I must admit that I’m a “gadget freak”, where I crave for the latest electronic gadget in the market today. But, before I grab it, I make sure that I will able to use it on its maximum capacity. If I can afford one, I got to buy it, from a smart phone to a laptop.

I remember when I got my first smart phone, a Nokia 9210. I loved it! The device gave instant gratification due to the ease of use and information at my fingertips. Then, I got a touch screen device from Palm, The Tungsten. It was faster and more mobile, though it lacks the mobile phone capabilities, it sufficed at that moment.

Years back, I assembled my own desktop PC and configured its software thru the help of a friend, and that time, the lust of technology kicked in to me and I wanted more. I’ve upgraded it to its maximum and I was proud of what I made then.

Seeking to quench my thirst for technology, I asked around on the latest hardware available in the market and was planning a new desktop PC. It came to me that I needed a mobile device that would replace my need for a desktop, a device that I could bring along with me and yet so powerful and would have a big storage.

While searching, I bumped into Apple. A MacBook. But when I saw the price tag, I was taken aback. But friends told me that it’s so worth it. That time, I knew little about Apple. I asked around, did my research, and thanks to Chico and Delle who helped me decide and referred me to an Apple Distributor, I got my Apple MacBook.

Coming from a Windows based PC, it was difficult at first, but the techno geek in me kept me going until I got the hang of it. I’m the type of consumer that wants to make the most of a certain product to its peek and believe me, Apple did not only met my expectations, but exceeded them way too far beyond my wildest dreams. I became an instant fan, a follower, and a religious Apple geek. I never looked back.

It was true that once you’ve used a Mac, you’ll never go back to Windows, and believe me, I can and will attest to that.

From then on, I had my iPod Nano, then the Classic and when I got the budget, I got my iPhone 4. From each of these Apple Products, they never failed me, one-way or the other.

Truly, the man who steered this company was not only an inventor, but also an innovator and a visionary.

A lot could be said about this man, Steve Jobs. Not only he gave us these products, he showed us how to market them, not as a businessman, rather in a consumer’s point of view. He did not asked us about our needs, he created the need for us, he made us need these Apple products, and he succeeded, with greatness.

Apple, as a brand is synonymous with Steve Jobs.

He did made a “ding in the universe”.

October 5, 2011, I red a sad news as I opened my Twitter account on my iPhone, Steve Jobs passed on. It was hard to believe, I managed to search for more news items, it was confirmed.

Colleagues, friends, competitors and fanatics alike, unanimously said, he was the Leonardo Da Vinci of our time. I truly agree. Steven Paul Jobs was among the greats.

Reading his life story and how he ran Apple as leader was remarkable. One can find it an inspiration on how to live our lives. He embodied a true leader.

Many can be said about this man, but as for me, he will be an inspiration.

Along with the millions and millions of Apple Fans, I salute you, I will be forever be grateful for touching our lives.

Thank you STEVEN PAUL JOBS! We will miss you!

Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer,penitence, almsgiving and self-denial— for the annual commemoration during Hoy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conventionally, it is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. The forty days represent the time that, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.

Lent is simply getting back our hotline to God.

The Plymouth Arrow was an extension of the Mitsubishi Lance / Dodge Colt known as the Mitsubishi Celeste in Japan. It was also known as the Dodge Arrow in Canada and as the Dodge Celeste in Puerto Rico. It was a small 2-door fastback coupe with a hatchback instead of a conventional trunk.

The Arrow was released in September 1975 as a 1976 model. The Arrow was a rear-wheel drive car utilizing a solid rear axle and leaf springs in the rear, with MacPherson struts in the front. Transmission types included four and five-speed manual transmissions and a three-speed automatic. A 1.6 L I4 engine was standard with an optional 2.0 L I4. It was produced in various trim levels including the 160, GS and GT. The first year Arrow is easily identified from later years because its quarter-window louvers have two slats in the center, which were changed to three on all later years. The 1976 Arrow also came with a single windshield-wiper fluid nozzle on the hood, which was changed to dual nozzles for 1977 and remained that way for all later year Arrows.

Sporty exterior finishes were also offered, such as the Arrow Jet package, first offered in 1978. The Arrow Jet paint package was an eye-catching two-tone finish, typically in spit-fire orange and black. The entire car was spit-fire orange, but the entire bottom half of the car was covered in a solid flat black stripe with the words “Arrow Jet” stenciled out of the stripe on the doors so that the underlying body color showed through. This color combination of spit-fire orange and flat black seems to pay tribute to one of the design inspirations for the Plymouth Arrow, that being the Plymouth Barracuda. In 1971, the Barracuda was offered with a “billboard” decal option, which was a large, solid flat black decal that covered the entire back half of the car on both sides (often in a red and flat black color combination).

