A whole new world!

Philippine Hospitality is one of the characteristic that stands out among Filipinos. This is a common trait that Filipinos are known for, especially to most foreigners who have traveled around the country. They will even go out of their way to ensure guest feels comfortable. I remember my mom would have a set of towels, blankets and other stuff prepared and reserved for visitors, given that we don't have much of those for us to use. But it is a primary and mandatory custom. Although we are not the only people in the world who can be friendly and welcoming, but this characteristic is exceptional among us. Actually, there's no country in Southeast Asia where foreigners are so well welcomed as in the Philippines . I know, Thailand , Japan or China are also hospitable, but remain distant. Compare to the Filipino hospitality where in our smile is not politely distant, it is spontaneous and from the heart. What really makes "Philippine Hospitality" exceptional? Here ...

Boston is a place with so much character. You can tell by its old historical architecture and diverse people around. A pleasant place to go, the nearby neighborhoods that offers different ambiance and picturesque place that every tourist will enjoy. The historical places, the several firsts, like the Boston Library that I ended up staying for hours ...it's just staying in an ambiance of hotel...:) the first public school and the college ( Harvard College ). I've enjoyed also the artsy, hip and fab people around! I can say that it's because of the many colleges and universities within the city and surrounding area, that makes it always lively and busy. But, of course I won't forget my first ride to the "T" (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)in which it's one of the first underground rapid transit system in the United States . In which, I was welcomed by a red alert fire alarm, wow! a welcome buzzz...:) and fortunately it just lasted a...

My nosiness says...on OLPC:vision vs reality

It's been a year now, since I've been gone from my home country Philippines . Being far away from home, as in literally far...not just a 1o hours drive or an hour flight. Thanks to all these social media ( facebook , blogs , twitter ) and this "techno world"... it ease out our longings for our families and friends. How is it going? Well, it's tough to be physically out of sight from your family and friends, the proximity of being with them. Another thing, which the one that I find hard the most, is to give up the comfort zone that you used to for a long time. The bliss of being used to everything that you have been doing. It's quite a challenge...everything is quite different ...culturally and the way of life ... and it's indeed a dare. A year fast now... and really looking forward to a different kind of experience... a year in a new environment was really a rewarding experience for me...did I ever questioned myself of having this change nope...is it ea...

This Mozilla Open Education course , was a great way to connect me again to the academe industry. A perfect way to blend my education and technology background. It's true you never get old when we talk about learning. Especially this whole concept of Open learning and pedagogy. The Open pedagogical thing just impresses me and takes much more of my time. I'm thinking how this OER(Open Educational Resources) are viewed in the developing country?. Like us in the Philippines, the educational system is very much govern by traditional educators. Don't get me wrong, I'm not really, saying that there's no hope for them to be open in this kind of Open pedagogical learning. This is just a matter of creating an awareness and feeding them information. I believe they will definitely get involve and embrace this change in the Philippine education. Let's see when this awareness happens ..who knows...maybe sooner...;) hope this cloud that's into my mind will pour so...

It's been a while that I have not been blogging....both here and my nosiness space...:) Been so pre-occupied with so many things....well in-short just been lazy ...lol! Let me share with you my thoughts about this 90-10 principle...before you open and check the presentation it's all about how we react to something or to everything especially if we are in a difficult situation. Do we maintain our coolness? :) This is just a remarkable principle to live by...I remember about a very similar situation, where in I thought of this 90-10 principle One day, me and a friend decided to have a dinner and stopped by Olive Garden an Italian restaurant, not so fancy but not too casual. We're a bit hungry and also in a hurry to grab a bite. And we're greeted and seated by a very enthusiastic and very bubbly waitress. Isn't a nice feeling... here you are tired and hungry ....and here's somebody ... warmly and gladly assisting you...offered us and entertained us with their...

Let's see if my busyness is equal to business. Whatever it takes, busy for me is something to be thankful. :) Wondering why? ... if we have something to do, that means we're not idle or lazy. An opportunity for us to keep moving. But for some busy for them is just an excuse to something, like not calling a loved one, friend or a missed occasion. :) Let me recall how's my "busyness" for the past weeks. Had a great time in Ohio, what a long drive!, long drive is sometimes great if you're just the passenger lol! You have time to look around, think while napping ( how's is it possible? lol) well, it's possible for me...it's just like day dreaming! :). A time to appreciate the quietness of the green surroundings that we passed by and just merely a get away. My online course in Open Education is almost over. Collaborating with people around the globe with same interest is amazing. Exploring the many possibilities of this new learning culture. Defi...

Awestrucked by all these different colors that brought about by Spring. :) Last week was really an awesome week and weather, well aside from my fabulous celebration *wink* :) To a hectic schedule weekends, the "Open Everything event @ NYC" was great. Down to a beautiful weather, flowers are everywhere, made me wonder if they just planted those flowers but they're really in some unexpected places popping around in red, yellow, white and pink ... trees have different flowers too...how beautiful to look at...I said before spring comes, maybe I wouldn't like Spring because I don't like rains...just because I had much of it when I was growing up hahaha! but it brings flowers... now I believe on the saying "April rains brings May flowers" :) now I'm, luvin it..especially I can wear now lighter clothes as compare to the thick clothes of winter. :) The colors of spring is like nature's way of saying, "What a refreshing day to celebrate!" Fr...

