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Monthly Archives: August 2008

Taking a Microsoft Exam for Free!

This coming Tuesday, as my company celebrates its 10th year anniversary, I will be on leave to take a FREE Microsoft Certification exam: 71-654 TS: Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuring. The examination fee has been waived, since it is a “beta exam” and I had used a promotional code, saving me some US$80. If ever I passed the exam, it will be added to my Microsoft transcript.

Now, in preparation, I am reading a 72-page manuscript entitled “Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Release Candidate Reviewers Guide” over the weekend. Wish me luck.

Let the 2008 Games Begin!

The games of the 29th Olympiad has just began at Beijing, China. Missed the beginning of the ceremonies, which started at 8:08PM on the 8th day of the 8th month of 2008 (08 August 2008 at 8:08). Nice numbers. Wonder will this bring luck to Team Philippines.

Was excited to see the events of the Opening Ceremonies as they unfold “live” at C/S (Solar Entertainment channel), but got dismayed with the number of commercials during gaps. Luckily, I found another channel covering the ceremonies, just minutes behind the one aired at C/S. But, seems to be that the lucky day is not favoring me: the CCTV channel just went off the air. Got pissed, turned the television off and headed on to the net. Justin.tv is still not covering the ceremonies, but the pictures are already online at the official Olympics website and at Yahoo!News.

Now, I remember 16 years ago, I was just 11 years old then when Barcelona in Spain played host to the 1992 games. Because of the timezone difference, my dad woke my brother and I up at around 2AM just for us to catch the opening ceremonies. It was the first time that I had actually watched the Olympics Opening Ceremony. And who can forget the dramatic lighting of the cauldron by archer Antonio Rebollo? For those who were still very young to comprehend or remember the 1992 Olympics, here’s what happened during the final torch relay and ceremonial lighting of the cauldron:

Crazy Kart Makes Me Busy

I was lucky enough to be a Closed Beta tester of Crazy Kart Philippines, and has been addicted to it since last month. Got sad when I heard of the news that they are resetting the accounts by end of July 2008 to pave way for the Open Beta. Now, enjoying at Level 11, Crazy Kart Philippines makes me busy before going to bed at night — not sleeping until I Level Up! Trying to earn points so that I can retire my training cart and buy the jeepney ;) Here’s what transpired during my last race for the night.

Cellphone Use To Be Banned Inside NAIA

MANILA, Philippines – To completely discourage immigration personnel from using their mobile phones while working, the Bureau of Immigration will install cellphone signal jammers inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Commissioner Marcelino Libanan approved the purchase and installation of 12 cellphone dampers and jammers at the immigration arrival and departure areas.

Libanan said the move was also part of their campaign against human trafficking, noting that cellphone use allegedly enables some BI personnel to communicate with persons engaged in human trafficking and the irregular facilitation and escort of passengers.

“The strict implementation of cellphone ban will strengthen the bureau’s drive against human trafficking and, most importantly, it effectively prevents corruption,” he said.

Libanan added that the installation of the device will likewise discourage passengers from using their phones, which may also disrupt the immigration clearing process.

NAIA-BI operations chief Ferdinand Sampol, who proposed for the installation of cellphone blockers, said that the use of mobile phone by an immigration officer at work consumes his time and inconveniences passengers lining up at his counter.

The bureau is also looking to mount the same devices at the immigration area of NAIA 3 terminal when international flight services at the new airport become operational. - GMANews.TV

Rick (Rolling) Astley Hits Manila!

Did I already mentioned in my blog that I am a Rick Astley fan? Well, not as big as I am an SOS and TF fan, but during the first days of my piano lessons, I will ask my parents to buy me score sheets of Rick Astley songs at National Bookstore.

Last night, I missed a great portion of my life: (1) I missed the opening night of Elvert’s Omega exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) — though you (we) may still catch it, still have 28 days left; (2) Rick Astley performs live at the Big Dome. And the best ting about #2 was the fact that Roderick Paulate, Rick Astley Pinoy version, was invited to perform on stage. Never Gonna Give You Up lyrics and YouTube video of the Astley-Paulate encounter below.

Never Gonna Give You Up

Were no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do i
A full commitments what I’m thinking of
You wouldn’t get this from any other guy

I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling
Gotta make you understand

* Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you

We’ve know each other for so long
Your hearts been aching
But you’re too shy to say it
Inside we both know whats been going on
We know the game and were gonna play it

And if you ask me how I’m feeling
Don’t tell me you’re too blind to see

(* repeat)