Friday, June 30, 2006

Doing my daily online activities have changed when kids reformatted my HDD due to IRC worms attack, causing all files and data resized to zero. Paul Denise left his PC for me to use and he decided to stay in my sister's house, visiting Jessie, his cousin.

Although I was hesitant to leave this afternoon, I had to accompany Sweety Pearl to satisfy her curiosity to meet the dentists her friends referred to her. I logged out early this afternoon and asked Randy to go to bed since it is important that we made this visit. She's scheduled tomorrow with Dr. Rosette at 2 pm and we're running short of time.

We went to Suite 910 North, Cathedral Heights Bldg. Complex besides St. Lukes Medical Center but, we didn't like the way Lisa welcomed us so we went down to the 6th floor without even meeting Dr, Heidi in person. At Suite 617 North, Dr. Joel Ferrer says exactly what daughter wants to hear and Pearl even said that he could even read her mind. She wanted to ask a question but before she can even say them, Dr. Ferrer had the answers. In short, I cancelled the oral surgery with Dr. Rosette tomorrow and Pearl is scheduled on Monday at Dr. Ferrer's clinic.

For me, I still prefer that my daughter will have the treatment in my friend's dental clinic but, for some reasons, daughter is not comfortable with Dr. Rosette. She prefers my friend, Dr. Meng Chavez, to do the oral surgery on her but she is currently in Canada. She is our family dentist since 1984 and we enjoy a 5% discount.

At the clinic, Dr. Ferrer prescribed couple of medicines that will help my daughter be ready for her oral surgery right after Jocelyn examined her teeth and have taken her medical informations. The cost for daughter's oral surgery is the same as in Queen Mary Polyclinic except that we were charged with consultation fee of Php 600.00 by Dr. Ferrer.

We went to St. Luke's Pharmacy and bought Gelfoam. I was surprised when they charged us Php 1,547.20 for a sterile sponge. I was wondering why we have to buy this gelfoam and for what it will be used for. Our intention in going to St. Lukes was to save some money but, it looks like we're going to spend every small item she will need for her oral surgery.

Anyway, upon Dr. Ferrer's referal, we then proceed to Boston Laboratory for Hematology test. They took Pearl's CBC, CT, BT, PT and PTT. The blood test cost us Php 865.00. Dr. Ferrer says it will gonna be a painless, bloodless surgery as much as possible.

While waiting for a cab, we saw a couple with three children waiting for taxi as well. Then, I couldn't stop my big mouth from giving instructions. I advised them to wait for a cab right there in the loading/unloading area infront of the hospital but according to them, they already waited there yet they got no luck to find one. The wife is about 7-8 months pregnant and the youngest boy held on her husband's arms had been sick and needs liver transplant in Hong Kong. Surprised, I asked more questions until I realized I was still lucky that I have to prepare only about a thousand dollars for my daughter's dental treatment. The couple will need about Php 7.6 M to save their sick yellowish skinned son, whose age is about 3-4 years old only. She said many foundations contributed for their son's medical expense to save their child's life.

There was silence... I looked at every vehicle that passed us.. then, I whispered to myself with relief, "Thanks, God. My children are all healthy."

Thursday, June 29, 2006

I woke up early in the morning by a phone call from my elder sister. She called to inform me that someone had stolen Papa's cellphone which I gave him recently.

Since that call, I couldn't get back to my sleep and I decided to login on skype and trillian but unfortunately, windows alerted me to insert a CD bcoz there was an unrecognized file that will damage how the XP system runs. Since I never installed any program last night, I decided to keep it by clicking YES. And the next thing I know, nothing works in my desktop so I restarted my PC and it failed to boot up. All files were resized to zero and windows just had a black screen.

Many thanks to the sender of two IRC worms who deleted all my precious stored files and data. Right now, am blogging using my son's PC. I forgot the nanes of the trojan viruses but, imagine the discomfort of retrieving login account and passwords, not to mention all the URLs I have to recall.

Thankfully, they were just files in my PC. For as long as my family and loved ones are with me, I am still lucky and won't feel bad from the data loss. Guess it is about time to have a clean HDD and start anew. I had this intuition to backup all my files since two days ago but I had been disoriented due to some issues recently as a single parent.

