Nov 28, 2006

our wedding storybook, finally

it's our 2nd wedding anniversary, and finally i was able to finish editing the storybook version of our wedding photos.

click here to view the photos at Webshots.Com (recommended).
previews below.


PRE-WEDDING PHOTOS





ON-THE-DAY PREPARATIONS






CHURCH CEREMONY





WEDDING RECEPTION


Nov 2, 2006

ligwakan at laglagan na -- part III

uulitin ko lang ng post... di ko matiis eh...

Ten Signs of an Incompetent Leader

1. Delegates work rather than balancing work loads. This allows all attention to be diverted from them in case of failure. (ipasa na lang ang trabaho para wala na syang gagawin at hindi sya ang masisisi)

2. Reduces answers to Yes or No rather than explaining their reasoning. (bahala ka na umintindi at dumiskarte sa trabaho mo)

3. Cannot separate personal life from professional life. Their personal problems come to work with them. (motherhood at its best... no further comment)

4. Is a crisis manager not a planner. (damage control na lang pag nagkaproblema or nasita na)

5. Humiliates subordinates within a group. (ilalaglag ka pag naipit na sya)

6. Creates an environment where mistakes are unacceptable. (on the contrary, mediocrity seems to be the norm)

7. Will not stand behind subordinates when they fail. (will instead solicit support from other mediocres)

8. Encourages hard workers, not smart workers. (ang labo ng work standards)

9. Judges people on hours not performance. (kiss ass- rather than output-oriented)

10.Will act differently in front of their leaders. (so help me god)

Oct 27, 2006

better than kitkat (almost)

dedicated to everyone who deserves a little break from the stressful overworked-and-underpaid routine...

Oct 20, 2006

ynseng recommends: chewy

he's back!

UUUHHHGGG-rrrrRRR! UUUHHHGGG-rrrrRRR!
see for yourself and get a good laugh!

Oct 17, 2006

rose bleed

sometimes, you realize too late that some friends are not friends at all.

you're glad to have someone to share your thoughts with. you confide your doubts and fears and lean in the comfort of their understanding.

you at least expect them to defend you when challenged to switch loyalties.

no excuses for cowards, though. apparently, she wasn't really a friend.

Oct 10, 2006

the new coke commercial

i'm trying to resist the urge to blog (finals week na kasi)
but this one is worth the indulgence...



pardon the bahasa ending. i couldn't find the pinoy version.

Sep 23, 2006

ligwakan at laglagan na -- part II

sweet veangeance,
the ynseng way

ligwakan at laglagan na part II




From "How to Work for an Idiot Boss"

The Machiavellian Boss

Diagnosis: Smart, shrewd and ruthless. MB's believe the chair at the top of corporate ladder is theirs by divine right. An MB will rip out your heart, slap it in your hand and say, "Nothing personal."

Care and Feeding: Approach with utmost caution. Consider a transfer.


********************

Exerpt from "21 Types of Bosses" by Melanie Joy Douglas

The Screamer Boss
The screamer boss seems to think that he will get his way if he raises his voice to an unconscionable level: the higher the volume, the higher the commitment. How does a screamer end up a boss? Some clueless hiring managers equate screaming with managerial skill. All in all, screamers just want to know that they’re being heard, and they want recognition. If you can get along with your screamer boss, and gain his respect and trust, perhaps you can help guide him to lower tones.

The Manipulator Boss
Also known as the Machiavellian boss, this type is extremely intelligent and one of the most dangerous. The manipulator boss is highly focused, very motivated, and always has a secret plan. He looks at people as a means to an end. The world is a giant pyramid and the apex is his. People he touches or runs over on the way to the top are casualties he writes off. If you work for a manipulator, watch your back. Your best bet is to be open and honest with him. Volunteer information. Your boss, who has long forgotten what truth is, will be left impressed by it.

The Idiot Boss
The idiot boss is characterized by cluelessness and stupidity. It’s as if he just walked into the office yesterday and started running it. Your choices here can be limited. Doing nothing will leave you embittered, but what can you do when you can’t change an idiot? Well, you can change your reaction. The world is full of idiots in charge, but don’t let it get you down. Do your personal best, and realize that in some way, your boss serves a purpose. Figure out what it is.


