Kalanggaman Island- Underwater and Reef Shots

Recently, I went with some friends and explored Kalanggaman Island off the coast of Palompon Leyte, and Northern Cebu, Philippines.

Figured this is a good take to share with you some underwater footages on Youtube below consisting of teeming aquatic life, tame fishes and untouched coral reef all in bright clear waters.

At just waist deep of water off the island's coast, one could just simply while the time away snorkeling and watch magnificent life underwater.  To get these great shots, we just used regular underwater cameras and had an excellent time clicking our way through. Enjoy!

Message in a Bottle

An inkblot expression- My very own portrait sketch from Axistrizero!

. 

 ...For the nth time, this is definitely not a Black Eyed Peas' Apl.De.Ap. portrait mind you, just his number one fan from the Philippines... 

Kidding aside, a friend of mine who's an artist gave this sketch as a present during my birthday. Thank you very much Arnold and more power always. 

Arnold Ramirez is a graphic artist that's based in Cebu City, Philippines (Click here to visit his website) and accepts various freelance projects- from portrait sketches, graphic layouts, corporate identity requirements to flash projects and website designs. 

In case you need help with your designs or want to give out a unique gift such as a portrait sketch to a friend or a loved one,  you can just simply email him at axistrizero@gmail.com.

Message in a Bottle 

 

Something more- one soothing relief from greeks bearing gifts

Heard this one on the radio last weekend and figured to share it. Here's the chart topping song Something more from Secondhand Serenade.

With their more upbeat album "Hear me out now" released early this year, John Vesely and the guys is slowly ripping up the airwaves worldwide and gaining 2 thumbs up from sound critics everywhere! 

The lyrics packs the punch and the beat is somewhat refreshing to the ears. Tune in to the  audio  stream below from Youtube.com and you'll be enthralled  to one new experience. Enjoy!

Something More
Secondhand Serenade


I lie awake again, my bodies feeling paralysed
I can’t remember when
I didn’t live through this disguise
The words you said to me
They couldn’t set me free

I'm stuck here in this life i didn’t ask for
There must be something more,
Do we know what we’re fighting for?
Breathe in breathe out

And all these masks we wore
We never knew what we had in store
Breathe in breathe out

The storm is rolling in
The thunders loud it hurts my ears

Im paying for my sins
And its gunna rain for years and years

I fooled everyone and now what will i become?
I have to start this over
I have to start this over

There must be something more,
Do we know what we’re fighting for?
Breathe in breathe out

And all these masks we wore
We never knew what we had in store
Breathe in breathe out

I fooled everyone and now what will i become?
I have to start this over
I have to start this over

There must be something more,
Do we know what we’re fighting for?
Breathe in breathe out

And all these masks we wore
We never knew what we had in store
Breathe in breathe out
There must be something more
Breathe in breathe out
There must be something more

 

Message in a Bottle

A courier service nightmare

How sure are you of your courier service? A friend of mine was recently caught up with a fiasco with WWW Express- the local affiliate of renowned international courier and logistics provider, DHL Worldwide Express in the Philippines. She was surprised as to how the company dealt with her problem as she was confident with the thought that with DHL’s good reputation in the industry, her parcel will arrive at the destination quickly and well taken cared of.

A lost parcel in transit + bad customer support = A customer’s nightmare

It turned out her fears were brought to life as her parcel containing a Nokia N-series N93 cell phone which she intended to send to her brother in Metro Manila went lost while in transit.

The said item was sent last May 10 but she was informed that her parcel was lost on the 17th?! For reasons there was no way bill number as parcel was not scanned, possibly by one of the staff which may have had a personal interest on the item.

As the story went, my friend called up the said company to follow up her complaint but was met only with words from the staff that only their supervisor is the one that can help her out with her problem. Despite constant follow ups, she was told that she will only receive one email feedback per day as the establishment practices a ‘black and white’ policy. In one of her follow ups, she was even told by the manager that their system was down; hence he failed to update her on the problem.

In a further follow up, she was led on a ping-pong trail as the WWW Express Manila branch claims that the said item was lost in Cebu, while the Cebu branch on the other hand, claims the item was lost in Manila or in transit at the airline. Until now, she still hasn’t received an incident report so she’s still clueless as to what happened to her item.

After a consultation with her family, she made a decision to have the liable company replace the said item instead. Her offer was met with positive response as the manager she talked with gave her assurance that they will replace the said item. However in recent follow ups she was told that the company will not replace the said item but will instead pay her 8,000 Php as this was only the insured amount for her damage claim. Naturally she refused for the market value of her Nokia N93 costs around15,000 to 16,000 Php.

