Klyne's musings as a pure public good

my life in a month

2007-11-11T04:41:58Z

Haven't blogged in a while... A lot has happened in the past month or so (both good and bad)...

Had my heart broken,
Got into a traumatizing car accident,
Reunited with my high school friends,
Initiated coverage on a stock,
Went to Sydney for free
Met new people

I broke up with my boyfriend of 2.5 years. Prolly my lowest point this year. For a pseudo writer, it's difficult to put your feelings into words when you're not encouraged to do so. Hence, I resorted to partying, drinking, constantly bugging my friends, and working like a dog to "heal" myself... I'm better now but still haven't achieved what I want to think and feel. I must say, I'm lucky to have my family, friends, and co-workers to comfort me whenever I feel weak and helpless. They helped me through the first stage (not contacting him) and I'm now working on the second (not thinking about him). It's tough but I just have to suck it up.

Going to Sydney was probably the highlight of my year. Had a lot of fun there and it was a good distraction from my miserable life in Manila. Met a lot of cool people and I'm now looking forward to meeting them again in Bangkok in less than 2 weeks for the off-site.

Ok, Sydney... When we (me, Ria, and Gabbie) arrived at our hotel Sunday morning, we were knackered from the 11-hour flight (It was originally an 8-hour flight but Qantas had to refuel the plane so we had to make a stop at Cairns). Nonetheless, we decided to make the most of our trip so we immediately went to Bondi beach. When I got there, I immediately saw the waves and badly wanted to surf with the locals. Unfortunately, the water was ice cold and for a tiny Filipina girl, it was intolerable. So we just sunbathed and cam whored. It was also the beginning of spring so flies were all over the place. Fun, nonetheless.

The rest of the week was crazy! We attended morning meetings at 8am everyday, had training the rest of the day, and still managed to party every night. Loved, loved, loved it! :)

Here's the Philippine team at one of the bars in King Street Wharf

With Billy from Taiwan and Ria

The Macquarie group

With Yuki (Japan). He has the most hilarious British accent I've heard in a long time.

With Jerry from Taiwan

Susan (Taiwan) and I getting an uncomfortable hug from Martin (South Africa)

Posing @ Martin's Place, Sydney CBD

Dinner with the Hong Kong guys and Soojin (Korea)

Somewhere in Sydney...haha!

Admiring the Sydney bridge at night

@ Establishment with Gabbie, Soojin, and Ria

with Huei

with Martin @ the Argyle

I want more of Australia! Thinking about migrating there actually... the weather's a lot better than the UK; it's cheaper than Europe; close proximity to the beach; and has lots of cool and nice people.

glad to know im on the right track

2007-05-25T11:55:33Z

You scored as Mathematics/Statistics, You should strongly consider majoring (or minoring) in Mathematics, Statistics, or related majors (e.g., Accounting, Actuarial Science, Astronomy, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Management Information Systems (MIS), Operations Management, Physics, Risk Management).

It is possible that the best major for you is your 2nd, 3rd, or even 5th listed category, so be sure to consider ALL majors in your OTHER high scoring categories (below). You may score high in a category you didnt think you would--it is possible that a great major for you is something you once dismissed as not for you. The right major for you will be something 1) you love and enjoy and 2) are really great at it.

Consider adding a minor or double majoring to make yourself standout and to combine your interests. Please post your results in your myspace/blog/journal.

</td>

Mathematics/Statistics

88%

HR/BusinessManagement

88%

Accounting/Finance/Marketing

81%

History/Anthropology/LiberalArts

75%

PoliticalScience/Philosophy

75%

French/Spanish/OtherLanguage

75%

Psychology/Sociology

63%

Biology/Chemistry/Geology

50%

Education/Counseling

44%

Physics/Engineering/Computer

38%

Religion/Theology

38%

English/Journalism/Comm

25%

Nursing/AthleticTraining/Health

25%

Visual&PerformingArts

19%

WHAT MAJOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
created with QuizFarm.com

pakshet ang derivatives!

2007-05-17T09:16:30Z

Help me Lord!!!!! I'm having difficulty understanding option markets and contracts! long put, long call, short call, european long put, american short call... blah blah blah... derivatives semantics make my head ache!!!! Shit, shit, shit!!!!

birthday, Tracy's prom, and Boracay

2007-04-04T00:01:03Z

Finally got the chance to import photos. The week after my last day in Macquarie was first manic then leisurely. No review whatsoever done though...