Anyway, I'm a karma believer, thanks to the virus sender. I hope you are happy and you find ecstacy with your action!

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Gloria Arroyo visited the Vatican last Monday where she had a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI and she presented the Holy Pontiff yesterday a book-bound copy of Republic Act (RA) 9346 abolishing the 1994 Death Penalty Law (RA 7659) for certain heinous crimes.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Anti-GMA forces filed series of complaints.

"Pope knows about Garci scandal," says Bishop Cruz

Peace Caravan called the rally to accuse the government of being behind the killing of more than 100 activists since Arroyo took office in 2001

More than 3,000 marchers were blocked by riot police
wielding shields and truncheons.

Bayan Muna marchers were even dispersed with water cannon.

Before the protesters were allowed to hold a rally
on the highway fronting the palace for an hour.

Photos and news source: GMA7 24 Oras Evening News.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Snowy, a 7 year old poodle of Judy, had been very sick with swollen eyes. Miniature poodle has 14 years life expectancy but, according to Randy, their poodles' breed is only up to 8 years.

We barely played in Blogshares today because Randy had been busy nursing Snowy. He was in tears when he's feeding the dog who just gave birth to a new puppy on Mother's day. He's worried that they will lose her considering her puppy needs her. I understand how he feels because we had a puppy who passed away in 2004. Snowy is the same dog they brought to the vet's clinic few months back but the veterinarian advised them that it would be better to put her to sleep and let her die than to cure her and charged them a thousand dollars but due to Snowy's old age, she will soon die anyway. Love and prayers helped Snowy survived until to these days.

Fortunately, Randy's son knew how to take good care of the dog. Before he went to bed, they isolate her in another room but, her young puppy had been missing her around. When Randy logged in back online (early morning on his side), he was still very sleepy and been yawning a lot but, he was happy that Snowy had been showing some progress.

We will include Snowy in our rosary prayers next morning. I hope she will be okay when Randy comes back from work.

Following my telephone conversation with a certain Nanette "Candy" Mangalindan c/o PLDT HOTLINE 171 Billing Section, yesterday, she said I can pay now my latest bill in the amount of Php 5,138.38 LESS Php 1,294.85 disputed amount, that's Php 3843.53!

However, I received email from PLDT Customer Service Supervisor, Miss Doreen Agbayani <dragbayani@pldt.com.ph>, with subject line, "FW: DSL Connection - PL# XXXXXX" and mentioned the following:

1. we shall grant you a rebate equivalent to 14 days covering the dates from June 8-21, 2006 when you experienced slow speed.
2. The rebate will be credited to your account on the next billing period.
3. be advised that you still need to settle the vibe usage charges in the amount of P 1294.85 (vat inclusive) since you were able to use the service when the DSL was down.
4. we have issued a service order to cancel the Vibe Pay per Surf service on your telephone which will take effect within 3 to 5 days.

I replied a long message to Ms. Agbayani and CC it to NTC <ntc@ntc.gov.ph>, Mike Enriquez <imbestigador@gmanetwork.com>, and also to Malen Ordoñez <customers@pldt.com.ph>... signing a petition is probably imminent because of the following reasons:

1. Service denial took place between May 9th and June 9th but PLDT will give me rebates only for slow bandwidth for the period of June 8-21, 2006!
2. I received June's statement of account and current charges include Php 3,095.07 for DSL and phone line (June 07 - July 06, 2006); 1,156.12 for PLDT VIBE Pay per surf; 336.65 for NDD/IDD; plus, 550.54 for EVAT (12%). Total amount? Php 5,138.38! This is insane!
3. PLDT Vibe dial up actually cost PHP 140 a month only and at 36 kbps bandwidth speed. I subscribed for DSL unlimited broadband internet at 2048 kbps. Why charged me more at a slower bandwdth speed when there was denial of service?
4. Actual test made by Mr. Ely Cansilao happened in mid June. So, in fairness, PLDT should actually give me a full one month rebate for the month of May, when PLDT's Data Center had serious technical problems!
5. I need rebates immediately since I already paid in advanced myDSL subscription for the month of May.

I also included Bandwidth Speed Test Result as of 2300 H 26 June 2006

• GlobeQuest Bandwidth Meter: 497.21280 kbps
• Bandwidth Speed Test: 347.2 kilobits per second
• Abeltronica: 626.16 kbps
• PLDT Play Bandwidth Test Results : 1.10 Mbps (I find this result very exaggerating as I was still getting the same speed like before except that PLDT meter showed I have faster connection.)

