Blog His Blessings

GXS Philippines - Job Openings as of Feb. 2008

2008-02-14T14:13:00.004+08:00

JAVA Software Engineer

Must have minimum 3 years solid experience developing Java-based enterprise applications using the tools and technologies mentioned below and minimum 5 years total experience in the field of software development.
OO Design and Programming
JEE Core Design Patterns
Programming Languages: Java, SQL, HTML
JEE Technologies: Servlets, JSP, JDBC, EJB, JMS
Frameworks: Struts, Spring, Hibernate, Junit
Platforms: WinXP, Unix|Linux, Weblogic AS, Oracle
Development Tools: Eclipse, Maven, SVN
Experience in Implementing (coding & unit testing) detailed design into application functionalities using Java as the primary development language
Understanding design artifacts (using UML notation) and translating them into code. Preparation of construction artifacts such as unit test plan and Junit classes
Fixing defects found during QA cycles
Complying with company coding standards and SCM policies

System Analyst – Data Integration Engineer

Interact with internal customers to interpret Business Rules and Technical Requirements.
Work with Project Manager to establish delivery time lines based on Technical Requirements.
Manage design, development, testing and deployment phases of Data Integration.
Interact with Program Design team to ensure data compatibility with overall program goals
Work with Production Team to transition solutions into the production environment.
Troubleshoot and fix code defects.
Conduct health checks on application performance, data growth, etc.
Monitor data distributions, data archiving, re organization and housekeeping activities.
Provide support for application interfaces.
Provide level 2 technical support
Required Skills: Java, PL/SQL, XML, JSP, SQL, JDBC, Windows OS, Integration, SOAP

Linux Systems Administrator

Degree in a related area and 3-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Knowledge in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Strong experience with Red Hat Linux, Cent OS, Fedora Core.
HP-UX and Unix an advantage
Strong Business English Skills
CompTIA Server+ Certification
Strong Leadership Skills
Advance Communication Skills
Organization Skills

Collections Manager

5-7 Years of accounts receivable/collections experience
2-5 years experience and proven track record as Collection Manager or Supervisor
Must have experience in B2B collections
3 years experience with cash application.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively in English
Highly organized, with good attention to detail and follow up
Well developed analytical and problem solving skills,
Proficiency in Microsoft Office required
BA/BS Degree or equivalent

Strategic Senior Collectors

3-5 Years of accounts receivable/collections experience
Strong experience in B2B Collections
Self Starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision
Excellent customer service skills required.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate effectively in nglish
Well developed analytical and problem solving skills,
Highly organized, with good attention to detail and follow up
BA/BS Degree
Proficiency in Microsoft Office required

Customer Solutions Support Specialist

Basic Oracle and SQL Server DBA skills
Basic Unix/Linux fundamentals skills
Problem Solving/Troubleshooting skills
Customer Support skills
MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, Outlook)
Additional Desired Skills
WebLogic or WebSphere Admin skills
Apache/Tomcat Application & Web Server Administration skills
Java Programming/Reading skills

Technical Support Analyst I

Basic Oracle and SQL Server DBA skills
Apache/Tomcat Application & Web Server Administration skills
Java Programming/Reading skills
Problem Solving/Troubleshooting skills
Customer Support skills
MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, Outlook)
WebLogic or WebSphere Admin skills is desired
Eclipse IDE skills is a plus
Ant Deployment Toll skills is desired

EDI Analysts

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or IT-related course
Senior with at least 3-4 years IT work experience
Prior programming experience
Knowledge in EDI and Supply Chain/JAVA/CMMI is a plus
Strong Business Analysis
Investigative. Likes activities that involve thinking, organizing and understanding.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Effective time management skills
Strong team player
Can work under minimum supervision
Willing to be on call beyond normal working hours and on weekends
Willing to work night shift

PERL Developer/Map Integration

2-3 years experience in UNIX environment application implementation
2-3 years experience in PERL programming in a UNIX platform - intermediate to complex
Experienced in SQL DB data manipulation, can compose simple to intermidate SQL statements
Knowledged in internet communication protocols FTP, HTTP, SSH
Experienced in UNIX shell (csh, bash) scripting
Knowledge in EDI or XML standards (is a plus)
Experienced in SAP (is a plus)
AI mapping skills (is a plus)
Knowledge in GXS Enterprise messaging server (is a plus)
Comfortable in a 3PM to 12AM work schedule
Willing to learn AI mapping language and Enterprise messaging server
Can coordinate development projects requirements with project managers and clients
Has a good sense of balance between required features to be developed and code complexity and bloat

EDI Project Manager

Advanced knowledge of Software Engineering & SDLC methodologies, processes and concepts
Advanced Systems Analysis & Design skills
Advanced Leadership & Communication skills
Advanced Project Management skills

Database Administrator

Formulates database solutions and recommends database strategy for various web-based application development projects.
Apply Oracle database technologies in the application particularly by writing stored procedures and triggers.
Writes detailed design documents essaying the database solution to a project.
Works as data modeler and database architect for web based e-payment and e-commerce projects.
May develop Korn shell scripts and develop PLSQL programs for database background activities.
Tune the database and SQL codes to get the best possible performance of the application.
Responsible for creating database deployment scripts for deployment to QA, Preproduction and Production environments.

Systems Engineer

Responsible for ensuring timely deployments of application releases on QA environments.
Deploy an application running under an application server. This involves the following:

Deployment of packages
Configuration of application server and other components,
Application of db scripts, and provision of system health check,
Troubleshoot platform problems,
Identify cause and employ solution to the problems, raise immediately any unresolved problems and seek help,
Provide routine examination of system processes and report any irregularies or anomalies happening in the system,
Support developers in configuring their local instance of application server.
Collaborate with technical leads, developers and other system engineers and develop scripts that may automate build and deployment activities.