24/Mar
Picked up Mabelle and Sepp from Terminal 1. They brought me truffes (truffles for non-Swiss). Of course, I ate all of them already. Now, I'm already left with 4 bars of truffes.

25/Mar
JR, Tracy, Mabelle, Sepp, and I had brunch in Sentro, Greenbelt 3. Went to a spa after for a full body massage, then Mabelle and Sepp drove off to Laguna.

26/Mar
Don't remember, but I think I just stayed in this day. Bought a couple of DVDs and watched them. Also watched one of my favourite TV shows, West Wing. Season 7's Episode 7 is one of my favourite episodes - Loved how Alan Alda's character (Republican) kicked Democrat Mike Santos' ass on that debate. I've always declared my conservative liberalism position ever since. Anyhoo....

27/Mar
Stayed in but this time, reviewed all day...so pretty boring

28/Mar
Had a hair cut and treatment. Also leg wax and nail treatments.

29/Mar
Tracy's prom in Makati Shang and my birthday so we stayed at the executive suite for the night.

Compliments of the Shang - Happy Birthday to me!

My friends came over and we celebrated my 24th birthday with Sbarro baked zittis, pizza, and Asti Martini. Sweet!

Of course, no birthday would be complete without JR. He deserves to be complemented because he gave me the most incredible gift... a Bond-eye bikini!!! Thank you! You're the best!

30/Mar
Drove Mabelle and Sepp to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Mabelle's brother has a very nice house. I liked the fact that he lived in that huge place alone and managed to keep it tidy. Would have loved to stay longer and explore Pagsanjan falls but traffic was horrible so I had to leave by 4pm to not get lost. Got home at around 9pm.... :(

31/Mar
10AM SEAir flight to Caticlan! Stayed in Waling-Waling during our first night since Nami was fully booked. The room and service were subpar but their cabanas were the treats. Tracy and I walked around and swam a bit while mum stayed in and slept the whole afternoon and evening (15hours of sleep...mad!).

Guess who I'm imitating

Night out. Ok, not really. We just sat at Jony's and "observed" the beach. Too much brown people...eek!

1/Apr
Transferred to Nami. Whew! Great relief! Much, much, better room. Cleaner and softer duvets. Had our own butler, Nami Joseph, and the food was also divine.

Amazing view from our room

Ate crepes (I don't remember the name of the place anymore but I remember eating two in one sitting)

2/Apr
Fun in the sun, sun, sun

3/Apr
Went for the complimentary Paraw (sailing) at 11 am and walked 5km back to Nami. FYI, boats in Bora can only pick up and drop off passengers in certain areas. The fine is P35,000.

Departed Caticlan at 4:50pm...

Promise, I'll stay longer next time. I'm already planning to return right after the exam. Midge said that June is the best time to enjoy Boracay - not much seaweeds and people. Cheaper hotel rates too.

cklyne @ 2007-03-21T13:47:00

2007-03-21T06:04:54Z

WAAAAHHHH!!! I'm such a moron!!!

My boss invited me to eat lunch (prolly because it's my last day tomorrow) and I declined his invitation. It's only now that I realized how stupid that was - refusing free lunch?!?! What's wrong with me?

I also had a lame excuse: "I want to eat nearby since I still have loads to do before I leave"

When the truth was that I was just not comfortable with the idea of having lunch with the boss, especially after refusing to accept his arguments convincing me to stay. In one bit, he's right. The exam I'm taking in June is usually taken by people who wish to get into the investment banking industry. In my case, he reckoned that I will no longer need it since I am already inside the industry.

In my defense, I don't want to work in this industry. Or am I just rationalizing?

our dad and computers

2007-03-15T00:49:22Z

My sister, trasoooooy posted her conversation with our dad about computers last night. Worth noting that he is completely nonadaptive when it comes to technology so this is again too funny to pass up. If it's not obvious, phrases that start with a dash (-) are my sister's.

"Buksan mo nga yung Microsoft."
-"Aling program?"
"Yung Windows."
-"Eh, Mac ito eh. Walang Windows dito. Kasi MAC."

"Wala ba sa laptop mo?"
-"Wala. Bago lang ito eh. Wala pang document mo."
"Sure ka? Malay mo napunta diyan dahil sa internet."
-"Hindi ganun nag-wowork and internet."
"Eh bakit dati nalipat niyo?"
-"Kasi sinend namin. Via E-MAIL."

