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Hate is a powerful emotion. Let’s admit it. It corrupts anything, even the most pure, once it gets in. And no matter how great you are, once hate and negativity consume you, you are doomed. I am feeling so much hate now. I can say so many things that hurt, act on things without thinking… But I refuse to dwell on it. Instead, I’ll do this…

Daphne Osena-Paez – you know her as the Urban Zone host and Olay model – often posts on Twitter things that she is grateful for. Really small things like a cappuccino maker that starts the day right, or a person that smiles at you as you are hurrying out for work. It is a very beautiful idea and very uplifting. It gives you reason to say life is good. That’s what I’ll do now.

My life is far from perfect but I know I am living a good life. Here are the things (those I can think of on top of my head, at least) that are proof of how blessed I am and for which I am very thankful:

• I have just replenished our stock of food and I have two boxes of Koko Crunch, my favorite cereal, in there.
• I live in a comfortable house with my complicated family that I very much love and care for.
• I have a job that pays me enough to send my two brothers to college and provide for my daily needs as well.
• My job improves my character, work ethic and knowledge about bigger things that are widely used in the corporate world.
• Through hard work and patience, I’ve overcome my insecurities about my body.
• I am blessed with a decisive, smart, persistent and optimistic mind. And it guides me in reaching my goals despite the challenges.
• I have long legs and I walk big steps. When I’m running late, I don’t need to run – I just walk fast.
• Marvin, my hair stylist since 2006, understands me. And today he followed my instructions and I got the hairdo I wanted. After an hour and a half.

I starting to think of crazy things now. Hehe. And I’ve overcome the negativity – I’m feeling happy now. I remember Marvin this afternoon – I kept pointing to him the areas in my head that need to be textured. And he has become patient with me, unlike my first months with him where he’d sigh loudly to show his frustration. But he’s very good and I tip him big now.

Anyway, I gotta sleep. Good mood na ulit. And here’s a happy song that totally brings in the good vibes: Get Outta My Way by Kylie Minogue.

Enchanted Kingdom. Around 8:30PM.

As everyone was waiting for the fireworks show to start, rain poured making everyone run for cover. I was thinking of doing something different. I walked towards Anchors Away which was still running despite the rain and thankfully found two women were on queue. I knew they wanted to experience the rain as well.

When it was our turn, I took the last row at the back – my favorite spot. And so did the two ladies. It was just the three of us on the ride and we shouted like crazy. Fun, as usual. It ended but I still wanted more so I asked the operator to run it again. One of the ladies got off while the other remained and was as ecstatic as me to have another round. Her name was Misty, a cool young mother.

What I love most about Anchors Away is it makes you feel free. And fast. And because it’s calm, it doesn’t hurt (unlike roller caosters). The rain poured harder and the fireworks show started. Misty and I, only the two of us on the ride, were shouting very happily as we swung on the ship and watched the fireworks show. She shouted “it feels so good to be free!” I liked her.

She was right. It feels so good to be free and really feel it that way. It was the time when I really forgot all my worries. I was there almost literally flying, rain covering my whole body, shouting with happiness and watching colorful lights brighten the sky. Nothing beats a natural high.

Our second round ended but Misty and I requested for third and last round just to get the most of it.

After that, we said our goodbyes. I went back to my officemates dripping wet and she went to meet her family. It was the best part of my day. Feels good how you spontaenously share a good moment with a complete stranger.

This is another overdue blog but I thought it necessary, especially to a friend, to know. Do you need a passport but you don’t have the required documents or IDs?

On the day I signed a contract with IT, my boss in the UK told me to get a passport for future travels to Hong Kong. I’ve heard about the new DFA system and the website so I when I got home, I immediately set an appointment. Lucky for me, the next available slot was only a month away. Today, the next available slot is on December.

At one point this post may not be necessary to you because what you need to know is in the DFA Passport Appointment Website www.passport.com.ph. This is entry is for the troubles you may encounter like, what would you do if you did not have all the requirements? Not all of us have an SSS ID or maybe a driver’s license. And what if your NSO-issued birth certificate (via www.census.com.ph) has marks obscuring your name? That’s a big no-no. Mabuti na ang prepared. I went through a difficult time convincing them to let me get my passport because I did not have enough required documents. Here’s what you should know:

• ALL details on your birth certificate should be clearly readable. Don’t fool yourself saying “baka pwede na yan.”
• Laminated Postal IDs and TIN IDs are not accepted. Only DIGITIZED IDs are accepted.