Until the time of this write up, she still hasn’t received a positive result to her problem which led her to resort to blogging in the hope that the proper authorities at WWW Express or DHL will get to see her complaint and shed light on the matter. Somewhere along the lines, there is clearly a system or personnel flaw here that needs to be addressed right away to prevent untoward cases such as hers from happening again to anyone.

Message in a Bottle

All about Urban living in Cebu, Philippines- Cebu Urbano

Check this site out if you wanna live in sunny Cebu, Philippines, Cebu Urbano is a good resource if you're on the hunt for the best bargains and trendiest in real estate finds, where to live- be it be for the young professional or family, the hippest places to go to, the most celebrated events and the who's, what's, how's, and the where's - all in the minute urban jungle that's Cebu.

As the site's description implies: You're in line for a heartbeat of living, south side of the Philippines that's fast paced yet simple, sophisticated but practical. Breath and eat life at your own pace and pleasure- The true blue Cebuano way of living.

Message in a Bottle

The day has come indeed for Hassidic Jewish Reggae: Matisyahu

Heard Matisyahu featuring Akon- One Day playing on the radio, while dozing off my hot Sunday afternoon by the seafront and man my ears perked up to this new sound, which seemed to me was a combination of reggae, a pint of electronica/ hip-hop on an enhanced no woman, no cry format. The blend of beats is quite catchy and the lyrics come poetic.

I've learned that this was the soundtrack of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver that put the limelight on Matisyahu to an even broader audience with positive respond.

Figured to do a background check to get a glimpse of the artist and I was kind of surprised to have come across Matisyahu and the new line of genre he represents - which is Hassidic Jewish Reggae by the way or the blending of traditional Jewish themes with that of reggae beats. (Ever seen a Rabbi-looking guy groove?) Matisyahu embraced his music but incorporated his forte- adding hip-hop and rock, raising his music a notch higher.

As I got hold of his Album 'Light' off from his 2009 release, I felt a bit awkward of his other songs but eventually my ears inched a liking to the chill outs: We will walk, Eccentric beat lined- Escape, Motivate and Thunder to name a few.

Treat your ears to an exotic experience! Tick the Youtube video below for Matisyahu ft. Akon's One Day or simply listen to this blog's mixpod, it's already on.

Message in a Bottle

Breaking yet another worldwide feat- Cebu Dancing Inmates performs in Michael Jackson's historical- This is it Release!

Cebu City, Philippines- The world set its eyes again upon the most unusual, yet dazzling performers which took the world (via Youtube) by storm- The phenomenal "Dancing Inmates" of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. (CPDRC)

Practicing dancing as a form of disciplinary exercise, these felons and convicts proved that they're not only in the lot for change but also with the groove- hitting the coolo'meter with their algorithm moves through various mediums, with Michael Jackson hits being the favorite.

This time around, they were treated with a visit by Michael Jackson's long time choreographer Travis Payne along with renowned dancers- Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid for a collaboration performance with Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT.

Check out the Youtube video below and judge the cons yourselves. Mabuhay!

Message in a Bottle

Hoobastank- Still remains to be the question

Figured to share this post- a really cool one from Hoobastank- Running away. Check out the hard hittin' lyrics and ice cool video below. Cheers for the taking!

Running Away
Hoobastank

I don't want you to give it all up
And leave your own life collecting dust
And I don't want you to feel sorry for me
You never gave us a chance to be
And I don't need you to be by my side
To tell me that everything's alright
I just wanted you to tell me the truth
You know I'd do that for you

So why are you running away?
Why are you running away?

Cause I did enough to show you that I
Was willing to give and sacrifice
And I was the one who was lifting you up
When you thought your life had had enough
And when I get close, you turn away
There's nothing that I can do or say
So now I need you to tell me the truth
You know I'd do that for you

So why are you running away?
Why are you running away?

Is it me, is it you
Nothing that I can do
To make you change your mind
Is it me, is it you
Nothing that I can do
Is it a waste of time?
Is it me, is it you
Nothing that I can do
To make you change your mind

So why are you running away?
Why are you running away?
...What is it I've got to say...

So why are you running away?
...To make you admit you're afraid...
Why are you running away?

Message in a Bottle

Maguindanao Massacre- Proof of clamped press freedom in the Philippines

I'd like to convey my respects to the brave men and women from the media- who has to sadly lose their lives in seek of truth in a political turmoil that has blown out of proportions. The 30 who were not only killed but butchered on a hillside road in Ampatuan, Maguindanao is another eye opener of the worsening situation here in the Philippines- Jesus Christ we have capped off Iraq and earned the reputation as the most dangerous country on earth for journalists!