Technical Trainer

Assess relevant training needs for staff individuals, in consultation with departmental heads, including assessment methods and measurement systems entailed.
Design training courses and programs necessary to meet training needs
Organize training venues, logistics, transport, accommodation as required to achieve efficient training attendance and delivery
Plan and deliver training courses personally where necessary to augment that provided externally or internally by others
Ensure all training activities and materials meet with relevant organizational and statutory policies

QA & Process Analyst

Documentation and coordination of processes, programs or practices, in line with best practice process models, to ensure minimal defects as a result of non compliance to current process and procedures.
Continuous improvement of products and services
Development, implementation and monitoring of processes to address needs or issues of the BAM team.

Operations / Report Developer

Developer with 5+ years experience with datawarehouse applications using Oracle databases on a UNIX or Linux platform.
Responsibilities will include development on new projects, as well as ongoing support for existing datamarts.
End user reporting support is required in addition to managing daily, weekly and monthly loads of existing datamarts.
BS or higher in Computer Science or IT related discipline.
Extensive knowledge of Oracle RDBMS, SQL, PL/SQL. Knowledge of star schema design and dimensional modeling would be a plus.
Familiarity with any/all of the following reporting tools : Business Objects: Noetix; Cognos; Oracle Discoverer
Strong technical, leadership, communication and teaming skills.
Ability to understand business requirements and convert to IT deliverables
Flexibility to work a schedule overlapping with US business hours.
Experience with the following tools: Informatica Powermart ETL Tool; WebMethods; Oracle Warehouse Builder

Helpdesk Agent (GOIT)

Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Computer Science or IT-related discipline
At least 6 months experience in providing IT helpdesk support or customer support
Experience in documenting customer issues and work processes
Familiarity with MS Windows and Windows components.
Knowledgeable in the use of MS Office Applications
Knowledgeable with basic computer hardware concepts
Ability to troubleshoot basic computer hardware and software issues
Outstanding skills in teamwork and customer engagement
Proficient in oral and written communication skills
Drive and ability to see problems through to resolution
Process-driven and good attention to detail
Ability to quickly learn and understand new technology and applications
Willing to work in a shifting schedule and render overtime as necessary

Technical Implementation Engineer (Global Implementation Team)

Supports the technical aspect of the GXS clients mainly thru email and voice supports.
Frequently communicates with team members and leads for technical support and program know how.
Provides a weekly summary report of utilization rates client concerns addressed and closed.
The TSE must be able to trace, analyze and provide short-term resolutions and answers to the problems, failures and alerts within the clients SLA- Service Level of Agreement.
Contribute to the company vision of being the industry leader in customer service through quality, commitment, courtesy and teamwork; must be fluent in English and willing to work on shift schedules.

Senior Java Developer (ACE Team)

Extensive java skills and OO design experience (java 1.5, design patterns)
Built/launched successful interactive/transactional web sites/applications
Good understanding of data & web standards/protocols (HTML, XHTML, CSS, XML, XSL, Java Script, RSS, Web services)
Knowledge of session management, security setups and configuration, object-relational mapping
Strong problem solving skills, adaptable, proactive, and willing to take ownership
Commitment to quality, architecture, and documentation
Required framework/technology knowledge: Java 1.5; Struts; Maven 2, Spring; Hibernate; SXLT; DDL/DML (Oracle preferred); Subversion; Unix/Linux; Tomcat/J boss/Web Logic

Team Lead for BAM

Monitor daily output of team
Provide developmental feedback to team members
Enforce company policies (including disciplinary actions)
Create/modify performance appraisals
Create weekly team status reports
Create monthly/quarterly plans
Head implementation of special projects
Provide input to Team Policy changes
Be the onsite reference for the BAM personnel
Provide backup to the team in cases of unplanned/planned absences
Collect and consolidate product issues to be escalated to Manager, Tier 2 or Project Manager
Inspect processing analyst output to ensure accuracy
Mentor new members of the team
Provide input to performance of trainees for screening purposes
Identify training opportunities for the team
Document policy and procedure changes
Conduct interviews for incoming BAM personnel

New Website

2008-02-05T19:56:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone. I have put up my own website - Jerome's Photo Gallery (http://pacleb.com).

As of now, I have ported my old Picasa Web Albums (http://picasaweb.google.com/pacleb) to this new website called Jerome's Photo Gallery.

You can help me beautify it by providing me feedback (good and bad) about the site. You might think the color of the labels is harsh, or perhaps the size of the sidebar needs narrowing, or maybe you think its cool to have a 'photo rating' feature, then just send me an email with your thoughts.

Well, eventually, I will be porting this blog to pacleb.com as well. So, visit this blog once in a while for updates.

Mobile Applications - Any Suggestions?

2007-12-06T21:44:00.000+08:00

I am joining a contest called Android Development Challenge.

What is Android? Simply put, it is Google's software for mobile devices. What is the challenge? The challenge is all about developing cool applications using Android. What's the prize? The awards total in $10,000,000.

You say, "Are you for real?"

I say, "Yes!"

Google will select first 50 coolest entries and bless them with $25,000 each -- this is my target :)

I'd say, this is a really really really tough challenge. Why? Well, first and foremost, there should be about hundreds of thousands of developers around the world who will join this race. Secondly, thinking of an application that is going to be unique and cool is not going to be easy.