"I-delete mo nga yung word na 'to." (Points toward the screen)
-"Ikaw nalang. May gagawin pa ako eh."
"Hindi ko alam ang computer na ito."
-"Hindi ka ba marunong gumamit ng KEYBOARD?"
"Iba ang computer mo eh."
-"Parang typewriter lang. May ganun na ba nung panahon niyo?" (Sarcastically)
"Aba! Oo."

-"Gumawa ka na kaya ng sarili mong e-mail. Stop mooching on other people's inbox space."
"Ano yun?"
-"Sa internet."
"May internet naman sa computer mo eh."
-"So, gagmitin mo pa ang computer ko at laptop ko? Eh pano kung wala ako?"
"Oo nga noh, sige. Pero ayoko ng internet at e-mail."
-"Hindi mo maintindihan ang punto ko eh."
"I-print mo na yung document."
-"Alin?"
"Yung dalawa."
-"Malapit nang maubos ang ink ko eh."
"Meron ako sa taas."
-"Iba printer ko eh."
"Ah, talaga?"
-"Oo. Hindi siya yung ink ribbon ng TYPEWRITER."

Because I think this email is too funny not to be shared

2007-03-03T10:20:02Z

FILIPINO SIGNS OF WIT
Nury Vittachi - THE FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW

This week, we shall take a "reading tour" of one of the most spirited communities in Asia . The Philippines is full of word play. The local accent among many Filipinos, in which English words with "F" are spelled and pronounced with the sound of "P" and V is pronounced as "B" (because the Philippine alphabet has no letters F or V), is often used very cleverly, such as, the sign in a flower shop in Diliman called Petal Attraction.

Much of the word play in the Philippines is deliberate with retailers and various businesses favouring a play on names of Western establishments and celebrities (Americans, in particular---movie stars and entertainment personalities, especially). For example, there is a bread shop in Manila called Anita Bakery, a 24-hour restaurant called Doris Day and Night, a garment shop called Elizabeth Tailoring, and a barber shop called Felix the Cut.

Reader Robert Harland also spotted a bakery named Bread Pitt, and a Makati fast-food place selling "maruya" (banana fritters) called Maruya Carey. Then, there are Christopher Plumbing, and a boutique called The Way We Wear ; a video rental shop called Leon King Video Rental; a restaurant in the Cainta district of Rizal called Caintacky Fried Chicken, a local burger restaurant called Mang Donald's, a doughnut shop called MacDonuts , a shop selling "lumpia" (egg roll) in Makati called Wrap and Roll, and two butcher shops called Meating Place and Meatropolis.

Smart travellers can decipher what may look like baffling signs to unaccustomed foreigners by simply sounding out the "Taglish" (the Philippine version of English words spelled and pronounced with a heavy Filipino accent), such as, at a restaurant menu in Cebu : "We hab sopdrink in can an in batol" [translation: We have soft drinks in can and in bottle]. Then, there is a sewing accessories shop called Bids And Pises [translation: Beads and Pieces --or-- Bits and Pieces].

There are also many signs with either badly chosen or misspelled words, but they are usually so entertaining that it would be a mistake to "correct" them. A reader named Antonio "Tonyboy" Ramon T. Ongsiako, (now there's a truly Filipino name), contributed the following interesting Philippine signs and advertisements:

In a restaurant in Baguio City (the "summer capital" of the Philippines ): "Wanted: Boy Waitress"; on a highway in Pampanga: "We Make Modern Antique Furniture;" on the window of a photography shop in Cabanatuan : "We Shoot You While You Wait;" and on the glass front of a cafe in Panay Avenue in Manila : "Wanted: Waiter, Cashier, Washier."

Some of the notices can even give a wrong impression, such as, a shoe store in Pangasinan which has a sign saying: "We Sell Imported Robber Shoes" (these could be the "sneakiest" sneakers); and a rental property sign in Jaro, Iloilo reads: "House For Rent, Fully Furnaced" (it must really be hot inside)!

Occasionally, one could come across signs that are truly unique--if not altogether odd. Reader Gunilla Edlund submitted a sign that she saw at the ticket booth in the ferry pier in Davao City in southern Philippines , which said: "Adults: 1 peso; Child: 50 centavos; Cadavers: fare subject to negotiation."

European tourists may also be intrigued to discover two competing shops selling hopia (a Chinese pastry) called Holland Hopia and Poland Hopia, which are owned and operated by two local Chinese entrepreneurs, Mr. Ho and Mr. Po respectively--(believe it or not)!

