100

And I made a hundred!

Welcome to the 100th blog post of Lyndon Speaks!

Who would have thought that it will take me three long years to reach my centennial blog post here in Lyndon Speaks? If I were to blog every single day, it will just take me 3 months and a couple of weeks to reach my 100th post. But I guess the inevitable comes. Those busy days and those lazy ones have caused the quite slow turn-out of posts which led to a three-year run towards my 100th.

This may sound a platitude but I guess that no matter how fast, or in this case slow, you reach your own life's 100, it is how you get there that matters.

I have shared with you 99 of my precious memories, exciting experiences, my firsts, bolt from the blue thoughts, and life's important learnings. 99 times - you have been hearing what I got to say. For 99 times, I end up my posts with '[word] on!'. And for sharing your time with me, I extend to all of you my '99 times 99 times' of gratitude.

For the three years that I have been posting, I was not able to please everyone. I bumped into fastidious readers, I came across critics, and came face to face with those that just didn't like me. But I care less about them. I am not here to please anybody. I am here to SHARE.

The past three years were a blast - I graduated from college, had my first job, met new sets of true friends, travelled to far and different places, experienced things I have never done before, excelled on my craft (which I always do), had a share of the worsts, found a new beginning, and learned to keep only those worth keeping. All of these I have shared through Lyndon Speaks.

I guess that it would just be rightful that for this 100th post I share with you some of my favorite posts for the past three years. Get ready to sit back and travel with me down to memory lane. And for those of you who are new to Lyndon Speaks, this is one way to know the humble beginnings of this blog. Of course, there is still 'Lyndon's Peeks' at the right for an archive of all my posts.

--------------------oOo--------------------

My first blog post since I moved to Blogger. This is where Lyndon Speaks had evolved into the blog that it is right now.

A blog detailing the realization that sometimes we still have no idea of who we are - and that is what friends are for.

One of my favorite activities back in Lakeside. It really is so great to reminisce those good ol' times! And this is, by the way, one of the TRUE good ol' times!

Every post about the U.B.E. that I have with three of my great friends is my favorite. This is one of them!

Reminiscing the first time we sipped our coffee on the Starbucks branch that witnessed a lot of U.B.E. and fun memories!

One of the most unforgettable memories that I have! I can even recall every ounce of event that transpired during that night!

A realization that I did make a difference. And I'm still hoping that I am making one up until now.

The Divisoria Adventure I had with Shelly, Ecoy, and Justin. I still can remember the "search for the lost spaceship". Ang bad talaga ni Ecoy. Hahaha

My first attempt to save Mother Nature. This is also one of the TRUE fun moments at Lakeside!

My first out-of-the-country trip.

How can I forget 2008's Lakeside Christmas Party?!

A year-end blog post.

A realization that honesty pays off.

Find out for yourself why this is on my list of my favorites!

A post to inspire everyone to stop working hard and start working smart.

The re-launch of Lyndon Speaks - new design, new back-end codes, and compatibility enhancements (multi-browser and multi-platform support). How's Lyndon Speaks on an iPhone?! =)

--------------------oOo--------------------

I guess that would be all for this 100th post. Thanks to all of you for sharing your time with me (as always).

Expect that Lyndon Speaks will be LOUDER for the next 100 posts!

For the 100th time (and I will never get tired of this):

Hundred on!
~Lyndon Jason

 

The Verdict - Battle of the Childhood Cartoons [The Facebook Take-over]

After an hour of looking thorougly on my 452 Facebook friends' profile pictures, making a list and checking it twice, I have narrowed down the most popular childhood cartoon characters. Read on to check out if your favorites are in!

 --------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the Holies

Who inspired us the most?

Runner-up: Super Book


Winner: Flying House



 --------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the Round, Cute, and Fluffy

And the most huggables are:

Runner-up: Doraemon


Winner: Mojacko



 --------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the Disney Princesses

Who among the Disney Ladies can truly wear the crown?

Runner-up: Mulan


Winner: Beauty


--------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the Company Flag Bearers

Which cartoon character touched the hearts of most kids?


Runner-up: Bugs Bunny [Warner Bros.]


