A Small Fish In A Big Pond

In a place far away from home, I classify myself as a struggling minority. According to some, a third class citizen, who struggles to make a living and to survive the austerity of an unaccustomed culture. Qualms do come on my decision of staying in a dog-eats-dog place, when I can always have a choice of living a simple life in my native land. But love is stronger than anything, and I remain steadfast in the arms of my beloved. Unexpected trials and tribulations set in to test my willpower. I almost falter, but in the end, I stand still.

I am a small fish in a big pond, but the people I personally know, never make me feel that way. I am important just like anybody else. My life is swamped with good people. Friends and officemates who never hesitate to offer a helping hand in my time of distress. What surprises me though, most of these people are not of my own race. People who I thought who will belittle me. Their deeds have proven me wrong. I apologize. Thank you all. I love living life in the US of A.

Are Filipinos Stupid?

Why would somebody searched for “filipinos are stupid”? Whoever you are, care to share your findings? For those who do not know, WP dashboard has the ability to know the search engine terms used , which leads to my blog site. For the record, there is no such thing as “filipinos are stupid” in my posts. Man, the wonders of Internet. Everything is search able.

First Pinoy Idol: Gretchen Espina

The finale of Pinoy Idol left me confused. It has been a week since the much-awaited night, but up until now, I wonder on what criteria they chose the big winner with. Is it based on text or the Judges’ votes? I have nothing against Gretchen Espina. She is a good singer, even if the judges were mean to her in their comments. By the way, congrats to Gretchen for bagging the title of first-ever Pinoy Idol.She proves to be not just another spoiled rich kid in the biz. She got talent.

Actually, my bet was Ram Chaves, but since he is already a renowned local band vocalist, I think that that it is just right to give others the chance to fame. In fact, he had a couple of talent shows under his belt As far as I could remember, they were —Stars In A Million (the season wherein Frenchie Dy won) and Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1. Sad to note, he was not able to make it to the finale. Basically, Pinoy Idol made him big.

Sometimes, these reality TV talent search has becoming unreliable. Obviously, the text votes drive a lot of profit for the show. People do not vote because of talent, but because of relation or other personal biases. You can not say that, it is purely popularity. I am sure, most of the contestants spent so much money on buying phone loads to vote. I hope that, one day —voting will be based on phone number, and that a certain number can only vote once in every voting cycle.

Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Skinner!!!

St. Augustine Beach, Florida 16th of August 2008 7:00pm

2008 Philippine Legal Holidays

I noticed in my stats that a number of my visitors come from search engines looking for this information. Well, I may as well post it here. My highest number so far is 600+ hits, and an average of 200+ per day. Thanks to this post last year.

For more information:RA 1463 (.pdf file) - DECLARING THE REGULAR HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAYS FOR THE YEAR 2008

RA 9492 (.pdf file) - AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 26, CHAPTER 7, BOOK I OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987

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Source:The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines

US Immigration Process: Like It or Hate It

I have been regularly visiting two immigration forums lately. I have seen people who reminds me of “me” two years ago. Even if I am already here in the US, I am still eager to learn more about immigration, especially the changes and new policies.

In case you do not know, we did not hire an immigration lawyer to help us with our process. It is my pride. My work. As first, KISA contemplated on that, but I discouraged him and promised that I would do all the research. At the beginning, I was intimidated. The process looked so complicated, and seemed like there’s no room for errors. But eventually, all went well.

Today, I got busy updating my immigration page. I just want to impart the little knowledge Ithat  have with this immigration thing, especially for K-3 and K-4 beneficiaries. I just hope that I will touch some lives and help in my own little way.

Acne, my teen-age life problem

As a teen-ager, I suffered from a acne. Though it was not severe, it was enough to cripple with what was left of my self-esteem and confidence. When I talked to people, I hid my face with handkerchief. I could not look them straight in the eyes because I was afraid that I would see them staring at my face. My parents could not afford to send me to a dermatologist. That time, acne treatment lotions were so expensive. So I had to endure all my teen-age life, embarrassed of my face. It was the most awkward stage of my life.

Now that I have a daughter, I will never let her undergo the same predicament as I had. Since skin irregularities can be hereditary, there is a chance that she can have it. Besides, acne treatment products are no longer that expensive. With less than thirty dollars, we already can purchase one, like murad acne complex. This acne complex is reportedly effective to different skin types, and has proven testimonies of real users. Whatever it is that makes this murad acne so famous, it does not hurt to try it. Well, I still hope that Amber will not have a skin problem growing up.

Patience, And More Patience

There are moments in our lives that our patience is tested to its fullest, when we least expect it. Being a new resident to this country, I am very enthusiastic in watching people of different color and culture in the street or just anywhere where I head to. This country is so culturally diverse that wherever we go, expect to see new breed of people. And, I enjoy that.

KISA always reminds me that people can be mean and rude, but I did not listen to him with all ears. I always have a good perception about people, and that people are generally trustworthy. After one incident the other night with a black woman, this view of mine was put into the trash. An incident that started as a fun event for the kids, and my first shot on being culture shock. After what happened, I am all eyes and ears about my surroundings. A little odd detail will send me away from whatever situation I am in to. It is a lesson learned, a lesson that must be embedded in my mind all the time.