According to Manila businessman, Tonyboy Ongsiako, there is so much wit in the Philippines because ". . .we are a country where a good sense of humour is needed to survive. We have a 24-hour comedy show here called the government and a huge reserve of comedians made up mostly of politicians and retiring actors.

update

2007-02-28T07:33:21Z

It's been a while. I've pretty much drowned myself with work and CFA-related materials for the past month. Now I'm knackered and mulling over resignation, even though my boss already offered me a permanent position.

I should have listened to my friends when they advised me not to enter investment banking. "You will not have a life, Klyne", they said. As it turned out, they were right. In the past month, I had spent 80% of my time in front of the computer, making my already poor vision worse. I have not had time to eat out with friends or even watch a decent movie. I am always cranky and have shouted at JR a lot of times for not doing things the way I want them to be done. For weeks, I have been way behind the review. This bothers me the most because I'd really like to learn more about finance.

It now boils down to priorities and my long-term goal. Macquarie is a good eye-opener to the corporate world. Despite everything, I have enjoyed my time here. I wouldn't have thought that I could actually shake hands with business tycoons in a short period of time. Or learn how to use bloomberg. Or liaise with Macquarie's Chief economist or other economists.

At any rate, I reckon passing level 1 is more important for me. In essence, if I want to be an expert in financial development someday, I should know the basics by heart.

----------

Happy Birthday Camille! :D Lunch tayo tomorrow ha!

----------

I will finally get to see Boracay after 2 years!!! I am soooo excited. My family's staying in Nami and we've already booked our spas in Mandala Spa & Villas. I want to relax and finally finish Mishkin's new book.

----------

Oh! My swiss friends are visiting Manila in March. It'll be great to spend my 24th birthday with them. Likewise, it's great to think Swiss once in a while.

xoxo

Gong Xi Fat Chai!

2007-02-18T06:50:26Z

Xin Nian Kuai Le is Happy New Year, in Mandarin.

Celebrating Chinese new year makes me reminisce my good 'ol Putonghua days (Putonghua is Mandarin). It is by far the most difficult language I've ever learned and I'm determined to learn more of it when time permits. China, after all, is the future. :)

Gold is team manager!

2007-02-08T15:32:13Z

Ahora, mi amiga en Thomson es encargado del equipo. Alegrábamos muy felices oír las noticias tan comimos la cena en la alameda de Asia. Comimos paella de mariscos y helado de yogure.

Guete!!!!

A mi no me gusta nada mas pero estar con mis amigos.

thinking about sustainable development

2007-02-01T11:15:58Z

I don't know German. My friend just emailed this...it's still 7:21PM...

Weltweite Aktion - worldwide action -bitte weiterleiten -please
forward
Umweltbewegte, Umweltverbände und Grüne rufen auf:

Liebe MitstreiterInnen

Aufruf zu einer Aktion in Sachen Klimawechsel: Am 01.02.07, von
19.55-20.00 Uhr soll aller Strom abgeschaltet werden.

Donnerstag 1.2. 19.55 Uhr: 5 Minuten Pause für den Planeten!
Jede und jeder sollen mitmachen.

Text in 3 Sprachen folgt – Deutsch,English, Francais Allesausschalten
– turn everything off - On éteint tout Am1.Februar 07 von 19h55 bis
20h00 - On February 1st between 7:55 p.m. until 8 p.m. - le 1er
février de 19h55 à 20h00 dringend: Aktiongegen den Klimawechsel –
urgent: actionagainst climate change - Urgent : Action contrele
changement climatique Am 1.Feb 2007: nehmen Sie an der weltweit
größten Bewegung gegen den Klimawechsel teil!!! Verschiedene
Naturschutz-Organisationen senden eine Aufforderung an alle Bewohner
unseres Planeten, die 5 "Schweigeminuten": jeder soll Licht, Strom und
sonstiges ausschalten, zwischen 19h55 und 20h00. FünfMinuten, nicht
nur um Energie zu sparen, sondern besonders, um die Bevölkerung, die
Medien und Politiker auf die tägliche Energieverschwendung
aufmerksamzu machen. Ein Akt, der nur 5 Minuten dauert, der nichts
kostet, der aber der Regierung zeigt, dass die Klimakatastrophe ein
schwerwiegendes Thema der Weltpolitik sein sollte. Warum dieses Datum?
: Am ersten Februar veröffentlicht die UNO die neuesten Erkenntnisse
zum Thema Klimawechsel! ALSO......DREHEN SIE AB!!!!!