Monday, June 26, 2006

Chef Richard's Micromax3 Third Generation Cookware set for the microwave oven Randy gifted me had been delivered, along with a recipe booklet. I ordered it last Saturday from Home TV Shopping Tel. No. 8902345 while we're in the dental clinic and Pearl was having her oral prophylaxis treatment. In addition to the cookware delivered are 8 pc Express Bakeware set.

I was proud with my Fissler and PhilKraft imported stainless cook ware sets but, this new plastic kitchen collections will enhance our baking needs. Daughter will surely do some baking for us. Yummy!

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Pearl and I arrived at the Queen Mary Polyclinic located at Medical Plaza Ortigas after we had our breakfast at Hen Lin, past 2 in the afternoon.

They took a Panoramic Dental X-Ray and upon Pearl's approval, she had been given oral prophylaxis only due to sensitive swollen gums and abscess in her lower right third molar tooth.

Dr. Rosette rescheduled her again next Saturday. Daughter's gum needs healing but she was stubborn not to take in her antibiotic on time, in fear of overdose from Amoxycillin and Mefenamic Acid. Dr. Rosette then handed us Pearl's Dental Treatment Plan which cost is almost equivalent to one full year of college tuition fee!

Dental Treatment Plan:

1. Panoramic Dental X-Ray: Php 800.00
2. Oral prophylaxis: Php 750.00
3. Amalgam Removal: R6, L6, L7; Php 1,380 X 3 = Php 4,140.00
4. Restoration (Fillings, Lower Teeth): R6, L6, L7; Php 950 X 3 = Php 2,850.00
5. Odontectomy (Impaction, Lower Teeth): R8, L8; Php 10,925 X 2 = Php 21,850.00
6. Restoration (Fillings, Upper Teeth): R8, R7, L5, L7, L8; Php 850 X 5 = Php 4,250.00
7. Extraction: (Upper) R8, L8; Php 1,500 X 2 = Php 3,000.00

Daughter was unhappy that her dental treatment would cost us too much and I had hard time convincing her that I prefer she had the treatment in my friend's dental clinic. She's been asking her friends around how much it would cost us if she will do it in St. Luke's Medical Center.

Randy saw already Dr. Chavez' Clinic and he's convinced that Pearl will have a safer oral surgery than in other dental clinic. She is scheduled on July 1st.

Friday, June 23, 2006

I spoke with Paul Chan, my elementary/high school mate, over the phone.

We talked about the forthcoming JJLHS Alumni first general assembly on July 9, 10 a.m. at the Judge Juan Luna grounds. It will be hosted by JJLHS batch 1992 but, the 1978 batch should also attend the said assembly.

Then, we discussed about my personal website. He didn't liked the idea that I posted my personal life online. Instead, he suggested that I blog something that will invite people to visit my blog. He even cited an example of a young teenage girl who created a website and posted her interests and favorite things to do. Until she gets popular and her website gets a million hits per day. She then added advertisements in every page of her site that help her generates income. That's incredible, I had between 500-750 visits per day and cost me over 900 PHP a month to maintain this site! I added google in my side bar menu but it does not get enough clicks to give me handsome profits.

Paul suggested that I switch from personal to general and add interesting stuffs like food I eat, places I visited, politics, etc. He even asked me why do I post my daily personal life online? And I said, I blog because friends want to know something about me. It's very tiring to type answers everytime someone asks "How are you" or "What's up" questions everyday. I want people to know the real me without any pretentions nor hidden drama in life. Besides, I had been forgetful lately. Blogging them reminds me about it. Sometimes, I sound stupid, sometimes depressed but, the most important thing is, I enjoy blogging...

I was shocked when I received PLDT's latest Statement of Account.

Current charges include Php 3,095.07 for DSL and phone line; 1,156.12 for PLDT VIBE Pay per surf; 336.65 for NDD/IDD; plus, 550.54 for EVAT (12%). Total amount? Php 5,138.38!

Malen Ordoñez <customers@pldt.com.ph> told me earlier this month that she would call me as soon as she gets feedback from the person in charge of the billing for their recommendaton and approval. As of this writing, she doesn't call me yet.