As an alternative, here’s what you can provide:

• If your birth certificate has printing issues, go to your Local Registry Office and check if their copy is much clearer. No use complaining to NSO because this is their digital copy reprinted. They may be able to fix it but will take you a long time. In my case, the Local Registry’s copy was much clearer and no obscuring marks and was released within a week. I paid around 150 Php for the copy. This is also NSO-certified and should be accepted by DFA.
• You don’t have SSS ID yet? Go to SSS head office and request for a microfilm of your SSS number. Your pink form is useless to DFA if it’s not clear or have been tampered with. Request for microfilm is free but you have to wait 5 business days before it is released. Quite a hassle if you’re in hurry. While you’re there, make the trip worthwhile and apply for a digitized SSS ID na din.
• Other digitized IDs that are accepted like company ID or school ID. If you’re already working, your college ID will still be accepted. Or your Alumni card.
• Other supporting documents that you may use (which I presented): NBI Clearance valid for travel abroad; transcript of records (with picture, of course); OLD Income Tax Record (around two years old) showing your name and address.

Other things you should know:

• Be there on time and have your reference number ready. The guard will ask you for it. When you get there, around 100 people will be on queue at Step 1. But, it’s okay. Around 20 windows are open at the same time so it’s a quick wait. Plus DFA has free Wi-Fi so waiting won’t be boring.
• No need to print the form because they have it ready for you. If in case you had your name misspelled when you set the appointment, you can have this corrected here. This is the original form and the only one that’ll be accepted. Photocopied forms will be disregarded.
• Prepare extra cash. They’ll ask you to photocopy your requirements upon approval. Photocopy is a ripoff but what can you do? It’s 3 Php per page.

Now this one is very important. If you’ve previously had your passport and you lost it, you have to prepare a notarized affidavit of loss. But if your parents have acquired a passport for you when you were a kid and you could not remember anything about it (just like my case), you must prepare a notarized affidavit of denial. They have a record of it even if it was several years ago. Mine was first applied for in 1992.

There. Step 1 (verification of required documents) was the most excruciating part for me because of my lack of acceptable documents to present. I had to come back the next day, in the summer heat, to prepare what they wanted. But once you’ve passed that, you’re okay. You pay for the paspport fee in Step 2. And you wait to get your picture taken in Step 3. Step 4 is optional but very convenient – I recommend it. This is where you apply for a courier service to deliver your passport to you. They’ll tell you the date of your passport’s release (20 working days for regular; 10 working days for rush) so try to figure out where you will be that day. If you have a day job, have it delivered to your office. It’s only 120 Php.

There. When I received my passport, I was VERY happy because I went through a tough time applying for it. It was in summer at 2PM so you have an idea of the heat. I hope this helps.

Welcome to the new age of music video ideas! This is amazing and bold! “All The Lovers” by Kylie Minogue.

Simply put, the video is a pyramid of almost-naked boys and girls making out (in an empty city and broad daylight) with Kylie on top singing the song. Oh and don’t forget the giant balloon elephant. Fabulous! If you aren’t so conservative and you don’t wear a chastity belt, you’ll get good vibes just by watching it. It’s a feel-good sight and sound.

But as much as I love the song/video, I don’t think the Philippines is ready for it. I’ll be happily surprised to see it on MTV Philippines or MYX being shown unedited. But whatever, as proud and empowered as I am for my personality, I’m not here to advocate homosexuality. There are a lot of other times and channels for that. Right now, I’m here to say I love this song and this video and you should watch it. Now feel good and enjoy!

Okay so it’s a free wekend for me. I loooove this feeling of not having to rush to do something. Time goes by slowly and if you keep doing something, you’ll accomplish a lot. Well for me, it’s about eating – I’ve been eating since 5PM and I have more food in stock. For five days I worked my ass off and Sunday is chores, shopping and church – so today is my special day.

As I indulge in life’s simple pleasures, I’d like to look back at all the beautiful things I’ve been doing. This book I’m reading, The Leader Who Had No Title, is just empowering and it helps me focus on doing serious work in the office. It’s true what Robin Sharma said that this is the mindset that all employees should have to help an organization improve. It basically tells you to do your job well and be very good at it, because small good efforts eventually pile up to give you incredibly good things. Olympians don’t become champions overnight – they work hard for years to become masters of what they do. Same goes with any job.

And of course there’s my new job. I just turned one month old in IT and I’m still enjoying what I do. There are times when I feel frustrated/bored after finishing what I need to do early and there’s not much work left to do but then, I’m still in the beginning stage so things are really running slow. I assume this second month will become busier that’s why I’m expecting a lot more from myself – I need to deliver more. Really, I hate it when I’m not doing anything. For me, rest/lazy days come on weekends and holidays. On weekdays, it should be serious work. That’s why I’m so excited for the day when things really kick off.

As for fun, I enjoy staying at home these days. But last Friday I went to Raymond’s KTV night at Chicago as his farewell party with the DTC peeps. Grabe! I love that place and it’s relatively cheap (compared to other famous KTV establishments) considering the clean place, good sounds, new songs, and good food. Ayoko lang ng CR nila – it’s small, not well-lit. But I’d still go there. In fact, I’ve talked with SPMF about it and I wanna take them there. I like those kinds of fun – you sit all night laughing, eating, and just having a good time.