That is why, I need your suggestion :D

The application can be anything, anything you can think of. Copied from Google's Android website:

Social networking
Media consumption, management, editing, or sharing, e.g., photos
Productivity and collaboration such as email, IM, calendar, etc.
Gaming
News and information
Rethinking of traditional user interfaces
Use of mash-up functionality
Use of location-based services
Humanitarian benefits
Applications in service of global economic development
Whatever you're excited about!

Well, if you have any suggestions, just let me know. I'll compensate you if your suggestion succeeds in the first 50 entries. Oops, the offer only applies to my real-life friends :)

So, what do you have in mind? Just drop a comment, or shout in the shoutbox, or email me. :)

Ubuntu 7.10 Linux

2007-11-10T22:28:00.000+08:00

I'm now using Ubuntu Linux 7.10 on my PC.

All in all, I'm really happy with it. I have yet to discover and play with its functionality. My iPod needs to synchronize to music... and other stuff.

But all the rest... Its perfect. E-mail, instant messenger, browser, word processor, spreadsheet, and the best of all, the look and feel.

Check out the wobbly windows effect when I try to drag this object.

The cube desktop animates the transition from 1 workspace to another as if it was in a cube.

This animation makes the object look as if it was being broken into pieces.

Fire consumes the window as you minimize it.

You want rain effects while working? I don't want it... But it's cool.

8 Limbs

2007-11-10T16:19:00.000+08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,308439,00.html

God is great.

A Message by George Carlin

2007-11-08T21:07:00.001+08:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness..

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

Living on less than $1/day

2007-11-08T09:11:00.000+08:00

What is it like to live on less than $1 a day?

4-Day Vacation

2007-11-01T08:40:00.000+08:00

Today is a holiday, so is tomorrow.

I'm supposed to be having fun - watching movies, sleeping, relaxing, reading, going out of the house...

But...

Right now, I'm trying to fix my office laptop. I tried installing Ubuntu Linux such that it will co-exist with my present Windows XP. But that just messed up things. Now, I can't boot to either Ubuntu or XP. ^_^

-- Edit 12:00 --

Ok great, I just woke up from a text message - A text message from them saying that they need me to go online tonight... I still haven't fixed the problem...

-- Edit 12:20 --

YAAAAHOOOO... My Windows is up and running :) I still have to set the boot configuration later so that the machine will determine the other OS installed.

At Work, All Saints

2007-11-01T01:29:00.000+08:00

Just got home.

Today was one of the longest days at work... Just one of those days.

At Work

2007-10-29T23:38:00.000+08:00

I'm at work.

Just finished the call with the Toronto guys. Just waiting for my friend to finish up his stuff, we'll walk out the office together and perhaps get some coffee in starbucks.

Oops gotta go home. Drive pa pauwi. Bye. ^_^

GXS Job Openings (2007)

2007-09-27T18:52:00.000+08:00

Software Engineers – Java
1. At least 3 years JAVA /J2EE programming experience
2. Working knowledge of object-oriented development principles
3. Understanding of at least one object-oriented analysis and design notation and
paradigm such as UML (knowledge of Rational Rose modeling tool a plus)
4. Proficient in JAVA/J2EE, preferably with experience in Struts, Spring and/or Hibernate Technologies
5. Extensive experience with GUI programming on Windows 95/98/NT, HP UX, Solaris, AIX, SCO UNIX
6. Proficiency and working experience in RDB programming methods and idioms for SQL
(RDBMS such as Oracle, Informix, preferably with PL/SQL programming experience)
7. Familiarity with standard protocols (TCP/IP,HTTP, FTP), CORBA and/or exposure to ERP packages
(SAP, Oracle, etc.) a plus

Quality Assurance Engineers
1. At least a year experience on QA/Testing (or a Senior QA)
2. Can easily grasp the knowledge of the application in a short period of time (fast learner)
3. Good in writing test cases (test scripts)
4. Good communication skills (written & verbal)
5. Keen to details/analytical
6. Can work well within a team (team player)
7. Can work fast in a short period of time (OT is expected and/or even weekends/holidays)
8. Plus Factor (but not mandatory):
9. Have tested a financial application is a plus
10. Familiar with TD is a plus

EDI Analysts
1. Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or IT-related course
2. At least 2 years IT work experience
3. Prior programming experience
4. Knowledge in EDI and Supply Chain is a plus
5. Strong Business Analysis
5. Investigative. Likes activities that involve thinking, organizing and understanding.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
7. Effective time management skills
8. Strong team player
9. Can work under minimum supervision
10. Willing to be on call beyond normal working hours and on weekends
11. Willing to work night shift

EDI Quality Assurance Engineers
1. Quality Assurance on Software Business Application development experience
2. Experience analyzing Business Requirements for software projects
3. Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
4. Experience performing QA on Internet based applications
5. Knowledge of Supply Chain software
6. Working knowledge of QA software methodologies and tools
7. Strong background in developing detailed software test plans
8. Knowledge of web stress testing tools like Web Load
9. Full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) experience
10. Knowledge of Multi-Generation project/product systems

EDI Developers
1. Must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or equivalent.
2. Strong analytical and problem solving skills
3. Full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) experience
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
5. Willing to be trained
6. Must be a fast-learner, resourceful, and flexible with excellent teamwork skills
7. Willing to work on a shifting schedule
8. Good time and work management skills
9. Strong team player
10. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), XML, and Unix background will definitely be an advantage

Associate Technical Customer Support
1. At least 1 year Programming experience
2. Preferably with UNIX Shell Scripting experience
3. Ability to organize tasks based on priority
4. Can work with minimal supervision
5. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication;
6. Willing to work on a 24/7 work environment

Interested? E-mail me.