Turn everything off OnFebruary 1st between 7:45 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Urgent:action against climate change On February 1st you can
participate in the worldwide greatest actionagainst climate change!!!
Various environmental organizations are asking the peoples of this
planet to hold 5minutes of silence: Everyone should turn off all
lights, electricity etc. between 7:45 until 8 p.m. Five minutes to
bring attention to other inhabitants, the media and politicians about
the daily waste of energy. An act which takes only 5 minutes, which
costs nothing, but shows the governments that climate change should be
on the top agenda of world politics. Why this date? On February 1st
the United Nations is publicizing the newest results and knowledge
base on climate change. SO TURN OFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Faitespasser… Onéteint tout le 1erfévrier de 19h55 à 20h00 Urgent:
Action contre le changement climatique Le 1erfévrier 2007: Participez
à la plus grande mobilisation des citoyens contre leChangement
climatique ! L'Alliancepour la Planète (groupement d'associations
environnementales) lance un appel simple à tous les citoyens, 5minutes
de répit pour la planète : tout le monde éteint ses veilles etlumières
le 1er février 2007 entre 19h55 et 20h00. Il ne s'agit pas
d'économiser 5 minutes d'électricitéuniquement ce jour-là, mais
d'attirer l'attention des citoyens, des médias etdes décideurs sur le
gaspillage d'énergie et l'urgence de passer à l'action ! 5 minutes de
répit pour la planète : ça neprend pas longtemps, ça ne coûte rien, et
ça montrera aux candidats auxélections législatives de juin 2007 que
le changement climatique est un sujetqui doit peser dans le débat
politique. Pourquoile 1er février ? Ce jour là sortira, à Paris, le
nouveau rapport du grouped'experts climatiques des Nations unies. Il
nefaut pas laisser passer cette occasion de braquer les projecteurs*
sur l'urgencede la situationclimatique mondiale. *Est-ce vraiment le
meilleur terme ? (CVE)

Macquarie

2007-01-17T19:44:40Z

My parents' behaviour boggles me. How come that they willingly support me in internships abroad but refuse to do the same here?!?!?! They can trust me enough to send me to grad school in the UK but they can't trust me to move to Makati?!?! How can such irrationality run in my family?

I have accepted a 2-3 month internship at Macquarie Securities. I'll be working in their research division and some of my responsibilities include, but are not limited to, financial modeling and research. The head of Manila office also told me that I may be able get a chance to meet with institutional investors, famous businessmen, and politicians. (Actors, perhaps? hihi)

I'm feeling more anxious than excited. I have been waiting for this opportunity since October. The job description and time frame fit well with my future plans so I've decided to postpone Spain 'till after the CFA exam.

But the idea of going corporate (or trying to, in my case) consumes me every minute. Can I muster enough courage to perform well on this job? Will I be able to talk intelligently to investors? Can I adapt to commuting from QC to Makati, everyday?!?!?!

I guess the last concern is bugging me the most. Work hours are from 7am-7pm. I think I'll die by the end of my first week.

So, if anyone knows anyone in Makati who can accommodate me and my shoes for 2-3 months, text me: 09178234816.

Post-Christmas Fixation

2007-01-12T01:46:34Z

I WANT, I WANT, I WANT!!!!

The invisible hand manifested in beers

2006-12-17T04:35:43Z

Only in Germany.

My friend recently went to Berlin and discovered this wonderful pub, where beer is traded, similar to a stock market. An electronic real-time board is mounted and it illustrates how, depending on the demand for beer, prices move up or down.

WOW!

Just imagine, if there's excess supply of beer, prices go down, which makes people demand more of it; and vice versa. How cool can that go?! You can even move to elasticities after! This just makes me giddy! My friend told me she'll take me there...haha! I can't wait!

economists in the tube

2006-12-09T00:06:08Z

Here's a webcast of a discussion attended by commendable University of Chicago economists on the late Milton Friedman's legacy.

--------

For freakonomics geeks, see Steven Levitt on the Colbert Show just for kicks. You will not be disappointed. ;)

-------

Oh, and this was really funny but disappointing to Americans who voted for him. I would like to see similar screw-ups from our own politicians...anyone willing to share?