For the nth time, media practioners should not be entwined with agendas and must not be harmed for they are the "chroniclers". A hapless event such as this must not go about off the hook because it clearly defines that the country (as with the past killings) is now run with powerful hoodlums in robes; whom will never stop silencing media critics, SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT...

This blow to Press Freedom in the country brings the tally to 134 deaths of media men murdered since the tug of war for democracy in 1986 with a lot of cases still unsolved; with deaths blamed on political warlords who control the police and the justice arm within their realms- all hell bent to preserve their seats and are useful for political patrons as they bring in "the votes" for political parties. In the Arroyo administration alone, the number is already 74 and rising...?

When news broke out of the massacre- the whole world was virtually shocked and a lot of protests and condemnations issued, candles lit and protest rallies staged in honor of the lives lost in what's been dubbed as the worst attack in the world against media practitioners.

Unprecedented as it may seem, this reputation is a stern reflection that needs immediate action not only for the ones in power but for everyone... unless of course we Filipinos are contented to live with shame in the eyes of the world...

Message in a Bottle

More than just fireflies- Synthpop Owl City

Figured to share my latest eavesdrop in the music scene recently- Fireflies from American synthpop- group Owl City. Just saw their video on Myx Philippines hitcharts and saw myself mesmerized by the tune. Got a grip with the group's debut album Ocean Eyes (with Fireflies boarding the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 # 1 singles) and some of the hot finds with lyrical beats includes: "Hot air Balloon," "Cave in" and another personal favorite: "The technicolor Phase".

Owl City with front man Adam Young really bring out a taste of influences, that i can make out a pinch of euro-electronic music, a dash of new wave, alternative and attacking disco in their beats- overall making their touch of sound clinging to the ears.

Check out the lyrics and Youtube-mpeg below of "Fireflies" and hear the layback effect. Fireflies by the way is now tops in the US and Canadian hit charts and is also the most downloaded song on iTunes in the US. Laud!

Fireflies
Owl City

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep
'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude but I would just stand and stare

Chorus:
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs from ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

[Repeat Chorus:]

When I fall asleep leave my door open just a crack
[ Owl City Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

[Repeat Chorus:] (2x)

(I fall asleep)
I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Message in a Bottle

Lending a hand for typhoon Ondoy victims and immigration concerns

Here's one good news for immigrants or for Canadian citizens who are processing to have their loved ones from the Philippines migrated to Canada but are greatly hindered by the current mishap. While rummaging around for some immigration sites, I found a newspost that the Government of Canada will help out Typhoon Ondoy (Intl name Ketsana) victims thru special prioritization with their immigration needs to Canada.

In lieu of the Super typhoon's disastrous wake in the Philippines- most especially Luzon and Metropolitan Manila, the Canadian government is quickly setting up measures for Canadians and permanent residents to be reunited with their loved ones here in the Philippines by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada.

Now Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) visa office in the country will respond on a priority basis for disaster victims. This will apply to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, Permanent residents and Protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. Applicants must identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the disaster and notify CIC. Applicants for Temporary residence who are also affected by the disaster (provided they can identify themselves) will also be given priority processing.

On the other hand, I visited a couple of immigration consultant websites for a couple of days now in order to acquaint myself with migration to Canada concerns and I found this website- Better Life Immigration Consultants Inc. really very helpful.

They offer up to date infos, user friendly website features and quick assistance for everyone's queries and concerns.

Message in a Bottle

The Scribe: Read Cebu's news updates!

Here's another recommended read to get the latest news updates from Cebu and the rest of the Visayas- as seen from the eyes of the Freeman newspaper's Jasmin Uy.

Get to know what's happening in the metro and the latest infos from just about everything: politics, government, entertainment, media, music, entertainment and the latest buzz in the scene.

Pay a visit @ www.amatong.blogspot.com!

Trees

I think that I shall only see
Warm and dark waters rushing angrily for me;

Catastrophe will come, upon whose hungry mouth will be fed,
Heaps of mud and garbage, in a roaring rage;

Aghast and all mad to lash back at sleeping innocents,
Fast as lightning, feeding death off Gaia’s breast;

Now I’ll never guess which time of the year is summer;
Feels like hell freezes over, by the last sunrise of the winter chill.

When it rains it truly pours, then come famine where families lay by mercy’s crackling…
At dawn come new age disease and pestilence;

Lungs all clogged with boils, souls cry for help with hunger;
Like toy soldiers, each one falls down…

Barren wastelands now slowly creeping;
An inch everyday, quenching the thirst of the devil.