Comprehend This

2007-09-06T22:43:00.000+08:00

There are more than one hundred billion (10¹¹) galaxies in the Universe, each containing hundreds of billions of stars, with each star containing about 10⁵⁷ atoms of hydrogen.

-- Wikipedia

None

2007-08-23T08:00:00.000+08:00

Ready.. Steady.. Go!

Blog Discontinued...

2007-08-11T16:03:00.001+08:00

...for no reason.

How Will You Survive In This Situation?

2007-08-06T13:17:00.000+08:00

(Got this from my e-mail... Some child's joke. Scroll down to see answer.)

You Are My Portion

2007-08-02T09:56:00.000+08:00

Father I will not worry about tomorrow or all of its questions
Father I will just trust You
And I will be waiting for treasures in heaven
My heart is with You for there my treasure lies
My eyes are on You for You are my delight

Though I may not wear the garments of princes
You are my portion , You are my portion
For You clothe me in Your righteousness
You are my portion , You are my portion
Though I may not sit at the table of kings
You are my portion , You are my portion
For You feed me from the abundance of Your hand
You are my portion , You are my portion Lord

My everything You meet my every need
You cover me and make me be at peace

Undo

2007-08-01T08:23:00.000+08:00

Asa's Reform

2007-07-27T09:36:00.000+08:00

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them. In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD's temple.

Then he assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

They assembled at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa's reign. At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred head of cattle and seven thousand sheep and goats from the plunder they had brought back. They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. -- Devotion from 2 Chronicles 15.

Beans

2007-07-26T08:54:00.000+08:00

One day I met a sweet gentleman and fell in love. When it became apparent that we would marry, I made the supreme sacrifice and gave up beans. Some months later, on my birthday, my car broke down on the way home from work. Since I lived in the countryside I called my husband and told him that I would be late because I had to walk home.

On my way, I passed by a small diner and the odor of baked beans was more than I could stand. With miles to walk, I figured that I would walk off any ill effects by the time I reached home, so I stopped at the diner and before I knew it, I had consumed three large orders of baked beans. All the way home, I made sure that I released all the gas.

Upon my arrival, my husband seemed excited to see me and exclaimed delightedly: "Darling I have a surprise for dinner tonight." He then blindfolded me and led me to my chair at the dinner table. I took a seat and just as he was about to remove my blindfold, the telephone rang . He made me promise not to touch the blindfold until he returned and went to answer the call. The baked beans I had consumed were still affecting me and the pressure was becoming most unbearable , so while my husband was out of the room. I seized the opportunity, shifted my weight to one leg and let one go. It was not only loud, but it smelled like a fertilizer truck running over a skunk in front of a pulpwood mill. I took my napkin from my lap and fanned the air around me vigorously like I had an electric fan would! Then, shifting to the other cheek, I ripped off three more.

The stink was worse than cooked cabbage . Keeping my ears carefully tuned to the conversation in the other room, went on like this for another few minutes. The pleasure was indescribable.

When eventually the telephone farewells signaled the end of my freedom, I quickly fanned the air a few more times with my napkin, placed it on my lap and folded my hands back on it feeling very relieved and pleased with myself . My face must have been the picture of innocence when my husband returned, apologizing for taking so long. He asked me, "I hope you didn't take a peek through the blindfold darling...", and I assured him I had not.

At this point, he removed the blindfold, and twelve dinner guests seated around the table chorused:

"Happy Birthday!"

He Never Sleeps

2007-07-23T11:25:00.000+08:00

When you've prayed every prayer that you know how to pray.
Just remember the Lord will hear and the answer is on it's way.

Our God is able.
He is mighty.
He is faithful.

And He never sleeps, He never slumbers.
He never tires of hearing our prayer.
When we are weak He becomes stronger.
So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him.

Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need.
Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see.

Our God is able.
He is mighty.
He is faithful.

And He never sleeps, He never slumbers.
He never tires of hearing our prayer.
When we are weak He becomes stronger.
So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him.

E6600 Guardian

2007-07-19T22:34:00.000+08:00

Meet E6600's new Guardian, Barricade. He's the new sheriff around my new desktop.

He can't do much... except to transform from a police car to a decepticon. See the background? That's my newly-built E6600 desktop.

Why not Bumblebee? I like Barricade over Bumblebee. Bumblebee is a wimp. Starscream fired a single missile and blasted half of Bumblebee's body back to ice age. That's lame. While Barricade is way cool because... he's a police car... Why not choose Optimus Prime? Because he is lame as well.

"Hi, I'm Barricade. I'm the new guardian for this cool desktop behind me. I specialize in killing rats and cockroaches. Though, I'm allergic with bumblebees."

"Are you feeling lucky, punk? There is more to me than meets the eye."

Google

2007-07-12T11:30:00.000+08:00

Anybody who is a Google user out there? I am. Google's Email (or GMail), Google Calendar, Google Docs and Spreadsheets, Google's Picasa Web Albums, Google's Blogspot, Google's GTalk, Google Desktop.

First is GMail. This, for me, is the best e-mail application out there. Why? It's everywhere -- accessible by web. Second, it makes use of JavaScript technology, such that the components behave like one of that a desktop application. The page doesn't load every time you click the refresh link, or the next page link. Sorry to say this, but this simply tops YahooMail for me. YahooMail, you're too late. You want an e-mail application with rich UI, that gives a lot of space (that you don't even need to delete mails)? Try GMail.

Next in line is the Google Calendar. Why? Portability. Calendar is accessed in the office, Calendar is accessed at home. Its plain simple. Why keep 2 calendars? Why keep synchronizing your calendar that you keep at home, and the calendar you keep in the office? Then this is the solution. What's more to this application is calendar sharing. You want your dad, or your friend to view the Birthdays in your calendar? Or perhaps your the dates of your vacation? Then share it.

