futsal event: MIXED FUTSALA, sponsored by Mizuno, for the benefit of the RP Ladies' Futsal team.

After may be a couple of months of recruiting and planning, I gathered around 15 willing and abled bodies to make up the team. I attended the caoches'/managers' meeting, decided what to wear, listed what items to bring and manage the financials, then it happened. One by one, the so-called committed players that confirmed, asked to be dropped from the rolls. While most had valid reasons, I'm totally disgusted with this one. He was even the most talkative of the lot (he would express one sentence in around 100 words. I have one word for that: BULL). Three days before D-day, he said he was sick, blah blah. Finally today he said wasn't joining. I was actually relieved he's not coming. This will be the last time I'll ask him to join something.

Actually, these were the only glitches. Most of the regulars will still be joining. Our most compassionate player will be coming late. Our most prolific scorer will be keeper, and I'm still hoping 2 former class A lady players will be joining us.

Photos will be courtesy of SheilaQ and JackJ. But won't be posted until monday. (wink)

2008: Start The Year Right

And yes we did!

Sheila and I entered ourselves in the 2nd Badminton sa Laguna District sponsored by the Bukas Loob sa Diyos (San Pablo City) last January 20th, 2008, along with other pairs from IRRI/ISAAA/WorldFish. All the smashings were held at the Premiere Sports Zone in Calamba City.

The two of us were placed at Level 5. There were 7 levels (2-8, with level 2 being the most advanced). Since the tournament was small, there was only one bracket per level. Sheila was already complaining wednesday (before the tournament) because we were initially placed at level 7, then we were placed 2 levels up!

There were 5 pairs in our bracket, and with the single round robin format, we were to play 4 games. The top pair after all the games will be declared the champions.

Game one. The first pair we played against, the guy was strong (level 2 in the men's doubles) but his partner was no match for Sheila's skills. Yeah, the guy was skillful, but Sheila and I held our own. We managed to squeak in the win, through Sheila's heart-stopping, net-hugging drop shot! (Sorry Epoy, I had to smash...).

Game two. The next pair were the eventual champions (oops, sorry for the spoiler). Anyway, we lost in two sets. Probably one our more forgettable games. We were bent on our offense but the other pair was just pushing the shuttle back to us, forcing us to make errors. Darn.

Game three. The married couple Consie-Atoy (also from IRRI). These two we always play against back in the IRRI courts. And I'm proud to say that before, they were always the pair to beat. Sheila and I couldn't simply beat them! They would win with the slimmest of margins! But recently, we could already return the compliment... and returned it again during this tourney. :)

Game four. Due to my spoiler in game two, we were only in the running for 2nd place. The last pair we met only had one loss also (the same pair that gave us our lone defeat). In this last game, Sheila and I gave it our all. The guy was a strong smasher/driver and his partner also a strong smasher. In the first set, we lost due to my serving error at 14-all (tsk! I wasn't paying attention to the score!).

We took the second set with still more points to spare. I danced Epoy-style when She and I defended the fort and left the enemy with "that was yours" look.

At that start of the deciding set, Coach Jelo then reminded me that the guy's game is now off and told me not to play their game. As usual, we started slow, 1-6 (duh!). Then rage filled me when the guys smashed straight to Sheila. I didn't mind if he smashed at me. Immediately I focused on smashing the shuttle as soon as I got the opportunity. I said to Sheila, "gaganti tayo..." And then the shuttle weakly raised in front of me and I jumped and smashed! "Tsk, nakailag si gago!" I said to myself. I cheered with my "success", ala-Jepoy (I glanced at the umpire, for she might caution me, hehehehe...). Just like what Coach Epoy says, "kahit di pumasok basta tumama sa tao."

And when it was time to leave, I realized I should have planted more shuttles in his body: They claimed they were second place! The nerve with this guy, didn't even bother double checking their standing!

Anyway, we got it sorted at match control and they took our pics with the ceremonial medals. :)

Other pairs from our group:

Jelo-Anchie, 2nd place MD L2
Epoy-Jing, 2nd place MXD L3
EJ-Joan, 2nd place MXD L2
Rhulyx-Rizza
Jon-Tess
Jess-Epoy
Lowel-Ernie
Vi-Afril
Mina-May

IRRI FC joins in 1st Mizuno Corporate Futsal Cup

The IRRI Football Club (IRRI FC) participated last Sunday, September 16, 2007 in the 1st Mizuno Corporate Cup held at the prestigious Dasmariñas Village in Makati City.