In my latest PLDT Bill, just now I noticed PLDT already charged me in advanced for last month's myDSL PERSONAL covering May 07 - June 06, 2006 because I have to pay for June 07 - July 06, 2006!

Whew, how come they charge me in advance for a slow DSL broadband internet? Not to mention that unhappy PLDT DSL subscribers (like me) were complaining of NOT GETTING THE CORRECT BANDWIDTH SPEED we subscribed for. In fact, my DSL EXCEL Plan had been activated last month, May 9th, for 2048 kbps! YET, my agony started the same day they activated my account, I didn't have DSL access for almost the entire month and for this reason, a rebate is urgently sought so I can pay also for this month's bill!

But, instead of seeing the deductions reflected in this month's bill, I was surprised that I was also being charged additional amount of Php 1,294.85 for VIBE dialup pay per surf internet!

Malen Ordoñez, where is my rebates please???

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Filpinos: The most courteous in Asia, according to Reader's Digest "Politeness Put to the Test", for which they sent reporters to major cities in 35 countries where their magazine is published.

GMA7's 24 Oras evening news reported about it yesterday. One of their test was the reporter dropped something while walking and in some instances, she got help but, there were times people either looked at her or ignored her. In fairness to what I had seen, sometimes, pickpockets' modus operandi in Metro Manila would dropped something intentionally infront of passersby while they're walking so when the victim picks it up, the robber will pick the money or cellphone from the bag. Maybe this is one reason why people ignored the said reporter when she dropped her things.

Anyway, I find time to visit Reader's Digest website and was dismayed that even if we're the most courteous in Asia, we still ranked at 22nd place with 48% rating. New Yorkers topped the list with 80% while Mumbai, India got 32%.

World of Courtesy: Ranking of 35 Cities*

80% New York, USA
77% Zurich, Switzerland
70% Toronto, Canada
68% Berlin, Germany
68% São Paulo, Brazil
68% Zagreb, Croatia
67% Auckland, New Zealand
67% Warsaw, Poland
65% Mexico City, Mexico
63% Stockholm, Sweden
60% Budapest, Hungary
60% Madrid, Spain
60% Prague, Czech Republic
60% Vienna, Austria
57% Buenos Aires, Argentina
57% Johannesburg, South Africa
57% Lisbon, Portugal
57% London, United Kingdom
57% Paris, France
52% Amsterdam, Netherlands
48% Helsinki, Finland
48% Manila, Philippines
47% Milan, Italy
47% Sydney, Australia
45% Bangkok, Thailand
45% Hong Kong
45% Ljubljana, Slovenia
43% Jakarta, Indonesia
43% Taipei, Taiwan
42% Moscow, Russia
42% Singapore
40% Seoul, South Korea
37% Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
35% Bucharest, Romania
32% Mumbai, India

* Source: Reader's Digest

As politeness put to the test, do you still say "Excuse Me" or "Sorry"?

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Daughter, 22, had been complaining of toothache as early as March this year when her wisdom tooth, or third molar, ruptures her gum.

She was supposed to have the dental treatment last March but, when she found out it would cost her over US$400, she backed out. Now that her right jaw is swelling, I made an appointment with Dr. Rocette on Saturday at 2 pm for my daughter's tooth wisdom extraction.

However, Dr. Rosette wants Pearl to have her X-ray tomorrow and to brief her as well on the consequences of having an impacted tooth wisdom. She will undergo a "surgery" and that scares her. Randy, who also had his molar tooth pulled out last week, had been telling Pearl that she should go and never wait a single day. My daughter had been gathering facts from others who had impacted wisdom tooth. Some died due to infection, others had their jaw adjusted, and others experienced enlargement of jaw due to pus deposits. I told her it's a part of growing up and she shouldn't be scared of pains.

Dr. Rosette prescribed antibiotic, Amoxycillin 500 mg caps 3 X a day for 7 days, to be taken every eight hours. The Mefenamic acid Tintin bought over the counter for Pearl is to relieve some pain but not enough to stop its swelling.

Monday, June 19, 2006

DJ SWA, the current richest player in Blogshares, had been a bone in the neck to most players in Blogshares. Several times he made hostile attacks against our investments and this evening, he was not contented running away with Randy's 4000 shares in Flicker and Sina, he also attacked 4000 shares I held in Political Animal and Michelle Malkin causing me lots of B$ loses.