Google Apps also comes with Google Documents and Spreadsheets. Oh. Sweet. Accessibility is simply the key. Why keep 2 documents or spreadsheet at 2 different places when you can manage just 1? Try this.

Next is Google's photo management application -- Picasa Web Albums! Oh this application is just sweet. It comes with 1.) Picasa software, and 2.) the web albums. Picasa does it all -- crop, straighten, redeye, contrast, color, lighting, shadowing, color temperature, other effects. Do you need to know all this? No! Because there is a "I'm feeling lucky" option. Users of Picasa can vary from the greatest photographers, to the mommy who doesn't know how to edit pictures. After you have managed your pictures with Picasa, with one click, you're ready to publish, you're ready to blog.

Let us not forget about Google's messenger -- GTalk! How I wish all of my friends would just use this instead of AIM, YM, or Gaim, or Jabber, or ICQ, or Trillian, or MSN, ... (the list goes on). Who among all of those archives the conversation in just 1 location? Let me rephrase, who among all these doesn't archive the conversation in the machine where you are using the messenger? Answer? Google Talk -- GTalk archives conversation in their own servers (perhaps in Mountain View, California). Now, that is just USEFUL! Who needs 2 archives when you have a YM in the office, and YM at home? How is one going to make use of 2 conversation archives? How are you going to search for messages? No no no, YM just didn't place themselves in the shoes of users. But Google Talk, they captured the need.

And Oh, how can I forget, the ever-useful, Google Desktop. You want a search engine in your own machine? Try Google Desktop -- searches everything in your computer from e-mails, files, up to web history! Window XP's search? Nope, not good enough. It is just not good enough! Windows, you're too late. But Google has thought of what the user needs.

Finally, the alpha, the beginning, the source, the origin of Google -- Google search engine. You want relevant results? Do you want customized search? Do you want to convert currencies? You want to define a word? You want a page that is so simple that it contains nothing but the search box and the search button? Then Google is for you.

End.

PS: I'm using Google's Blogspot by the way.

E6600

2007-07-06T09:10:00.000+08:00

Yipee. I'm so happy. This, everyone, is my first ever desktop that I built myself. I'm naming it E6600.

There are a number of parts in this computer that I carefully handpicked and bought. Some parts are recycled.

The CPU is Core 2 Duo E6600, 2.4 Ghz, 4 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB; Motherboard, Asus P5B Deluxe, bought in Japan; Memory is Patriot PDC22G6400LLK, PC2-6400 4-4-4-12 DDR2 800Mhz 2x1 GB; Video card is Asus EN7900GT, 256MB, recycled, bought from Japan; Power supply unit, Enermax Liberty ELT500AWT, dual 12V rails, SLI-ready, bought from Japan; CPU Case is Antec 900, 2x120mm Blue LED fan in front, 1x120mm Blue LED fan in the rear, and 1x200mm monster fan mounted on top; Optical drive is LG GSA-H44L, dual layer DVD+/-RW; lastly the IDE hard disk, mouse, monitor, and keyboard are the other recycled parts. All in all, I spent almost PHP 40,000.

As we know, such technologies don't last lifetimes, only months or years. Despite that fact, I plan to use this PC until its end of life, 5 years at the least.

Assembling this PC wasn't an easy task. It took me 10+ hours to get the whole system up -- from handpicking of each part, to shopping for it, to studying the manual, to the assembly, and up to powering it up. Handling of every PC part should be not taken lightly. This is because our human body contains small amounts of static electricity that can instantly destroy the electronics of a computer part. Installing the processor was by far, the most delicate task. Second to that, was installation of the Intel's stock fan for E6600 processor. Other challenges were the management and connections of cables -- there were so many cables. Improper connection of any kind of cable can bring serious problems.

At the end of the assembly, with a deep breath, I powered up the system for the first time -- Yaaay... The system booted up! CPU is running at 45 deg Celsius at idle mode, which is not very good. I have to install an operating system yet and apply finishing touches. Nevertheless, I'm so happy that I didn't mess up PHP 40,000.

Corporate Lessons

2007-07-05T14:26:00.000+08:00

Corporate Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies. "Great!" the husband says, "Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders, in time you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Corporate Lesson 2:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish." "Me first! Me first!", says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone. "Me next! Me next!", says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone. "OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Corporate Lesson 3:

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?" The crow answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.

-- Source unknown, digged it up from my email archive

Uncommon Disease

2007-07-05T14:04:00.000+08:00

I have a friend. He recently recovered from a lung surgery. He was operated because of a disease called Pneumothorax. Say what? Pneumothorax. From wiki...

In medicine (pulmonology), a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, is a potential medical emergency caused by accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity, occurring as a result of disease or injury.

This friend of mine said that it is common among tall and thin male, whose age is 20~40. From wiki again...

Spontaneous pneumothoraces are reported in young people with a tall stature. As men are generally taller than women, there is a preponderance among males. The reason for this association, while unknown, is hypothesized to be the presence of subtle abnormalities in connective tissue.

It is cool for me to learn something new especially when it comes to the human body. Even so, I never thought of becoming a doctor. Simply, its God's sovereignty that fascinates me. End.

Transformers

2007-07-04T14:30:00.000+08:00

Everybody please watch Transformers. The movie was so good that I wished I had my own bumblebee at home.

But see this image. This one is the real bumblebee...

Happy Birthday

2007-07-03T11:27:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Papa! I love you.

Today, July 3 is my father's XXth birthday.