Questions from Cmyl

2006-12-07T02:41:56Z

1. If you were given the chance to change anything from your past, what would it be?

I regret not having transferred to Diliman when I had the chance before. I could have joined orgs and could have seen my high school friends more often. I stayed in LB because of a boy. Stupid!

2. Do you regret ever hooking up with the men in your life? (hahahaha)

Yes!!! I guess I regret hooking up with Ryan. That was daft and I didn't really learn anything from it, considering I went out with Ruel after!!!! EEEEWWWWW!!!! *nahihiya ako!!!!*

3. Do you consider yourself nationalistic? Why or why not?

Strange that I feel nationalistic only when I'm outside the Philippines. So, I guess I'm quasi-nationalistic? I always play ambassador to my friends abroad. That was always fun and exciting.

4. If you saw ate Michelle now, what would you say to her?

I like your hair (hahahaha!!!!).

Seriously... I'd say sorry and fervently wish that she accepts my apology. I will also ask her about her life in the US. She always talked to me before about her plans. I guess she's one of the people who inspired me to dream big and not settle for anything less.

5. Do you find yourself working in the Philippines, or do you prefer working abroad?

At this stage in my career, I feel that it's more advantageous for me to gain experience abroad first and maybe save up money for when I decide to work here. The Philippines is not a good place to live in when you're not rich. When I'm financially stable, I'd really like to work here, maybe in the government.

THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."

2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.

3. You will update your journal with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

still jobless

2006-12-02T00:18:52Z

I'm looking forward to Spain. I have never been there. I heard from my little sister that Spaniards are somewhat like Filipinos - hospitable, fun, and lazy (hehe). I'm excited to see my host family. I hope they'll understand the muy pequeño Spanish I know and that we can minimize hand signals. I AM SOOOO EXCITED! And it will be winter when I go there...I can go skiing!!!! Weeeee!!!!

Haha! Excitation to the nth power!!!!!!

On a different note, I went to several job interviews this month, just for practice (and for kicks). I got job offers too, which I declined, because I figured I want to prioritise Spanish and the CFA exam in June first.

Most people ask me why I'm so fussy on choosing a job. Well, that's because I want a job that's challenging and would open doors for me. It's not too much to ask. I just want a job that will get me to think and help me develop my career. Until I find those qualities (and I hope soon), I reckon the job search will carry on.

And no, it's not because I think I want a manager-level job (like what some idiots think - you know who you are). I don't mind starting at the bottom since I know we have to start somewhere. Comments like those are just daft ...so quit it!

I'm in lurve with Photobooth!!!

2006-11-28T11:09:33Z

Kissable lips ba? MMMMMWWWWAAAAHHHH!!!!

Mi hermana es muy fea!

confusión

2006-11-22T23:52:20Z

Once again, I will not be attending graduation. The UP graduation was unfortunate; it was scheduled after I booked my ticket to the UK. Now, the UoB graduation (or degree congregations, as they say) is as unfortunate since it's scheduled on a holiday and when flight tickets are sky high. Seeing that I was planning to stay 'till February/March and do the Madrid thing early next year, I cannot see the point of having to go back after graduation to spend Christmas and New Year's with the fam (because, by God, I don't want to be alone for the holidays!), and then return to the UK for the internship and Madrid.

Until now I am unsure whether I made the right decision. I've amended my flight so I now leave early January. So sorry to my UoB mates. I know in my heart that I'll see you guys very soon.

---

On other news, I graduated from level 2 of Spanish yesterday! Yay! Sobresaliente! I may really have a flare for languages. I can't wait to go to Spain and speak the language veinte cuatro horas.

---

Contrary to what Malacañang overstates, the Philippine economy is not in a better state than before. We have a severe unemployment problem due mostly to a low level of investment, brought by political uncertainties. Do not be deceived by the low inflation since it is mostly driven by the seasonality of oil prices. Owing to the fact that oil prices have gone down after the summer season and since the Philippines is a big importer of petroleum, we will expect inflation to go up once the OPEC cartel decides on increasing the price of an oil barrel. Moreover, the appreciation of the peso against the dollar is partly attributable to the oil price decrease and the American economic slowdown. It will, once again, be a murky Christmas and New Year. But we will persevere.

KK's here!!!!

2006-11-15T15:12:15Z

My favourite doughnuts are finally here!!!! They even have a website! I can't wait to get my hands into a dozen original glazed doughnuts....and those cute KK hats!!!!