I consider this harassment and I had thought to send him this warning.

From {NSI} Laila*
To The Undertaker aka DJ Swa
Date 10:59 18 Jun 2006

Stop attacking our investments. It's a shame you're the top richest player and you wouldn't give less richer players a chance to make some profit.

You're such a lazy player (not) to watch the blog until someone sells. You always attacked whenever you wanted at your own convenient time.

Please consider this a warning.

Laila*

And I got this message from DJ SWA:

RE: Hostile Attacks
From The Undertaker aka DJ Swa
To {NSI} Laila*
Date 11:11 18 Jun 2006

After this message from you:

I type this only once!!!

Never PM me again or I report you to the BSEC!

regards,

The lazy player

Some people were nasty enough to have his cake and eat it too. What am I going to do now, stop playing BlogShares just like what others did?

Friday, June 16, 2006

I went to bed past 3 in the morning because I watched Debate.

They have an interesting topic: Sino dapat ang magturo ng sex sa kabataan, magulang o guro? (Is sex education the responsibility of parents or teachers?)

Some of their invited guests didn't answer the question intelligent enough. Debate with Mare at Pare about sex education was just timely because the exposure of young teen-agers to sex was very alarming. I voted in their online poll that parents should teach their children something about sex, about their body, and their responsibilities, should they make a mistake that will entirely affect their future.

As for me, sex education does not mean the position your child should know when performing sex, but, kids should know what they should do to take good care of their body and how to avoid temptations. There is right time for sex. Untimely sex could make them sick or worse, ruin their future. With the exposure of kids to the internet and camera phones, sex could happen at the speed of a mouse-click. Daughters should know the risk of pregnancy, likewise, the boys shouldn't take advances of women. Some of the women look innocent but they're disease carriers.

My Paul Denise, 25, got sick twice from an online YM buddy when he eyeballed with them in different times. His condition worsened because he was scared to tell me the truth. I was embarassed to ask questions about his situation because I never gave my parents something like that but, since I am a single parent, I am their father and mother in the household. The second time Denise got sick, Randy was here in Manila and we accompanied my son for checkup. My son promised that he won't do it again.

And because of this experience, I believe parents are the best person to guide their children about sex education. What the kids will learn from school is the anatomy of a human's body but that is not enough to prepare them to be responsible enough to take good care of their body and their future.

If you are young and single, choose your partner in life well. Is he / she worth to be the father / mother of your offspring? Think very carefully before giving in to sexual desires.

Sex is wonderful with the person you love. Do it in the right time, right place, right person.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Randy had been enduring a tooth problem since he was here in Manila. He even had dental treatment before he left to San Diego.

Finally, a stubborn tooth had been pulled today but, the medication he's taking made him a bit nervous and impatient. I had been hearing his moaning from pain because they didn't just pulled it, his dentist cut his gum to get all pieces of his molar tooth pulled out then made some stitches. He's on a soft diet to fill something in before taking his medication.

In the middle of his condition, I wanted to make him busy to keep his mind off from the pain but, something has happened while we're watching top blogs in Blogshares. We're in group chat with my {NSI} supporters guiding them how to make a neat buy when someone sold shares to the market. Both Randy and I spoiled the plan and that upset both of us before he logged out to sleep.

When he logged in back tonight, everything was okay except that he didn't sleep well. He sold his blogs under BB, SS, and DH folders and I bought the shares every 20 minutes until I bought all the 4000 shares for each blog. When he went to work, I had spent the rest of the evening reporting inactive blogs to earn some sigma points.

Randy told me he might have a sick leave for the day and will submit only some papers that his graduating class needed but, I think he teach his class even he's suffering from severe pain. Besides, the prescribed Vicodin caused him inconvenience of going to toilet more often.

I wish they already solved your tooth problem, Randy...

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

At the RTC Branch XXX, Case II, correction of birth record, is the third in the court calendar.

I arrived a bit late and my counsel manifested compliance with the Order of the Court dated May 17, 2006 by furnishing a copy of the Petition and its annexes to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) by personal service on June 8, 2006 as shown by the stamp receipt on the Order itself.