Life Changing, Part 2

2007-07-02T16:27:00.000+08:00

Continued from part 1...

The driver went to his car to check the damages. He was with an umbrella. He seemed to have become interested in what I have to pay him.

I approached the tindera. She grabbed my head and whispered something like, "mali siya, isumbong mo siya, wag ka papayag." Everybody else was just watching the scene.

The man asked for 200 pesos. Then he called his wife and returned to his van to check for more damages. Her wife came down the van. She approached me. I took note of the man's name, cellphone number, and position in the army. She took my name and cellphone number as well.

Then, her wife left and got into the van. I didn't hand her any money. I thought they were leaving. The man came down again and demanded 50 pesos this time. (Ang cheap). I gave him 100 pesos instead dahil wala na akong barya. Then he finally left.

Whata relief.

The tindera gave me water to drink. And I expressed my intention of staying with them for a while kasi medyo nakaka-shock talaga.

Then they began to talk.

Apparently, the tindera was a wife of a policeman. Asawa ng pulis. She said there lives 2 policemen in the house beside her tindahan. Then everybody else was against the man, of how he wasn't suppose to use threat against me despite the incident.

The other 3 men from the barangay office came. They too, told me how wrong the man was. They said, he wasn't supposed to pull a gun, that he should be wearing a shirt since he is a soldier, that he shouldn't be drinking.

They ALL insisted that I should report it to the authorities. That they will be my witnesses. That I will surely win. That the man will surely pay for what he's done.

At this point, I was in a dilemma -- mercy or justice. Mercy or justice - the man had kids, if I report him, he'll be taken out of the job, his family will surely suffer. On the other hand, justice has to be served. As God doesn't leave things like these unpunished.

I chose mercy.

I went to the barangay office together with the 3 men. I reiterated the whole incident to them. They again, insisted me to report it to the police.

I denied their offer. Although my reason was because I felt pity for the man, I told them that, "ok na, 100 pesos lang naman".

I thanked the 3 men from the barangay. Then I crossed the street and went to the tindahan. Wala na yung mga nag-iinuman. The tindera was still there. I expressed my gratitude to her. I mentioned that I'm from Church of God, Marilag as well.

I then left the area.

-- The Dilemma --

Mercy or justice?

As my friend pointed out, justice should be applied -- so it will not happen to other people. Or, mercy -- he will go to jail, he will be kicked out of the force, he and his family will suffer. I have his name, cellphone, car plate number. What should I do?

In any case, I'm thankful God gave me a second chance. Moreover, whether I got shot or not, He is really good and sovereign. There's no doubt to that.

Life Changing, Part 1

2007-07-01T00:01:00.000+08:00

Saturday, June 30 of 2007, Hannah's 18th birthday. Event was held in Orchard. I left the place at around 10:30PM, with my own car, with nobody but myself. It was raining. I'm wearing light blue long sleeves polo, sleeves folded thrice, slacks, belt, black socks, black shoes. No tie.

I drove along the road of Salitran. Dark, raining, nobody around. There was this van, in the middle of the road, coming to a stop, in an area in Salitran called 'crossing'. The van seemed to be parking toward the right side of the road. With these instincts, I overtook the van on his left. Suddenly, from a complete stop, the van turned left while I was overtaking it. Oops, with spider-like senses, I maneuvered in the same direction as the van's direction. In a split second, I confidently thought, "naah, I've been through many similar car-to-car incidents, I've never missed!"

*Scraaatch*

Oops.

The van caught my rear.

"This isn't happening, its 10:30, it has been a long day, I'm really tired, I want to sleep, and THIS isn't happening to me!" Nevertheless, reality came to me.

The van at halt, I was at halt, in the middle of the road. No people, very dark, raining.

Logically, it was my fault. But, it could have been prevented if he was using his courtesy lights -- "naka-signal".

I calmly parked my car in the left side of the road. Hazard lights on. Head lights on. Grabbed my cellphone. Ready to leave the car. I opened the door, almost coming out, left foot out of the car already. I noticed that the van wasn't moving at all. In the midst of the darkness, and rain, the van doesn't seem to have any reaction.

Well, in my own pride, I thought, "Mali naman siya, mali rin ako, nagasgasan kami parehas, so quits lang". And off I went! I calmly closed the door and calmly drove off thinking that the van was "ok" with what just happened.

10 meters, 20 meters, 40 meters away from the scene... 30 seconds later, I hear police siren. I instantly thought, "Uy, nakatawag siya agad ng pulis?" But events happened so fast, I realized that the van was overtaking me calmly and forcing me to park. We were like 20 meters away from the Salitran intersection.

But I was like.... UH OH, police siren!? Oh my gosh, Did I just hit a police van?

The life changing event begins here.

The driver came to me with a gun on his right hand.

Me? I was stuck in my seat watching the man approach with a gun as my brain quickly flash things to me -- things about life, things that talks about death, things that were life changing to people.

The driver was a man, he was only wearing shorts, a pinoy definitely, mataba ang tiyan, kayumanggi, di masyado matangkad.

With a gun, he approached me as I stayed in my seatbelt. He was enraged. I could already hear him curse at me even though my door/window was closed.

He then clocked the gun. -- I was like, "This is it. Mamatay na ako, la lang, madaming malalungkot."

I was calm, because I've nothing to lose when I die.. but at the same time worried, because others will have everything to lose when I die.

I just looked straight. The man was already in my side. I opened the window.

The gun was pointed at me.

Yup, looking straight, with my peripheral vision, I saw a real gun, it was a revolver type of gun, I saw the barrel where the bullet comes out, it was pointed directly at me.