IRRI FC played in bracket A along with Globe FC, Citigroup FC, HSBC-2 and powerhouse Union FC/Real Soluziona. SR Metal, Inc., HSBC-1, Accenture FC, Satoshi FC and Ogilvy FC comprised bracket B.

IRRI FC is composed of goal keeper Tanguy Lafarge (CESD), Gay Carrillo, Darlene Sanchez, Rhulyx Mendoza, Kofi Bimpong (PBGB) Jonathan Mendoza (CRIL) and Icoy Mercado (PBGB). The team was reinforced with the addition of Jyron Mendoza (brother of Rhulyx), Jojo Telosa (brother of Anthony Telosa, GRC) and former GRC staff Monique Barile. Sheila Quilloy (GRC), Ems Deomano (CRIL) and Dr. Lafarge’s family also joined to watch and cheer.

In their first game, IRRI FC scored the first goal but Globe FC quickly scored level after the kick-off. The two teams were still tied 2-2 during the final 12.7 seconds but a wayward ball from Globe FC found its way to goal for a 2-3 IRRI FC loss.

Excellent defense by Tanguy and Icoy paired with goals by Monique, Kofi, Jojo, and brothers Rhulyx and Jyron lifted IRRI FC to two consecutive wins against Citigroup (4-2) and HSBC-2 (5-0).



In the last game, IRRI FC faced Union FC/Real Soluziona reinforced with former national team players. After allowing one goal, IRRI FC leveled the match 1-1. However, fatigue caught up with the rice researchers and went to lose the game 5-1.

IRRI FC, with 2 wins and 2 loses, finished 3rd. Globe FC (4-0) and Union FC/Real Soluziona (3-1) advanced to the semifinals.

Photos can be viewed here.

THREE GEE

yup! It's mine!!!! :)

http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=ph&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pip1&zone=pp&pid=10389

Cry Me A River, Bogsi!

When Bogsi discovered I knew how to play the keyboard, he, right then and there request Henry Mancini's "Moon River" (from Breakfast at Tiffany's). But what also learned at that time was that I haven't touched the piano keys for the longest time. Yup, there's an upright Wittemberg Harpitone at home but it's not being kept well (read or rather, hear: it needs a lot of tuning, fine and not fine).

Anyway, tuning is another story. Let's get back to Bogsi's crying. :)

So, it's also not that I do not know the piece; it's I "used to know" the piece (very different, eh?).

Well, I'll post the lyrics of the song below before closing. I'd like to honor the genius that gave us this very beautiful ("tearful") song: Henry Mancini, born... (drum roll, 1/16th beat... cymbals clap)! ENRICO NICOLA MANCINI! Henry was born April 16, 1924 to a family of Italian immigrants who settled in Cleveland, Ohio. His father was a steel worker, played the flute.

Little Henry started playing the flute at age eight, and with his father, played in the Aliquippa Italian immigrant band, "Sons of Italy".

He also fought in the war that kept him from school. Upon discharge, he started his musical career.

Among his great works were scores from "The Pink Panther," Alfred Hitchcock's "Frenzy," and theme from "Remington Steele".

Henry also won a record number of Grammy awards, including a posthumously awarded Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. He passed on to the next world June 14, 1994.

The information here is from Wikipedia. :)




MOON RIVER
Music by Henry Mancini
Words by Johnny Mercer

Moon River, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style someday
Old dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're going I'm going your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of worlds to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waitin' 'round the bend
My Huckleberry friend
Moon River and me

The End is Here!!!

For The Harry Potter series, that is!

The last book about the boy who lived has been officially released, but I have to read it. So nothing to worry about... no spoilers here... YET! Hehehehehe. :)

PISSED

After watching the Ladies' 3rd place game between Peach and Gray, I'm pissed, really.

I haven't seen the kind of unsports(wo)man attitude displayed by April Muere during today's game since our own high school intramurals. In high school, the players are so much immature as compared to people with jobs, especially working in an international institute.

She was so physical, using her bulge-ful body to bulldoze the Peach team. But what really ticked me off is her jeering in the court. One of our players were shooting free throws. After missing the last shot, this excuse of a "HR employee" went up to our player and made faces and jeered in our player's face. And she's and HR employee, much less, a secretary there. :p BASTOS KA, APRIL MUERE.