Oh yeah I’ve quit smoking. I can say that now! Not totally but I don’t do it as a habit anymore. This entire week I only had two sticks: one when I walked to the MRT station with an officemate; and another one when my meeting was cancelled and I was soooo bored in the office so nag-Starbucks ako mag-isa at nag-yosi. So for those who love labels, call me a “social smoker.” Hehe. Basta ang bottom-line, I’ve kicked the habit and I can now live without it.

Ayun, I’ve condensed my past two weeks into one short entry. Nothing much happening. I hope in the coming months something major comes up.

Being the new guy in any place is both intimidating and refreshing. Intimidating because you’re in a new place, out of your comfort zone and you have no idea what type of people you are with; but it’s refreshing because it means a new chapter in your life – you get to meet new faces and learn new things. Leaving DTC was a big step because I stayed there for four years. Hindi joke yun. And during those years I’ve become used to the working environment and they’ve become my extended family. But I knew from the start I’d leave eventually and it was only a matter of time.

Two weeks ago I started in IT (initials for the new company). New chapter, new people, new job… It was an exciting change! And so far, I still feel excited. There are a lot of things I look forward to everyday: dressing up in business attire for work (I shop for neck ties now); learning about the projects/products; daily meeting with the UK client; and getting to know my co-workers. Before the weekend, I attended a two-day Software Testing training at Millenia Suites. A lot of things are brewing and the busy schedule is a good change from the overly-relaxed one I had before. Hindi man halata pero ayoko ng walang ginagawa sa office.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in DTC that I am very thankful for, aside from getting me professionally equipped, it’s how to appreciate myself and how not to wait for others to praise/validate me before I realize I’m good. Reality is, you may keep doing your best and others may still choose to look at your bad side – but it doesn’t mean you aren’t good at all. You have to know what you’re capable of but remember that there’s always a room for improvement.

OMG! Here it is now. Every girl/gay in the land is waiting for this.

Aidan is in this movie! It’s interesting.

LHEN! You just promised me you’d watch this with me. I won’t forget that. I thought of you when Samantha said “We made a deal ages ago. Men, babies – it doesn’t matter. We’re soulmates.” This is one movie that should be watched with friends and not with your boyfriend. I don’t think H would take you to this anyway. Hehe.

Last month, Carlo (my officemate) left DTC. And as now known to everyone, I’m leaving DTC in two weeks. Both of us expressed intent to join DTC’s company outing this year for old time’s sake. But of course, we will pay for our expenses: food, transpo, accommodation, etc. We just wanna be with the people we’ve loved and been with for the past four years. But I received the news from my manager that the management does not want us to come because: it’s a team-building activity so we shouldn’t be there; and that family members are not allowed so what more are ex-officemates/friends.

I feel sad. Parang ang bilis naman. I haven’t even left yet and now I already feel like an outsider. Alam ko ang sinasabi nila pero ang sa akin lang, hindi naman kami ibang tao. We’re labeled EX- but does that change how they feel towards us? Will it ruin the experience for them because we’re ex-officemates now? For four years we went through happy summer getaways together. Jusko, nakainuman at naligo na kami ng sabay-sabay. Remember this house we made? I wore pekpek shorts in front of them for fun time’s sake! Ganun na ka-komportable ang samahan namin. I just thought it was enough so they could make exceptions for us despite the obvious that we’re no longer part of the company. We’re not requesting to join them every year. Just this once for old time’s sake. But no, their principles mattered more than our personal relationship.

I’m not mad at anyone. Disappointed, yes. Honestly, I thought this would be easy. Hindi pala. Anyway, as Carlo said, para namang walang pinagsamahan. I didn’t expect that the words I heard before “we’re like a family here” end as well with your contract. Siguro I have to stop pushing myself. Magka-pride ka naman Borgy.

As soon as I render my final day in DTC, I’ll do my best not to look back. Difficult.

It doesn’t happen every year where I dedicate time to fully reflect on my spiritual life during Holy Week. The bishops may bombard media with reminders for people to think about what Lent truly means but usually for me, it’s just another holiday. A long weekend. But this year was different.

Two weeks ago I had a dream that really got to me. I heard God talking to me telling me to stop smoking. He didn’t say why – He just told me to stop. When I woke up, I didn’t take it seriously and thought maybe I was thinking too much of how many sticks I smoked that day before I slept. Two days went on without a change in my routine. Though I was already exerting effort to lessen smoking, I wasn’t planning to completely stop. Then I dreamed of it again. I heard God once more telling me to stop smoking. Freaked out by the familiarity of the dream, I woke up quickly. I decided I had to take it seriously. There might be scientific explanations as to why I dreamed of the same thing for two different days but I took it as a sign. God really took time to send me a message.

So the Holy Week week went with me not smoking. Seven days now and I’m proud of it. Whatever the reason for my dream, I’m sure it meant something good for me. And I’m very very thankful. Every time I go to mass, I only ask for the same good things for my family. But most of the time, I just thank God for the many blessings He’s giving me. Despite the downturns I get sometimes, I’m still in a good place. I cannot complain.