The man? He was throwing curses at me. He was enraged. He's pointing out that he is a soldier. Sundalo. He was explaining that he's ready to kill me. "Eh kung pagbabarilin kaya kita ngayon?"

Ako naman? My thoughts were really clear -- patay kung patay, makakasama ko na naman si God. On the other hand, I was sad knowing that, people close to me will be really sad if I die.. And, I felt that, I don't want to die yet because I want to do more things for the Lord.

A boy came out of the van, his son, stopping his father. Another boy, stuck his half body out the window shouting at his dad to stop. What amazing kids.

To cut the long story short, God saved me that day. God allowed that to happen. Somebody prayed on my way home. God heard. God was with me.

The place where we stopped? There were 8 people watching from a tindahan in the right side of the road, lights in the streets, many cars passing, Barangay naman sa left side of the road. I didn't notice that at all. Why? Because I was like... *fainting to death* :)

I got out of the car. His gun on his pocket. The man continued to express his intention of killing me. I was calmly listening and acknowledging by nodding. I kept my cool. He seemed to be cooling down as well. I felt a sense of relief -- I felt that, nope, today is not the day of my death.

Consciously, I walked with him, directing him towards the Barangay office. He continued to talk more. He confessed he was drunk, that he was enraged when I tried to "flee" from him. He gave me a hint that he wants to settle this already. (by not killing me ofcourse).

We were already in the entrance of the Barangay office, when he refused to go inside and he offered me to settle it 'outside the office'. In fear of the gun, I, went with him to the other side of the road. Where there was a tindahan. (Ang dami palang taong nakakita na tinutukan ako ng baril?)

He went on with saying that I was wrong, and that I could've been shot. Me? I was like... "ok", *nod*, "oo nga ho, sensya na", *nod*... I looked over to my left shoulder, there was this "tindera"-like get up, on her small tindahan stall. She was shaking her head at me. In my mind, I was like "tindera ka di ba? bakit mo ko sinesenyasan na 'wag'?"

That was the time that I noticed, that 8 people were watching the scene! They were intently watching us as we talked.

To be continued...

I'm too tired to go on typing now. I gotta find the Lord now and thank Him.

Dad's Advice

2007-06-26T16:17:00.000+08:00

Applies to me right now.

2006-10-02: Here's my suggestion - pray, pray, pray, wait, wait, wait. By praying, you make known to God your desires. Wait and watch for God's responses as he opens doors and opportunities. While waiting, pray some more. While waiting, keep watching for God's moves. You will see them. While waiting, have fun serving in church, working at the office. Don't be too serious but set a course.

While you're waiting, God is working for you and on you. The best thing is - He is working on you making sure your faith will give him honor.

So relax. Keep going. Keep serving in music. Excel in it. Make lots of friends. Join groups. Prayer groups. Bible study groups. Work with them.

Pray pray pray wait wait wait.

Body

2007-06-25T13:23:00.000+08:00

There is a big scar in my left hand caused by jellyfish sting. It happened when I was a little kid. The scar can be hardly seen now.

I got bitten by a dog two times. Silly me. The first time was a dog without anti-rabies injection. It bit me in my right hand because I was playing with him while he was eating. I guess he didn't want to be disturbed. That bite left a scar in the lower part of my thumb my right hand. Despite the incident, I never had treatment to cure rabies. To my parents, it seemed that the bite wasn't deep enough for rabies to enter my blood. Hmm.

It happened twice - the second time, another dog bit me in my right arm again. Why? Because I was playing with him while he was eating. I guess I didn't learn the lesson the first time?!? This time around, the dog really cut deep with his teeth. Lucky me, he already had his anti-rabies shots. It left a scar as well.

I accidentally got cut by scissors in my right hand. Eew. I accidentally sat upon a scissors while I used my hand to sit. This cut deep into my skin, eew? It happened when I was a kid. It didn't scare me though because there was no blood despite the cut. So I lifted the skin and saw... my bone.

It's a good thing I'm still alive.

Education History

2007-06-21T08:14:00.000+08:00

?~1990, Divine Light Academy, Las Pinas, PH. Kinder, Preparatory. Hmm. I have very few memories on Kinder and Preparatory school days. We used to assemble in front of the flag pole and sing the national anthem. We were asked to raise both our hands so that we, the students, form a straight line. Hmm, I realized I skipped Nursery.

1990~1996, Divine Light Academy, Las Pinas, PH. Elementary or grade school. Lots of memories here. I enjoyed rainy days when there are no classes. I come to think of it today - that elementary was really really easy. Subjects were like, Home Economics, Spelling, Art. Piece of cake.

1996~2000, St. Benedict College, Alabang, PH. High school. The tough gets going. Science becomes Chemistry and Physics, Math becomes Algebra and Trigonometry. The girls also got a little prettier. Boys have become more playful. During high school, my barkada was quite a line up - some of us were involved in fraternity groups, some love to cut classes, some like to steal things, some of us don't love to study, some of us love to cheat. We were the bully, not the prey. We were number 1 on the disciplinarian office list. Nevertheless, I got through it.

2000~2004, De La Salle University, Manila, PH. College. Tough really really gets going. Algebra turns into Calculus. Science isn't a subject anymore. To name a few of my major projects, there were Systems Analysis, Project Management, and Computer Programming. The heaviest of all subjects - Thesis. Boys have become gentlemen to girls. They got past the 'totoy' stage. Girls? They have become more ladylike. Group of friends? Totally new and different than high school friends. We love to study, we love to be on top, we like to work as a team, we like to go out during breaks to have fun.