********************


Ten Signs of an Incompetent Leader
1. Delegates work rather than balancing work loads. This allows all attention to be diverted from them in case of failure.
2. Reduces answers to Yes or No rather than explaining their reasoning.
3. Cannot separate personal life from professional life. Their personal problems come to work with them.
4. Is a crisis manager not a planner.
5. Humiliates subordinates within a group.
6. Creates an environment where mistakes are unacceptable.
7. Will not stand behind subordinates when they fail.
8. Encourages hard workers, not smart workers.
9. Judges people on hours not performance.
10.Will act differently in front of their leaders.

Sep 21, 2006

608MB of rockstar music


yup, i've downloaded all songs available at supernovafans.com (for members only).

inggit ka? don't be coz i'm giving away limited copies to interested friends. limited copies lang kasi konti na lang cdr ko dito. but i do have the burner in case someone really wants a copy.

by the way, these songs are also available at rockstar.msn.com at $0.99 each song.

Sep 20, 2006

rockstar supernova season finale


i so wanted to focus on the season finale episodes of RS:SN so i didn't take notes for this blog. ok lang yun, madami namang makokopyahan ng recap. this time i'm copying from the official site rockstar.msn.com.


Finale Week Reality Recap

And then there were four. Four Rockers who have been through a whirlwind of anxiety, competition and finally, friendship. With just a few days before the prize is announced and little time left to enjoy the mansion's posh digs, these Rockers were definitely feeling the end of a long journey.

As the Rockers toasted Storm's classy exit, they pondered their future with or without Supernova. Magni retreated to sing Radiohead's "Karma Police." But the private moment was interrupted when Toby handed a pie to Dilana who promptly planted it on Magni's face. Some things never change.

The reality of the competition returned when MiG, a contestant from last year's "Rock Star: INXS," popped in for a visit, presenting Toby with a new Honda Element before more serious talk. MiG stressed that their exposure will be great, but they have to choose their own destiny: "The world is your oyster...you make it what you want."

As they entered the song selection room, the Rockers got a pleasant surprise when they discovered their own performance photos hanging next to the myriad honors of Supernova's individual members. The Rockers were pleased to find that each of them was featured in a pose that best captured their individual personalities.

magni sings i alone dilana sings lithium lukas sings creep toby sings rebel yell

Song selection contained another twist. Not only would the Rockers again perform originals, they could choose any song from the entire season's library. The Rockers scanned the songs, re-living memories of past performances, thrilled over the amount to choose from. Still, rivalries persisted. Lukas and Dilana argued over Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb." After a little negotiation, Lukas selected Coldplay's "Fix You," a song that poignantly reminded him of his relationship with his father: "If he happens to hear [this], I want him to know I'm thinking about him and I want to fix whatever was broken." Dilana, in a bold move, chose "Roxanne," the tune that marked Chris' downfall. During rehearsal, however, House Band leader Paul Mirkovich wasn't taken with her arrangement. Dilana had shown that she was not afraid to take risks, hoping that this one would pay off as well as her others.

Looking on at the mansion, a place they'll be vacating in a few days, the emotional four reflected deeply about their experience. "I don't even want to think about this being the end...I wish this could go on forever," said Dilana. For one Rocker, the ride will continue and for the others, well, this is one adventure they'll never forget.


Finale Week Performance Recap

With only one show to go, "Rock Star: Supernova" is almost over. But it won't be "over" for these four Rockers. One talented contestant's life will change when he or she fronts their newest band, Supernova, while three others will enjoy the benefits of a marked rise in exposure. At this point on "Rock Star," the old saying holds true--there are no losers here.

Proving that adage, the show kicked off with a surprise visit from a Rocker who didn't make the final four but did make a lasting impression on viewers and fans. Verizon Wireless Fan Favorite, Ryan "The Dark Horse" Star, returned and thrilled the audience with his original tune "Back of Your Car." But the intense Rocker was also thrilled after learning that his encore performance earned him a special gift--a Honda CRV.

Then, it was back to business. Through an eleven week journey that produced emotional ups and downs, and performances that revealed many of their strengths and some of their weaknesses, these four still had to prove why they are the perfect Rocker to front Supernova.

tobyThey reprised last week's two-song set (one cover, one original) with Toby singing Radiohead's moving "Karma Police." After the poignancy of Radiohead, Toby rocked the house with his catchy original, "Throw It Away" while Magni accompanied his fellow Rocker on guitar.

Dave and Supernova dug Toby's fun filled performance with only brief criticism from Gilby. Still, Dave remarked: "At this point I just feel like I'm kicking back and watching a great rock show."