Humans are the sentinels, sentient beings busy with everyday living.
Poems are made by fools like you and me,

But when will we ever learn?
Instead of groveling, we need to plant thee...

Still the choice remains, given by his grace and knowledge;
Only God can make a tree…

Message in a Bottle

New service and tools for Business Mobile SMS campaigns launched

From TheTMSway Ltd., the Hong Kong based company mobile content developer /provider that gave the world TMSFactory- the evolutionary self-service mobile marketing platform that lets local marketers and enterprise owners to conveniently create marketing and advertising offers via mobile phones, (including the likes of Blackberry and iPhone) comes the new zest to their line up that’s sure to raise the bar on strategic marketing and advertising campaigns a notch higher.

Dubbed as “Freemium” service, this update bases its new shortcode technology which allows real time interaction between media and mobile internet. This version offers simple tools in order for a client to build SMS campaigns which can be localized in over 160 countries and allow campaign output without Telco negotiations.

TMS Freemium Service allows marketers and content owners to create a mobile offer, create a mobile site using TMS free tools which includes: coupons, invitations, rewards and newsletters. Marketers are also given the option to use their existing mobile site. This service generates a unique shortcode associated to the mobile offer, which then can be displayed on media as (restaurant flyers, print ads, billboards, ads spots for TV and radio) thereby offering enterprise consumers ‘pull service’ real time in accessing a mobile offer with just a click, using the shortcode available at TMSearch.com.

“The Freemium service is an interesting way to start and appreciate the high value of media to mobile marketing” says Frederick Saurat, one of the founders of TheTMSway Ltd.

Also the SMS campaign builder, which is accessible via the “do it yourself” TMS factory platform, allows marketers to create SMS text ad with an option to embed a URL in the text that is linked to a mobile ad page. This also provides the tools to import a contact user’s base with the option create widgets to collect new user contacts. SMS campaigns can be launched in a number of targeted countries (TMSfactory provides the service in over 160 countries) conveniently and in real time, minus the Telco negotiation delays with a cost model based on CPC.

“This new updated version provides also a range of new tools and services like a free API to create TMS shortcodes and an interesting user-friendly tool to create and launch a localized SMS ad campaign” Frederick Saurat quipped further.

Message in a Bottle

Proverbs in conflict - the A and B side of everything

Proverbs are short pithy household sayings that have been handed down from generation to generation. They express truth in common sense and hit practical precepts.

I remembered to have read a book back in high school about these comical- conflicting advice, figured to share this post to get your take and maybe apply these wise words (whichever suits you) on your everyday dealings. Read on.

Actions speak louder than words.
but
The pen is mightier than the sword...

The more, the merrier.
but
Two's company; three's a crowd...

Opposites attract.
but
Birds of a feather flock together...

Great minds think alike.
but
Fools seldom differ...

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
but
Out of sight, out of mind...

The bigger, the better.
but
The best things come in small packages...

Money Talks.
but
Talk is cheap...

Clothes make the man.
but
Don't judge a book by its cover...

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
but
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth...

A silent man is a wise one.
but
A man without words is a man without thoughts...

Knowledge is power.
but
Ignorance is bliss...

Two heads are better than one.
but
If you want something done right, do it yourself...

Too many cooks spoil the broth.
but
Two heads are better than one...

What will be, will be.
but
Life is what you make it...

Better to ask the way than to go astray.
but
Ask no questions and hear no lies...

Never do evil, that good may come of it.
but
The end justifies the means...

Cross your bridges when you come to them.
but
Forewarned is forearmed...

The only constant is change.
but
The more things change, the more they stay the same...

Variety is the spice of life.
but
Don't change horses in the middle of a stream...

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
but
One man's meat is another man's poison...

With age comes wisdom.
but
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come all wise sayings...

It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
but
The nail that sticks out gets hammered...

The best things in life are free.
but
You get what you pay for...

It never rains, than it pours.
but
Lightning never strikes twice in the same place...

Everything comes to him who waits.
but
He who hesitates is lost...

Never too old to learn.
but
You can't teach an old dog new tricks...