For 1979, the styling was freshened with the addition of flush bumpers, a smoother grille with rectangular headlights and hidden turn signals, chrome strips on the tail-lamps, and larger rear glass for the hatchback. Inside, the steering wheel previously found only in the Arrow GT was now standard. The rear axle was also extended 2.5 inches for better traction. A sporty variant called the Fire Arrow was first offered this year, which had special decals and a sporty interior, as well as a 2.6L I4 engine and four-wheel disc brakes. The Fire Arrow had one of the best horsepower/weight ratios among U.S. production cars at the time because of its light weight. For 1979 and the succeeding year, the 2.0L I4 engine was unavailable as an engine option.

The styling changes of the 1979 models carried over to 1980. The Fire Arrow however, was changed significantly. The 1980 Fire Arrow was now available with two new paint schemes: tan with a darker caramel-colored hood, and blue with a dark blue hood. These colored models were available with the smaller 1.6 engine and, like the base-model Arrows, had bumpers that were chrome instead of body color. The white Fire Arrow was also changed, and now had a matte-black hood and cowl, with the black paint continuing along the tops of the fenders and doors and ending under the quarter-windows. Unlike the colored versions, the white/black Fire Arrow had only one engine option, the 2.6 I4.

The Arrow was discontinued after the 1980 model-year and was replaced by the Plymouth Sapporo /Dodge Challenger which was larger, heavier and had more amenities. The Sapporo/Challenger retained rear-wheel drive and was itself the forerunner to the Mitsubishi Starion. A pickup version of the Arrow was released in 1979 which was also available with the 2.6 L engine, but they shared few, if any parts. The Arrow’s styling influence can clearly be seen in the Plymouth Arrow Truck and its cousins; the Dodge D-50 and Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickups.

The Arrow was also sold in Australia up to 1980 (with some 1980 imported stocks still available in 1981) in fully imported right-hand drive form (Japan like Australia is a right-hand drive country) as the Chrysler LB and LC Lancer Hatchback Coupe, where it only came fitted with the 1.6 L 4G32 engine. The LC only came with a 5-speed manual transmission (the LB had a 4-speed manual). The Australian cars still had arrow decals on the hood and stripes on the flanks, but these were less flamboyant than on those sold in the North American market. Australian cars also had different bumpers and steel sports wheels. It was one of the last imported Mitsubishi vehicles sold in Australia under the Chrysler name; in 1980, Mitsubishi took over Chrysler’s Australian operations and the LC Lancer was replaced by the Mitsubishi Cordia.

The Celeste was also assembled in Mitsubishi’s Philippines factory and sold in large numbers in the Philippines from Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits.

Although the Arrow was a Japanese product from Mitsubishi, it borrowed styling cues from various European and American cars including the Bricklin, Alpha Romeo GTV and Plymouth Barracuda. Because of the Arrow’s long, narrow, aerodynamic, lightweight design and rugged suspension, it was used extkm 119 ensively in various types of racing including SCCA road racing, rally and drag racing. The Arrow body design was used on funny cars in the late 1970s by racers such as Don Prudhomme.

The Harry Nilsson song, “Me and my arrow” (from The Point!) was used in television commercials in the United States promoting the Plymouth Arrow during the 1970s.

One of the more interesting options available for the Arrow was a small tent. When the rear seats were lowered and the tent was clipped over the open hatchback, it would allow the back of the car to be used for camping. General Motors would borrow this design many years later for the Pontiac Aztek.

Model car featured was created by Mr. Alex Lim of Aerohead Performance Tuning, located at the heart of Caloocan. A car lover and an enthusiast by nature, restored this U.S. Version Plymouth Arrow, using most parts from the U.S. An automotive aficionado, Mr. Lim often turns garbage into works of art and often integrates beauty and performance on all of his labor.

For more info on this Plymouth Arrow and Aerohead Performance Tuning, you may send your queries via e-mail thru pershy@ovi.com.

Insurance touches all our lives in a multitude of ways. It is an essential element in our present day life, securing our standards of living and the stability of our families, as well as our property rights. Everyone in this country feels the protecting arm in some form of insurance and most of us are affected by the many forms of its protection.