Lukas was next, covering Coldplay's "Fix You" with raw, emotional power; it was a clear showcase of his melodic range. He continued with his original, "Headspin" choosing to sing the song stripped down with only himself on guitar. It was a nice change and a bold one--Lukas had never been this low key and intimate. Dave and Supernova loved how it showcased his versatility. Gilby stated, "You're fearless and you're not afraid to try something new."

lukas

But it was Dilana who took the real risk when she performed The Police's "Roxanne"--a song that sealed Chris' fate so many weeks back. The controversial Rocker made the song her own, featuring her rich, resonant voice and even getting Lukas, Toby and Magni to enter the song with backup vocals. Next up was her own tune, "Supersoul," during which she jumped into the audience and sang to Supernova before moving to the back of the room. After a couple of rough weeks, Dilana (even with a cane) was back in full form. Tommy gushed, "you're so beautiful to watch perform" while Dave said simply: "You know how much I love you. Multiply that by a thousand."

dilana sings roxanne the boys sing backup

Magni closed out the show with a rousing rendition of Deep Purple's "Hush," showing once again that he is well acquainted and comfortable with classic rock. And then it was on to his original, the aptly titled "When the Time Comes." The strong Icelander garnered less praise than his competitors after Tommy admitted he didn't find Magni's original memorable. Still, Dave was more encouraging, summing up both the evening and what would follow in elimination: "The cards are gonna fall where they will."

We can't wait.


Finale Recap

the final fourThis season of "Rock Star" has been one wild ride. Despite the many challenges for the talented Rockers who gave so much to this competition, in the end, it was lots of fun. Through it all, the final four met those challenges fearlessly, bringing extra intensity, charisma and rocking chops to the house. Supernova, for sure, had one tough decision to make.

But before we get to that decision, there were the bottom two. With only four Rockers left, this week's elimination consisted of a bottom two instead of three, and Brooke wasted no time announcing who they were. Lukas, Magni and Toby were all at risk at one point last night, but two would find themselves in danger of elimination.

the bottom twoFirst was Magni. To save himself, Magni chose Jimi Hendrix's "Fire," reprising one of his most celebrated performances of the competition. Would it be enough to save him from the axe?

Toby was next, taking his precarious position in stride. Singing Billy Idol's "White Wedding," the hunky Aussie showcased his strong voice and infectious energy. The girls loved Toby, but would the love extend to Supernova?

After some deliberation, Supernova quickly came back with their verdict. Sadly, Magni was sent home. The Rocker took his exit with charm, class and grace. And that's not surprising. Magni is, as Tommy said, "Magni-ficent."

And so it was down to three. After showing a retrospective of each Rocker's journey, Toby, Lukas and Dilana told Supernova why they were the best Rocker for the job. Tommy answered with, "You three are amazing. But we need to hear for ourselves."

Lukas was first, reprising his performance of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" with passion and intensity. He was absolutely electric.

lukas sings bittersweet symphony dilana sings zombie

Dilana followed with The Cranberries' "Zombie," proving once again that despite some brief personal stumbles, she was still on top of things.

Toby closed out the final three with The Killers' "Somebody Told Me"--a song he'd received the encore for earlier in the game, and one that nicely matched his voice and style. But would it be the match for Supernova?

Regrettably for Toby, the answer was no. Citing his vocal aptitude and how much fun he put in the music, all of Supernova was certain that the popular Aussie's future would be bright. The Rocker bid a gracious farewell by lauding his two remaining comrades and underscoring how much he'd gratefully learned from Supernova. It was all very heartfelt, touching and, yes, "EVS."

dilana versus lukasAs Dilana and Lukas stood huddled together, awaiting the final, life-altering decision, Tommy was visibly stressed. To Lukas he said "Your look, your energy, your vocals, the way you move, everything's been really amazing for us." He then turned to Dilana and stated, "You are enchanting, and your voice is unbelievable. Who doesn't love you? Who doesn't love both of you guys?

But Supernova could only choose one. And who would that be? Tommy made the announcement: "Lukas, you're our boy." Dilana, though undoubtedly disappointed, thanked each member of Supernova saying, "I love and respect all of you." A standout during these many weeks, there was no doubt in Dave and Supernova's minds that Dilana would find major success.

Now it was Lukas' time to shine as the newly-crowned frontman. Singing "Be Yourself," Supernova wowed the crowd. Lukas' natural chemistry with the band shined through in a tour de force performance. The world better get ready.