The Court gave the OSG a period of thirty (30) days to file Comment / Opposition thereto. Hearing is reset to August 23, 2006 at 8:30 in the morning and I paid my counsel her appearance fee + Php 500 for the service she previously paid in my behalf.

I asked my counsel why not reset the hearing next month, she told me July is judiciary inventory month. Anyway, I have two scheduled hearing on July 24th and 27th.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

The Greatest Asian Phenomenon TV Soap Opera, Jewel In the Palace (Korean Title: Dae Jang Geum, translates as "The Great Jang Geum"), has ended this evening.

Telecast over GMA7, Jewel In The Palace is a true story of a court lady in the Royal Kitchen who rose above conspiracies and intrigues to become the first female physician in the Royal Palace of Korea. Starring Lee Young-Ae as Seo Jang Geum as the lead role, Ji Jin-Hee as Min Jung-Ho, Hong Ri-Na as Choi Keum-Young, Gyeon Mi-Ri as Lady Choi, Yang Mi-Kyeong as Lady Han, Ho Im as King Jungjong, Park Jeong-Su as Queen Munjeong, and Yeo Woon-Gye as Lady Jeong.

Jang Geum with Min Jung-Ho and their daughter when they were brought back
to the palace upon the Empress' order.

The Empress gave her blessings to the great couple and restores Jang Geum's
and Min Jung-Ho's titles and positions in the palace.

Jang Geum, known to have a good heart for the poor,
declined the offer of the Empress to stay in the palace.
She had chosen to leave the palace and her friends to fulfill her mission
to serve and cure more people who might need her treatment.

The story ended in this cave when The Great Jang Geum
saved the new born baby and the mother by operation.
And I had thought, if only they allowed her to perform the operation
while the Emperor was alive, she could have been saved him.

Anyway, I had thought to post the above captured shots in memory of The Great Jang Geum.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Randy had been suffering from toothache since he was here in Manila. While we went to the dental clinic of Dr. Chavez, the pain continuous until he was back in San Diego. His dentist treated his root canal last month and yet, today, he went to Kaiser Permanente's urgent care desk due to painful swollen jaw with accompanied fever. The doctor prescribed Clidamycin. a heavy antibiotic. Randy's doctor said that if it continues to get bigger then he needs to go to the ER again and they will operate on it.

In fact, when he logged in this evening, he barely talks and even logged out early. He said if he doesn't feel any better, he would cut the afternoon class and will go to the ER for further treatment.

Am so worried about him. Too bad I cannot do anything here on my side to ease the pain. He told me to advise the kids to take good care of their teeth so that when they reach his age, they will not suffer the same dental problems.

Get well soon, Randy.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Since my internet was restored yesterday afternoon, I was happy to recite the rosary online with Randy this morning. Imagine, for two consecutive days, we recited the rosary using the chat for the mysteries to make sure we're doing the same prayer at the same time.

In the afternoon, the kids, Tintin, and I were late again at 5:00 o'clock mass in Our Lady of Hope Parish. Today is the The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and Rev Fr Jun Pascual Jr. said the mass. First Reading was Dt 4:32-34, 39-40; Second Reading was Rom 8:14-17; and the Gospel was Mt 28:16-20. Fr. Jun said that there is only one God in Three Divine Persons: God, the Father; God, the Son; and, God, the Holy Spirit. He even set us an example of a mango fruit: the mango skin, the fruit, and the seed are just parts of a mango itself, the way God is as The Most Holy Trinity.

My children were reacting each time the priest mentioned something that hits any one of us that I had to remind them to be quiet as we're inside the church. But, deep in my heart, I was glad my children now enjoyed attending masses in spite of very humid temperature inside the church.

The kids cancelled the bowling when they found out I must do the grocery shopping while they're playing. So, we had buffet dinner instead at Cabalen Restaurant in the second floor of SM North EDSA. While eating, mother informed me through a text message that she's at home waiting for us. On our way to get a cab, strong heavy downpour of rains with strong winds prevented us from leaving the mall. Instead of standing there waiting until the rain will stop, I did some quick grocery shopping. Paul Denise and Pearl went ahead to bring Mama's dinner. When Junjun, Tintin, and I were done shopping, the rain has finally stopped except that broken tree branches scattered on the side streets as if there was a typhoon that hits the city.