May be the organizers of this annual event, which is incidentally the HR relations, should make clear the objectives of the sportsfest... Because their own secretary obviously doesn't know! Bummer.

basket kanina

grabe..ang galing ng laro ng peach at blue kanina...........
si mary nag r-rebound!!!! san ka pa nun. sa mga di nakapanood...tsk...sayang di nyo nakita kung pano nilampaso ng peach ang blue!!!!!!! o ha.... kala nyo magaling ang blue...bilog ang bola!!! yahu kala nyo.....
namaos na kami kakasigaw ng GO PEACH!

pambihira lamang na lamang na ang peach.........yung nga lang nakahabol ang blue....
ayun talo ang peach...sadness.....

(as written by Tiny, 6/28/2007, after the Peach vs. Baby Blue Basketball Ladies' semifinal game)

Peaches thank you for supporting the team in everyway possible ;)

Hope you’re not discouraged with the turn out…..remember we did well ;) considering that every game is our practice hehehe.

Hoping in the next game we’ll still play our best ;)

And next season we will go for the win…no more skipping of practice, please ladies continue to play basketball and recruit also ;)

And hoping the next time we’ll have a permanent coach…..basketball is a team game from the cheerers, players, and coaches ;)

Don’t give up on our team ;) PLEASE!!!!

YOU ARE THE BEST DRIBBLING BABES AND BEST COACHES ;)

See you on our next practice ;) Thank you very much! mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwah

(as written by Mary, Team Captain of the Peach Ladies' Basketball Team)

Hot off the displays!!!

A brief account of the a day and a quick list of most of the things we purchased today. :)

First, we stopped by the Factory Outlet in Mamplasan. Boy, everyday sale! :)

Wilson Racquet Bag, Flower Power Edition (Green). Nice, spacious interior with separate shoe compartment. Easily fits 2-3 racquets, may it be for tennis or badminton. Of course, this is Sheila Mae's.



Next, SM also got a pair of Nike Jogging pants. Well, can't say much about this. Don't even think the photo matches what she bought. :D



Then Icoy got this Adidas shoe bag, also in Mamplasan. Two tone (black and blue), Fits one pair and you could squeeze in your shin guards, too!



After lunch at Jollibee Shell (NB along SLEX), we went to Festival Mall for some more stuff. :) And look what goodie I got:

An authentic replica of a Barcelona FC jersey!



SM and I still bought some stuff there (a pair of shoes- sorry! I don't know what style- some toiletries, undies) but nah, no need to put up pictures of those.

So the trip back to Laguna, we stopped by Petron Biñan and had dinner at McDonald's. We had dessert and coffee afterwards at Starbucks. Coffee drikers/lovers that we were, we purchased 250g of Vinta Blend... mmm...



Oh well... and to think most of these were not planned. But I'M NOT COMPLAINING! :)

Another Sad Ending

Defeat is always painful. Losing twice is terrible. Being trashed 6-2? Don't ask.

Ten matches against team Rhulyx and we only won once. 1/10 since 2005... A measly ten per cent.

Football season officially ended yesterday with Peach team (sporting the maroon color) losing to the Pink team in the 2nd game of the best of three series. Pink won the opener, 5-1, I think.

With my contract ending October 2007, this may even be my last game in sportsfest football. Too bad...

Rhulyx was just so good. Too good, with so much class... Nearing forty, you'd think he was 25 when you see him play.

Too bad for us Peach.

Botak '07

And so it begins anew...

OU wars (see previous posts) at IRRI commenced last tuesday, Feb 13th. Opening ceremonies were, as usual, held at the basketball court. After all the blahs-blahs and the oath of sportsmanship (oh, really now...), Dr. Willy Padolina signaled officially started hostilities by clapping two wood boards, and off we went!

The ~5k fun run started from the Training Center Rotunda, circling the demo field thrice and ending at the AgEngineering building. The top 20 runners (for both men's and women's division) garnered points. Obviously (but nonetheless sadly), I wasn't able to make it in the top 20.

But who cares! I finished the race and the team (GO PEACH! GO PEACH! GO PEACH!) went to go on a rampage, and won the top honors. The peach men's collective points were miles away from the nearest contender, the fink team. The ladies came in second to the pink team.

Go Peach! Hopefully, this is a sign of better things to come!

Botak 07