I reckon that the treadmill will be exhausted when this health-conscious (or vain) family starts on a doughnut fixation by the 30th of November.

financial innovation (m-banking)

2006-11-10T00:57:41Z

This recent study aptly illustrates the wonderful concept of "leapfrogging" applied in the context of finance. Who would think that owning a mobile phone in Kenya could decrease costs of doing business substantially by enabling small businessmen and farmers to buy orders from wholesalers with just a simple SMS? Who would think that mobiles in the Philippines could actually increase liquidity and help the economy?

For more good news, read on.

mi primer párrafo en español

2006-10-26T03:26:07Z

Honduras es uno de los paises mas pobres de Hispano Americano. Su Producto Interio Bruto es uno del mas bajo entre otros paises en Hispano Americano: $2900 por capita. Tiene aproximadamente 7millones de habitantes.

Honduras esta rodeada otro paises y un oceano: Guatemala esta a la izquierda; El Salvador esta al sudoeste; al sudeste esta Nicaragua; y a el sur esta Oceano de Pacifico. Tambien, hay una selva se llama "La Mosquitio" y un lago se llama "Lago de Yojoa", cual es el unico lago en el pais entero.

haven't posted in a while

2006-10-24T02:50:05Z

A month has gone by since I left England and although I'm enjoying being with the fam and seeing JR (sometimes), still, my heart is in Birmingham. My friends feel the same way. We all agree that last year was the best year of our lives. Such amazing people and I miss them A LOT. Wish it was December already so I can see them again. I'm in mourning.

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Still haven't got a job. Not having my transcript nor certificate yet make job hunting extremely challenging. Need to wait until graduation before I can apply to companies outside the Philippines. Thanks to Camille's help, at least I've given one company my CV. I feel so restless. I want to earn money so that I can save money for more travel. I'm thinking...Spanish in Spain for 2 months next year.

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Speaking of Spanish, I'm currently learning basic Spanish in Instituto Cervantes. La Profesora, Anna, es muy bien. Aprendo mucho.

I'm also brushing up on my Mandarin. I'm determined to be fluent on these 2 languages by the end of next year. hehe Feasible. :)

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In my spare time, I like to derive equations. Deriving is easier than coming up with your own mathematical model anyway. So, I usually download journals and check whether I could arrive at the same conclusion as the author, while using my own solution.

Two days ago, possessed with boredom, I tried to work out Bencivenga and Smith's financial development model. I hope I can someday make my own model. :)

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I received a PHD offer from my professor. Maybe in 2 years when I've garnered adequate work experience to further develop my research problem.

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I miss shopping in the UK. Clothes here are so outdated. Topshop doesn't have enough variety. I miss H&M, Oasis, and Karen Millen. I'm planning on taking an empty suitcase this December. Boxing day here I come!

grey's season 3 sucks

2006-10-03T16:56:37Z

Ughhh!!! I wanted to fast forward every scene of the first two episodes. Miranda Bailey, the character I admired most for her brutal candidness, turned out to be the most emotional and, mind you, boring character this season.

And...I'm getting really pissed with Meredith's "all-good and pity me" attitude. Never did like her from day 1.

But I think what will keep me glued to this show now is Mcdreamy, Mcsteamy, and Mcvet.... Ok...alex kerev as well. As Cmyl would say..."they're sex" and a show with "sexes" is hawt!

Yaaaaay!!!!

2006-09-28T18:43:01Z

Tapos na!!!!! Tapos ko na dissertation!!!! I just emailed it to Ingrid and Simone and they're going to print it, have it binded, and voila! submit to Emma!!! I'm soooooo relieved......

I can't even begin to explain the ordeal I had to go through just to complete it on time. Ok, makulit ako eh...kahit na sinabihan na ako ng supervisor ko dati na ok na, di pa rin ako tumigil...yun tuloy, inabot ako ng bagyo at ng blackout. Considering my dad and my sister had a huge fight the other day - which resulted in my sister running away (she's fine but still refuses to go home) - and typhoon Milenyo... hayyyy... no time talaga para sa dissertation (not to mention, no electricity nor internet for dissertation). I was already planning to file a mitigation form, send pictures and news articles on the typhoon to my supervisor, and immediately ask for an extension.

It was only after 4pm that it crossed my mind to book a hotel room!!! So, yay! Natapos ko rin!

Whew!!!!!

Ateneo game on Saturday!!! Must vocalize...hehe