At home, I was happy the DSL internet is running. Both Randy and I traded some blogs' shares while watching flickr' shares PE from deflating. Ron joined us later to do some ideas sharing...

OOppssss! Today is my brother's birthday, Happy 41st birthday, Bhoie!

Rey Joble, assistant sports editor of People's Tonight and a graduate of Judge Juan Luna High School in 1992, posted a comment in my blog on June 5. He told me that 1992 JJLHS Batch will be celebrating its 15th year anniversary in 2007 and some of his college buddies are thinking of having a reunion.

I receive email again from him today:

PREPARATIONS for the 40th year anniversary of Judge Juan Luna High School is now in full swing.

To be hosted by Batch 1991-92, all alumni are invited to attend the first general assembly on July 9, 10 a.m. at the Judge Juan Luna grounds. Agenda of the meeting is next year's grand alumni homecoming where there will be a benefit game and show to be participated by the different batches.

This fund-raising act is being made for the renovation of the school, which has become a victim of fire last year.

To be held simultaneously in the meeting is the election of new officers of the JJLHS Alumni Association.

For details, please call Rey Joble (Batch 92) at mobile number 09205363777 or Florentino Cuevas III (Batch 92) at 09192956361.

A certain Malen Ordoñez for PLDT Consumer Affairs Referral called me in the afternoon and assured me for an immediate attention and appropriate action against my complaint of slow PLDT DSL bandwidth speed as well as rebate and cancellation of Vibe dialup charges. After I blah blah blah to her all my heart out, I received this email from her, as part of my complaint that I didn't receive any formal notice of scheduled maintenance of whatsoever from their tech support informing me in advance that they will cut off their DSL service while maintenace is on-going:

"Per our telecon, we wish to inform you that we have already forwarded your DSL problem to the Division in-charge for their immediate attention and appropriate action. With regards to DSL rebate and cancellation of Vibe charges, we will forward your request to the person in charge for their recommendaton and approval. We shall advise you accordingly as soon as we receive their feedback."

The copy of this mail had been CC to ntc @ ntc.gov.ph and Grace Marietta G. LERIOS GMGLERIOS @ pldt.com.ph. I sent PLDT a complaint letter on the 25th of May 2006 at 13:26:58 and CC it to ntc @ ntc.gov.ph and imbestigador @ gmanetwork.com so the proper authorities will be informed, too, what kind of inconvenience I had been paying for a service I didn't get since they claimed they upgraded my DSL account to 2 mbps on May 19th. Since they upgraded my account on that day, their Deteriorating Subscriber's Line (DSL) supplied me 4 kbps bandwidth speed enough to login to their server but unable to do browsing nor retrieve my mails.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

As early as 7:00 o'clock this morning, I received a call from filgifts.com that I have a package that they will deliver later in the afternoon. I was half sleepy voice chatting with Randy when I received the telephone call.

After we recited the rosary and I passed on to him the regular blogs' shares, someone buzzed downstairs but I didn't see anyone. I'd thoguht it was some nasty boys who were playing with our door bells. So, I went back inside the room. After few minutes, a couple of buzzes prompted me to check again outside. My neighbor told me the guy was knocking at the door but I didn't hear anything maybe because Randy and I were watching US$ 5 M Prize Deal and No Deal.

Islandrose.net delivered 2 doz. deep burgundy roses and a box of Bruges Fine Belgian chocolates, lovingly sent by Randy! Randy has this special way of making me feel special especially on my 46th birthday!

We watched a Hockey movie after Deal or No Deal when someone was downstairs again. The guy from filgifts.com delivered the birthday cake Randy ordered online and I was surprised he also sent me a new GE microwave oven! No wonder he doesn't like to go to bed even if it was past midnight on his side. He's so sweet and caring he wanted to be online with me since he cannot be here physically to celebrate my birthday.

Before he logged out to go to bed, we agreed to extend the celebration until tomorrow. His mother and I had the same birth date. We're going to light a candle for her. May she rests in peace...

I celebrated my 46th birthday with the kids only but, in our hearts, Randy is with us even if he's 7401 miles away... the kids had been extra sweet when they lighted the cake, turned off the light and sang a Happy Birthday greeting. What else can I ask for?