What a beautiful day to celebrate. The sun is up...the weather is nice and the crisp spring smell was very inviting. The birds are chirping, feels like greeting me ...just like all my friends and families twittering around to send all their wishes. So, since the weather was so inviting with all the birds chirping, I went outside and say thank you to them. :) Nothing beats this beautiful weather after a chilly winter time. The morning coffee, sitting, looking around and a quiet time outside, was really wonderful to celebrate this special day, even away from friends and families. Lord, thank you for another year of mighty wonders and surprises!;)) ANd to my families and friends who never fails to send all their wishes and prayers. The more that I think I'm older, the more that I feel younger. *wink* Hahaha! I love you all! Sharing to you the lovely morning outside!

Finally, started a new blog where in I'll be posting about Open Education, OLPC and it's more on the professional interest I have. :) Here's my new blog post: Nos-i-Ness

Is this a real laptop machine or just one of those v-tech toys? This is a very usual comments that you would hear everytime they see this XO. Well, for one it looks like a toy, and yes this is design for kids ages 5-12 though adults too will find this interesting.:) Anyway learning is never ending. Yes, this XO machine is real...:) works and perform just like the usual laptops. The only difference with this laptop is that, this small machine has a big mission . The activities are basically design for kids to explore on and its very energy efficient and functional. A great tool to enhance kid's desires to learn new things and go beyond what they can do. Every activity in the XO laptop is designed and developed collaboratively by experts from the academe and IT industry. So, if you are a software developer and have the passion and idea that you think would be beneficial to the children of the world write us help AT laptop dot org or explore the possibility of contributing on ...

What is it like to spending summer time in the Philippines ? Getting what I meant? Yea, missing the summer activities and the weather, though it doesn't just gets warmer ...but hotter. :) Summer is always fun in the Philippines , as everybody have their own plans to getaway/outing with families, friends and organization or companies. I always love summer time...for one it such a bliss to be somewhere closer to the sea and nature ...and neither you're with your family or friends. It just gives me a luxury of being at rest...a time that we stop planning, thinking and just as we are...laughing, eating or trying some water sports or beach activities. It's very refreshing. So, remember guys keep away from all your tech gadgets while on the beach or while having your summer getaway. :) Enjoy your summer!!! Some nice beaches we have in the Philippines . Stay away from getting sun burn folks! Have fun this hot summer time!

When summer is coming and when you thought about vacations, I always thought of the place where I grew up. Legazpi, Albay , which is a city and capital of the province of Albay, Philippines. If we talk about Legazpi, we're known for spicy foods and coconut. Also, we're made famous because of Mayon Volcano the Philippines' most active volcano (well I still have a fresh memories about its eruption) and is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone. You can perfectly see Mayon Volcano with the very historical sunken church of Cagsawa. This church, was built after 1724 was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814. What I liked about our place is that, it's accessible by land, water and sea. There are so many bus transportation companies. There are 3 major airlines that flies to Legazpi, Philippine airlines has 10 flights a week, and Cebu Pacific flies twice daily from Manila and the ...

Few weeks ago ... I had a chance to explore laptop.org from an email and finally join their support-team. This organization reminded me of our SFC service Gawad Kalinga (To give care)which give homes and care to the homeless. The OLPC (One laptop per child)organization is also a non-profit organization which I believed will open doors to many young kids around the world...in which they'll have a chance to gain new skills and perspective. This was so timely for me, I was really looking for something productive to spend my time with, on the other hand it's with my interest and also, to where I can use my experience both in the academe and Information Technology. Truly the evolution of learning now is way too far compare when I was just starting to learn. :) The techno era and culture now brings so much opportunities for children to learn more and help them to think out of the box, not only that they have a chance to collaborate with out spending much or going anywhere. In w...

I know during lent, we all have the tendency to think that it's all about giving up food or vices. But I've received a very interesting way to fast ...and it doesn't entail cutting on food that for some a ...(sigh of relief) hehehe!... whoever is the author of this ...it's a brilliant idea...thanks!;) As a result,here are some creative ways to Welcome Jesus' healing touch. Here are some suggestions you may want to consider at least every once a year. :) 1. Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day. 2. Fast from judging others. Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults. 3. Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus' promise that He has a perfect plan for your life. 4. Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain,close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus hasgiven you. 5. Fast from resentment or bitterness!. Work on forgiving...

Marks the beginning of Lent or Kwarisma in Filipino. Where in on this day, Christian churches like the Catholics attend mass and receive ashes on their foreheads and the priest or lay ministers utter these words while putting the ashes " Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." Lent is a holy week in the Philippines it's mostly observed by Filipinos and Holy Thursday and Holy Friday are even declared as holidays. What is lent? as commonly known it's a 40-day liturgical season that begins today Ash Wednesday and concludes on Easter Sunday. By the way Sunday is not included in the 40 days. Yes, because Sunday is where we celebrate mass and should be a joyful celebration.:) What is lent really? For me I always believed that we need this kind of season for its year. A season for reflection and repentance. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to evaluate where our life is going, what our response to God is like, and whether there is need for change in...