This is the first step of touching someone else’s life, to officially and legally sell an insurance here in the country. Having been involve in the automotive industry, I’m constantly involve in motor car insurance, but this is just one tiny element  under the Casualty Insurance. I have to undergo another training program to be familiar of the Non-Life Insurance Coverage and take an examination from the Insurance Commission of the Philippines. Luckily I was able to pass and modesty aside, I passed with flying colors.

Officially, I am now a License Non-life Insurance Broker, covering not just Motor Car Insurance but also, Marine Insurance, Fire Insurance and Surety Bonds. Thanks to my friends from Paramount Life & General Insurance Corporation, especially Mr. Bimbo Causing and to my colleagues Gina & Hazel for helping out. I couldn’t have done it without your assistance guys. Thank you and God bless.

So, insurance coverage anyone?

Saint Valentine’s Day (commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day) is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

2. I wish I have a kick-ass SUV from Range Rover

3. I wish I am a president of my own business conglomerate

4. I wish I can selflessly serve my fellowmen

5. I wish I have a Peace of Mind

“This shall symbolize the unity and love that binds the north and south into the Filipino Nation.”

“Let what we have pledged be, then, in some part, set and secure upon this bridge, and forever preserve the joy of aspiration and greatness.”

“Let all who voyage through across these seas navigate the distance that separate men, and leave no barriers between them. For we conceive this as no less than a channel of communication among the people of these islands in the same manner that we conceive of the quality of stone in terms of its endurance and permanence, and devotedly shall we keep alive this bond of unity in freedom and peace.”

“Let all our old frontiers be one nation bridged by brotherhood and love.”

Ferdinand E. Marcos

President of the Philippines

I had a conversation with a friend. She elaborated her recent experience with government agencies in processing her newly acquired property, in return asking me on how I did mine just this year.

The story began when she had to file her Capital Gains Tax at Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Bacoor, Cavite(RD 54B). A supervisor (named Joyce) bluntly told her that they would adjust the tax computation, in return, the difference would be charged for the fast processing of her documents. She (Joyce) explained that normally it would take three weeks to process this type of transaction, but because of the “fee”, it will only take three days. With this, thinking of the long process, with five thousand pesos (yes, P 5,000.00!) difference, considering the distance of Bacoor, Cavite from Manila, she agreed on the said deal. In addition, “Joyce”, the supervisor, told my friend that she knows someone that could help her in transacting at the Register of Deeds in the Provincial Capitol of Cavite (which is the next step). Thinking again that this would ease her burden, my friend naively agreed.

Who let the dog out?

As promised, she got her Certificate Authorizing Registration (CAR) from the BIR, along with the other pertinent documents. My friend called the person whom “Joyce” referred to, which goes by the name of “Rosie” to assist her in transacting at the Register of Deeds at the Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires, Cavite. They met, and immediately “Rosie” explained that they could have her new Land Title swiftly because she’s used to “process” these kinds of procedure. In short, “Rosie” is a “fixer”. Thinking of the swift process and armed with the trust from “Joyce’s” referral, my friend agreed on “Rosie’s” terms. She was introduced to “Janet”, a staff at RD (Register of Deeds), which will facilitate the transaction. The agreed “processing fee” was Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00) for the documents to be released on that same day; “Rosie” explained that this transaction usually takes about two to three weeks. Hearing this, my friend was swept off her feet and immediately approved. To make it more realistic, it was “Janet” who received the “processing fee”, but before the day ended, my friend wasn’t able to get her documents, the reason: the chief of RD had to leave early due to high blood pressure attacks. My friend wondered, what happened to the “processing fee”? Was it supposed to hasten the process? “Rosie” again explained that it was an unexpected event, one cannot risk the officer’s health, and she can’t anymore retrieve the “processing fee” because she will have no face to get it, besides, she has other clients to attend to with pending transactions also with RD. My friend was so irked and demanded that “Rosie” had to do something about tt. “Rosie” promised that it would be done on the next working day. But to no avail, she didn’t get her documents on the agreed date, and the worst part, “Rosie” failed to show up, her “processing fee” vanished. She directly went to “Janet” for assistance, but treated with a cold shoulder, though sluggishly assisted her. It took her nearly a week to obtain all her necessary documents, and the promise of prompt service gone.

What's the transaction sir?

Another transaction sir?

Transaction closed sir?