In case I will need GE Microwave oven parts and service, here's the contact details:

QUALITY CIRCUITS SERVICES, INC.
(Authorized Service Center of CYA Industries, Inc.
103 Mercedes Ave., Brgy. San Miguel, Pasig City, Philippines
Tel. no. 6433458 Fax 6436562
E-mail: service@qualitycircuits.net

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Doing my morning routines with Randy had been easier and running smoothly since PLDT DSL has been restored. Passing on blogs' shares ownerships with my »-(¯`v* NEAT Strategies *v´¯)-» corporate members had been fun. It's nice to make profits without cheating and harming other's investments.

With Randy around, there's never a dull moment but, he had to go to bed at past 1:00 in the morning (San Diego time) since the kids and I were getting ready for the 5:00 o'clock afternoon mass.

At Lady of Hope Parish, we hurriedly took our seats because the mass had started. We're not lucky to sit in one row and I can barely see Rev. Fr. Alfredo A. Pascual Jr., who said the mass. Before our priest start his Homily, he greeted us all a Happy Birthday. He said that today was the Feast of the Pentecost and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Feast of Holy Pentecost is celebrated each year on the fiftieth day after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha (Easter) and ten days after the Feast of the Ascension of Christ*. It was conincidence that Junjun and I wore red and so was the priest. The First Reading was Acts 2:1-11 and Second Reading was1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13.

After the mass, the kids, Tintin, and I went straight to SM North Bowling Center. I was planning to play to get rid of my headache but I decided to watch our belongings because there were many people playing as well. This time, Pearl and Tintin teamed up against Junjun and Paul Denise. As usual, Pearl's team won but, I didn't award them any prize for the strikes they made. I got headache that I let them play one round and I told them to follow me at Pancake House.

Pearl didn't like the food in Pancake House but, I insisted that Junjun should try also what Tintin used to order when we're eating out. Kids made their orders but were surprised that I asked for Clubhouse Sandwich, Potato Salad, and Beef Sabrina for myself. While waiting for the food to be served, Pearl noticed that majority of customers eating there were wearing red too. I just smiled and commented that they were probably celebrating their birthdays. And, with that statement, they greeted me a Happy Birthday in advanced. When the food was served, Tintin's Pork Vienna order wasn't included. After ten minutes, it was served but all of us were already full.

Although the kids were not satisfied with the kind of food they served, we all had fun. When we're going out of the building, Pearl asked me why I didn't liked to play Bowling. I told her I forgot to trim my long nails...

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Paul Denise is back this evening from his vacation in my elder sister's house after I convinced him that DSL broadband internet speed had been restored since yesterday morning.

Speaking of DSL, I talked with a certain Jo when I called PLDT 171 Hotline early this morning, and I asked for rebates covering the period from May 19 up to June 1. I mentioned to her my sentiments about their lousy tech support service, the poor bandwidth speed I was getting after they upgraded my account, and the corrupt DSL staffs who allegedly were selling extra accounts and passwords to subscribers of Plan 999. She was surprised with what I said but I gave her the link of pinoydsl.com and find out for herself what other DSL subscribers were talking about the PLDT company she's working for. I also asked her what bandwidth I am supposed to get if my plan has been upgraded to 2 mbps. Ever since I subscribed for their DSL service two years ago, I had been getting 500 kbps and below. Now that they upgraded my account, the agony of 4 kbps bandwidth speed everyday for two weeks gave me and Randy hard time running skype and webcam. PLDT VIBE dialup internet helped me communicate with Randy, retrieved mails, and do some Blogshares thingy but, not Neopets. Also, I told her that we had lost some important calls because I disabled calling waiting to have continuous internet connection.

Anyway, Jojo was with Paul Denise when they arrived home. He sang few videoke songs while my boys played their R.O.S.E. (Rush On Seven Episodes) game. Mama and I were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. She cooked pork adobo and I fried chicken tempura. The dinner was good and I feel better now that my son is back at home.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

I was happy when I received today the copy of Collusion Report from the Fiscal's office and also the notice of PRE-TRIAL HEARING on July 24th at 10:30 am. My lawyer also reminded me about the next hearing schedule thru a text message.

So far, I will have one hearing to attend on June 14th and two hearing on July 24th and 27th. I'd thought the case will take 4-6 months only... the waiting time is kind of depressing.