It's been a year now when I visited Bangkok. This is one of a kind travel that I had. There are so many bloopers happened on this travel. :) How can I forget this, just right at the check-in my sister Jing learned that her passport validity was less than 6 months, and they'll not let her travel with a less than 6 months validity passport, what's funny, it's only 2 days less. :( So, in short my sister missed to join us in this travel. Though part of me, I was asking why is it that you need to have a valid 6 months passport for traveling since you're just there for pleasure and you don't have any intention of traveling longer than 6 months ...so maybe they should re-visit that rule hehehe!...where in if you're just going for a pleasure trip you don't need to have a 6 months passport validity. :) But, anyway we still made this trip with my friend GG. Good thing she went with me or else I would be alone exploring the city or never made this trip. :) Ban...

Many says that it's an over rated celebration...I can't understand why they seems to be bitter about celebrating this. For one this is not just about romantic celebration. For me it's a chance for us to at least celebrate love ...lavishly for a day...though we can show it everyday!!! and it's not all about romantic love...it's for everyone with someone special, family or friends. So, no matter what is your ideology or perspective on Valentines day ... whether it's on roses or chocolates...though me I still prefer flowers over chocolate...they're just beautiful as it is. ;) it's all about showing your love to your love ones that counts. Happy Valentine's Day to all!!! Let me share this nice note on Love...from Kurt Nerburn: "Letters To My Son" It's a bit long but worth reading. "It is a mystery why we fall in love. It is a mystery how it happens. It is a mystery when it comes. It is a mystery why some love grows and it is a mys...

what a windy day...makes the power on/off.

The other day I was craving for a hot chocolate...well maybe because of the cold weather. But I was craving for not just a hot chocolate. I want something that I used to have back in the Philippines...we call it Tsokolate eh ... wait how are you going to pronounce it ...it should be like this cho-koh-la-teh-eh!...i put the exclamation so you have an accent on the eh!...:) It's a Filipino thick hot chocolate, very similar to the signature hot chocolate of Starbucks. But of course it's way cheaper than a Starbucks hot chocolate. :) Tsokolate eh! is made up of tabrilya (tab-rillia)it's a cacao balls. But it's basically from a cacao fruit. It comes in different shapes but rounded tabrilya is the most common. :) There's a traditional way of doing this ...like before they use a beater for this called "batidor", but I don't use that anymore I just let it boil and use a regular spoon to beat it.:) Simplier but of course it taste better if it's done the...

I never been into this game, watched some kinda games like this in the movies. :) Now I know why it's a well watched game here in the US. Just like how Filipinos into basketball. Everything stops and all are glued in the TV watching. I've enjoy watching, even if I was just learning how the game is played while watching,:) good thing they're all enthusiastic to tell me every rules and moves in the game. :) We're all cheering up for the STEELERS but during the game you'll never missed to see the striking QB number 13 of Cardinals...:) So, I said my mind goes for the Steelers but my heart now goes to the Cardinals because of Kurt Warner. :) It was really a breathtaking game and a nice game. Not only that, the commercials are just outrageous and some are really hilarious. Watching the game makes me scream and a bit nervous, :) what really entertained me were the different commercials.

Aside from Harvard University... Princeton University is another school that is most likely talked about and a popular school. I didn't realize that it's just few miles away to where I'am. :) I've enjoyed looking and taking pictures of the different old and new buildings with its nice structural designs, though it was really chilly when we visited the campus.:) The architectural designs of every building especially the old buildings is uniquely positioned around the campus. There are also so many shops and stores around. Hmmm! I wonder if I can take my Masters there...dreaming!!! Why not! :) Here are some pictures. From Princeton From Princeton From Princeton From Princeton From Princeton From Princeton The Princeton Tigers! From Princeton

Today marked an historical event for all Americans. The first African American President. Who knows in the next generation of President ...comes the first FilAm President. Hahaha!!! So, let's all wish him the best. I'm happy we're both tan....:)) Watch here President Barack Hussein Obama Inaugural address:

Are you familiar with this? Or Are you just like me that just learned about Amish …when I arrived here in New Jersey. :) When I learned about them, whew! I never thought that there are people who are living extremely conservative and resist modern conveniences. Just read more about Amish …I can say that they’re amazing people…and I think this people will always be one to survive …no matter what happened to the economy…and will never be affected by any recession or financial crisis…:) They’ll always be the survivor. :) Let me go back to their “Amishingly Friendship Bread” as I call it….:) This is a very interesting way to make bread and who said that chains are only for letters or emails. But this is a very sweet, interesting and fun to make bread. You can really make friends out of this. I had fun making and baking this bread. :) I received the bread starter from my friend’s sister who is living in Pennsylvania, where you can find some Amish people. I’ve enjoyed baby sitting thi...