To her dismay, while waiting for her documents, she managed to take photos (thru her mobile phone) of irregularities, which she observed. From the people inside the government office, to an unethical staff, the selling of cellphone loads, everything she thinks is wrong.

Reflecting on my friend’s story, I too encountered these processes. But unlike my friend, I didn’t go with the “processing fee” procedure; instead, I took the natural slow course of action. I patiently waited.

What is sad though is the slow processes our government agencies show. This is not an isolated incident; this is the normal flow of any government transaction.

Mobile phone load credits for sale?

Is this for real?

This is the era of fast and up to date data management, where we communicate in just a matter of seconds. One would wonder, is our government aware of this? I think they are, because we can also see them with modern gadgets as well.

They say that the computerization is on its way for government agencies, but how come their services are still slow. As if our government processes are still in the “Stone Age” era.

Office hours?

In private companies you seldom see typewriters, and the manual ones are now a bit obsolete. The sight of state of the art equipments is the standards to be at par with the competition. They strive to be the best provider, to deliver excellent service for their customers.

Meanwhile, our government agencies still grip on the mediocre system of equipments and typical service they provide on their taxpayers. This is what I call the Stone Age System.

Why is the government still embrace the “Stone Age” process? Is it because they’re use to it, or they are afraid of change, or worse, may be someone is benefiting from it?

They say government is professionalizing its ranks through the Civil Service Commission. But we often see (and hear) government staffs and officials with unethical standards, from the simple non-wearing of presentable (business-like) clothing; non-wearing of proper identifications; having unnecessary breaks, to accepting gifts as bribes and the list continues.

With all these things being mentioned, my points are these:

• Our people as tax payers deserve the right treatment, through steadfast government service with unnecessary hoopla
• We are in the era of fast processes through technology, use them as tools to accelerate the procedures, we should not waste no time, all progressive countries are using them now
• We keep on inviting investors, foreign and local, but the government processes is the biggest hurdle to overcome, the slow and complicated transactions and lots of “Red Tape”
• Eliminate the rotten old school civil servants; they spoil the good image the government wants to project.
• Our government leaders should spearhead the change, NOW!

Let us make our lives simple and eliminate pointless complexities. Make room for growth. Make use of all the technologies available, our tool to progress.

As I watch the Funeral Mass of the late President Cory Aquino, I felt chills down my spine, seeing all the personalities that were present. Former presidents and politicians of opposing idealisms were paying their respects. Only God knows if it was a whole-hearted attendance or just to have “pogi points” from the public, to be associated with the “Cory Magic”.

Another astonishing feat was the number of our countrymen who wants to pay tribute in whatever way possible. It’s unbelievable how we can be united with Cory’s passing. Even on her death she united the Filipino people.

So many good things had been said on this illustrious woman, how she worked her charm, how she managed her presidency during her time. All were amazing anecdotes, from her simple private life to her larger-than life public stature.

What message does this event give us? What does her passing means to us? Yes, she was instrumental in releasing us from the dictator, she held a huge role on the peaceful revolution. We got the sought-after DEMOCRACY we all wanted.

Reflecting from this, what I realized is simple. We should emulate her life, in our own simple way of loving our country, in our own little way.

Let also this be a wake up call to our leaders. That they should serve selflessly their countrymen, as what Cory did. Stop their Lip-service; rather start to “walk the talk”.

I hope Cory’s life would be an inspiration to our future leaders.

It was late when I learned about the sudden death of Michael Jackson, the man they called The King of Pop, and the moment I confirmed it from the news, I got Goosebumps! I don’t know what to react.

Many memories flashed back from my childhood. I was in grade school when his mega-hit album went on air. Who wouldn’t be amazed with the kind of beat I heard. It was a different tune during that time. I’m not that an expert to music, but there was something unique about his music that even the dumbest of the dumb would recognize and appreciate.

It was even more astounding when I saw him perform on his music videos, how graceful and fluid he danced while singing, and with such energy, I was caught with astonishment.

I was quite into dancing during my younger days, and seeing him perform was just such euphoria and he inspired me. I’m not that of a fan, but who wouldn’t be.

Now that he’s gone. No matter how huge the controversies he faced, the scandals slapped against him, nothing can overshadow his greatness. No one can deny that he is the greatest performer of all time, just the greatest.

Nobody can match his achievements, not in this lifetime perhaps. The people he inspired, the lives he touched. He was a prodigy.

This is my simple tribute to the man who influenced many, and for all his contributions…. Many many thanks MJ. We will surely miss you.. Rest in peace..