Practice makes a man perfect.
but
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

Message in a Bottle

The Halyard Shanty - Hym of the Jolly Roger

Ready for starboard, to the mast, raise the dark flag and bid,

Riches and death need not be stained as it sweeps over the wave;
Empty hand the deck, our guns be in raise; the scimitar bared;
Sharpen swords and cannons be tilted ready, roll the balls to me,
Save the treasure, the sinister of my duties; to guard the key;

Never be lowered, the black flag we hold dear;
If the sea be denied us, we’ll just cut through the air;
Unshared will we leave our victory’s fiend,
Diana’s cool summers, the smell of the rose;
I claim not a portion, but I’ll ask what is mine
‘Tis time to toast to a victory, a cup of red wine.
Some fight ‘tis for riches, some fight ‘tis for fame;
The first I despise, and the last is a name.

I fight ‘tis for love, I long to see flow,
To the stroke of my sword, the limb of my foe;
I strike for the memory of long gone years;
I only shed blood whilst the other shed tears,
I come, as the lightning comes swift from above,
Over the face that I loathe, to the battle; aid my love.

Pray I may be cut at the back, but oh before I go…
Keep your fifteen men and your dead man’s chest;

While we drink up me ‘earties yoho…




Message in a Bottle

A gap in the balance: 3 libras- A Perfect Circle

Discovered 3 Libras from A Perfect Circle and the tune and lyrics certainly give the kick! Certainly a breather for the lost and incognito- romantic.

Check out the lyrics and the Youtube video below:


3 Libras

A Perfect Circle

Threw you the obvious, and you flew
With it on your back
A name in your recollection
Down among a million same.

Difficult not to feel a little bit
Disappointed and passed over
When I've looked right through
to see you naked but oblivious
And you don't.. see.. me

But I threw you the obvious,
Just to see if there's more behind the eyes
of a fallen angel,
Eyes of a tragedy

Here I am expecting just a little bit
Too much from the wounded
But I see,
See through it all, see through..
And see you.

Cause I threw you the obvious
to see what occurs behind the
Eyes of a fallen angel
Eyes of a tragedy

Oh well, oh well..
Apparently nothing.
Apparently nothing at all.

You don't, you don't, you don't see me
You don't, you don't, you don't see me
You don't, you don't, you don't see me
You don't, you don't, you don't see me

You don't see me
You don't... you don't
You don't see me at all

Message in a Bottle

Dreamcatcher

O dreamcatcher, do cleave it swift;
O dreamcatcher, the evening speaks.
O dreamcatcher, on this bed I lay;
O dreamcatcher, the sandman may envy.
O dreamcatcher, capture his dust,
As I close these weary eyes to end the day's demise...

Veil of memories, may they cover my eyes...
Dreams ill conjure, may I come to carve them and spit;
In your strands, the sands of time seeps...

When I run to the light; hear soothing music.
See applaud and gleaming faces, relieves my heart with feelings true,
Comforting hugs or a precious kiss where it may be a due,
Every step I take, snagging me to a growing window.

Prongs of memories I may live and let die,
Promise of success in valor, lest life's simple pleasures;
May they make me come clean, for each candle that burns,
I know I'll tread bitter waters or savor luxurious wines.

Like broken straws they may lie in wait, tonight underneath the spoils of my pillows...

Message in a Bottle

This is my promise: David Cook- Come back to me

Another inspiring tune from David Cook. "Come back to me" gives relevance to the afflicted and hurting...


Come Back to Me

David Cook

You say you gotta go and find yourself
You say that you're becoming someone else
Don't recognize the face in the mirror
Looking back at you

You say you're leavin
As you look away
I know theres really nothin left to say
Just know i'm here
Whenever you need me
I'll wait for you

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

Take your time i wont go anywhere
Picture you with the wind in your hair
I'll keep your things right where you left them
I'll be here for you

Oh and i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

And i hope you find everything that you need
I'll be right here waiting to see
You find you come back to me

I can't get close if your not there
I can't get inside if theres no soul to bear
I can't fix you i can't save you
Its something you have to do

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me
Come back to me
So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

And i hope you find everything that you need
I'll be right here waiting to see
You find you come back to me

When you find you come back to me
When you find you come back to me
When you find you come back to me

Message in a Bottle

A surge of emotion: David Cook's Permanent

One song from David Cook that moved me is "Permanent." Truly one good song to reflect and be inspired from.

Check out the lyrics and Youtube video below, featuring his American Idol 2009- Finale night performance.


Permanent
David Cook

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my broken promise that you’ll never see me cry
And everything, it will surely change even if I tell you I won’t go away today

Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
And all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary rest your head
I'm permanent

I know he’s living in hell every single day
And so I ask oh God is there some way for me to take his place
And when they say it’s all touch and go I wish I could make it go away
But still you say

Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary, rest your head
I’m permanent
I’m permanent

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my promise that you’ll never see me cry...

Message in a Bottle