Jellyfish

2007-06-18T19:10:00.000+08:00

When I was a kid, I was stung by a jellyfish - jellyfish size of a dinner plate. Back then, I didn't know how harmful its arms/tentacles were. Well, it simply left a long curve-like mark in my left hand.

Most jellyfish have tentacles or oral arms coated with thousands of microscopic nematocysts; generally, each of these nematocyst has a "trigger" (cnidocil) paired with a capsule containing a coiled stinging filament, as well as barbs on the exterior. Upon contact, the filament will swiftly unwind, launch into the target, and inject toxins. It can then pull the victim into its mouth, if appropriate.

Eew. I never thought I'd experience that. But you know, the scar that it left brings back memories in my childhood. It brings back the memory that the adults had to use human pee + calamnsi + beer + wine + everything else we got, to immediately treat the jellyfish sting in my left hand.

What Is Family?

2007-06-14T21:46:00.000+08:00

(Every variable thing that I say here, such as age, dates, or conditions, is true as of this writing.)

According to Wikipedia,

A family is a domestic group of people, or a number of domestic groups linked through descent (demonstrated or stipulated) from a common ancestor, marriage or adoption.

Well, that's a boring definition. Here's a more concrete definition:

Family is being the older brother of Joshua. Josh, is my only brother. He is 10 months younger than me - which means, there are times when we have the same age. He is healthy, smart, and handsome. Sometimes, people mistakenly think that he is older than me. I very much know how Josh plays his bass guitar; Likewise, he knows very well how I play the piano. I would say, Josh gets the best blessings in the house. Josh took up ECE in DLSU Manila. He's looking for a job right now. Anybody who can help him?

Family is being the younger brother of Michelle. My only sister, is 2 years older than me. She is beautiful, charming, attractive, but kinda fat. She loves to sleep. And in some days, she loves to sleep. On any given day, she loves to sleep. But. She is smart. Graduate of BS-Math in DLSU Manila. Wow, she gotta be really smart. She passed her first exam last year and she aims to pass many more exams. (Wow.. Talk about her passion to sleep and passion to study.) She has no boyfriend. She's got a strong character - I mean she's really a strong-willed decision maker. So guys out there, if you want to date her, be my guest.

Family is being the son of Marita. Marita is the name of my mother. She gave birth to me when she was about 25 years old. My mom is the best mom in the world. You know that saying? Well its because, she's the only mom I have. Mama is a cheerful, caring, loving, and smart person. Her passion? Caring for the family. Her traits? Has a positive outlook in everything. Her aura? Always smiling. Bad times good times, she likes to smile some more. Her skills? People skills. Mama keeps reminding me everything for an indefinite number of times. She is my life alarm clock, calendar, personal assistant, my cook, my helper. She is my mom.

Family is being the son of Jun. He's my father. Papa is a strong, intelligent, diligent, passionate, and practical person. When I was still a kid, he spanked me many times, too many to count, because he loves me. He loves to teach me, correct me, and discipline me. His mission? To bring the best welfare that I can get in this life. He loves to influence me with righteous things. He provides me with wisdom. He loves to encourage me and support me with my decisions. Papa loves to play and spend time with me. That's my father.

Owning A Car Doesn't Always Equate To Comfort

2007-06-11T19:53:00.000+08:00

Owning a car doesn't always mean comfort. It doesn't. Comfort has a price:

1. I spend PHP 1500 every week on gasoline (PHP 40 per liter as of this writing). Roughly PHP 800 on the toll gates a week.

2. This year, my car just went through a major check-up and had to undergo multiple major repairs. That stabbed me with a whopping PHP 50,000. My savings for the last 10 or 12 months just went there.

3. Recently, my car had overheating problem. I had to bring it to Honda, Alabang. They diagnosed the car and guess what, they found no problem. They charged me PHP 1,600 for fixing nothing. What's worse than that is, bringing my car there, and going home without a car - ofcourse, in picking it up, I had to go there via commuting. Just imagine walking from the village gate to your house with multiply multiple up and down roads.

4. Today, I bought new car battery for my car. That cost me about PHP 3,000.

Killer Disease

2007-06-08T13:48:00.000+08:00

A year ago, I acquired one of the most dreaded disease in the world - Tuberculosis. Let me define for you what Tuberculosis is:

Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for Tubercle Bacillus. ) is a common and deadly infectious disease that is caused by mycobacteria, primarily Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs (as pulmonary TB) but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, bones, joints and even the skin. Over one-third of the world's population now has the TB bacterium in their bodies and new infections are occurring at a rate of one per second. Not everyone who is infected develops the disease and asymptomatic latent TB infection is most common. However, one in ten latent infections will progress to active TB disease which, if left untreated, kills more than half of its victims. In 2004, 14.6 million people had active TB and there were 8.9 million new cases and 1.7 million deaths, mostly in developing countries.

Yup. That's exactly what it is - a killer infectious disease... And I was forced to leave my workplace the instant my employer informed me about it.

But with God's sovereignty, He can just turn every evil and bad thing for the good, of course, just for those who believe in Him. And that's what just happened to me, he turned that disease, into an opportunity for me to rest, do other things, have fun, and... I got a better job.

Pit Stop

2007-06-06T13:44:00.000+08:00

Last night, I dropped by at church from work. So I did what I had to do then headed back to my car. I started the car, boom... Dead battery. I asked helped from Ronnie and Errol who happened to be right there near the church entrance. They helped me by giving the car a push while I start the car at gear 1. Unfortunately, the push+gear1+ignition technique didn't work. Errol got his car and parked it near mine. He then clamped some special kind of wires from his car's battery to my car's battery. I gave it a shot and this time, the car successfully started. If battery died in Makati, things could have been really really worse.