Winner: Mickey Mouse [Walt Disney]


 --------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the Sexy Moon Warriors

The girls loved them! But who among the sexy warriors won?

Runner-up: Sailor Venus



Winner: Sailor Moon


 --------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the '90s ABS-CBN Cartoon Characters

Who among the well-loved ABS-CBN cartoon characters got the most kids absent from school?

Runner-up: Princess Sarah


Winner: B'T X


 --------------------oOo--------------------

Battle of the Love Teams

Which love team made us "kilig-to-the-bones"?

Runner-up: Richard and Erika


Winner: Beauty and the Beast


  --------------------oOo--------------------

Most Loved Group

Which band of heroes topped the list?

Runner-up: Ghost Fighter


Winner: Sailor Moon


  --------------------oOo--------------------

The Ultimate Cartoon Character

And the most loved:

Runner-up: Shin Chan


Winner Son Goku


  --------------------oOo--------------------

Are your favorites on the list? :)

I hope everyone remembers why we are doing this madness. This is a call to STOP CHILD VIOLENCE!

That's it for now! Stay safe!

Watch on!
~Lyndon Jason

 

Anime Siesta Theme Songs

Let us all travel back to memory lane and reminisce these ol' time favorite anime theme songs. These were all taken back from the '90s and most of them were from ABS-CBN's morning and afternoon siesta timeslots. Oh, how I miss my childhood! To those from my generation: ENJOY!!! =)

--------------------oOo-------------------- 

1. Who can forget about Lucy, Marina, and Anemone in Magic Knight Ray Earth?!

Song:

Kami’y narito asahan niyong magtatanggol
Makikipaglaban para sa kapayapaan
(chenchererererenchen cherereren chererererereeurrnn–)

Ang lahat ng nilalang dito ay may karapatan
(Sa magandang bukas)
Kung mayroong gumugulo ay wag mag-alala
Kami ang dakilang tagapagtanggol niyo sa lahat ng oras
Handa kaming tumulong
Ang aming mga kapangyarihan alay sa karapatan…

Kami’y narito asahan niyong magtatanggol
Makikipaglaban para sa kapayapaan at kaayusan
Kami’y asahan niyo hanggang sa dulo ng mundo.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHjjpq7vObQ&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

2. Do you remember the magical twins Julio at Julia who fights Reyna Dowager?!

Song:

Kapag uminog na ang mundo
Iikot din ang buhay ng tao
May saya at mayroong dusa
Huwag lang tayong magpapatalo

Kung ikaw ay nag-iisa
Sa landas na iyong tinatahak
Huwag mawawalan ng pag-asa
Sa mithiing pakikibaka

Si Julio at Julia, kambal ng tadhana
Di susuko sa pagsubok...

Kapag sumikat na ang buwan
Bago pa sumikat ang araw
Bagong pag-asa'y matatanaw
Tadhana na ang siyang pupukaw

Bagong pag-asa'y matatanaw
Tadhana na ang siyang pupukaw...

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w78oe3L_wvs&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

3. I just recently downloaded B'T X. This is definitely one of my favorites.

Song:

Maglalakbay ako patungo sa kawalan
Upang hamunin ‘tong pangarap sa buhay
At susuungin ko itong kadiliman
Makita ko lang ang liwanag ng katarungan…
Chenchedenchenden cheden

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eQLoW6TuVg&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

4. This one is originally aired on ABC5. Who can forget about this: "Parurusahan kita sa ngalan ng buwan!" - Sailormoon

Song:

Ikaw ang lagi kong Hinahanap
Kasama kang lagi sa pangarap
Nais ko'y lagi kang nakikita
Marahil nga ay mahal kita

Liwanag ng buwan sa kalawakan
Hinahatid ka sa 'king isipan
Pano ba kita makakausap
Ikaw sa akin ng lahat

Sana, bawat saglit laging kapiling ka
pag-ibig ko sana'y madama

Basta't kasama kita sa pangarap
Nadarama'y wala ngang katulad
Ligayang ulot nito sa 'king puso
Sana ay di na mag wakas
Sana ay di na mag wakas

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oQtjLvbR0o

--------------------oOo--------------------

5. This cute little girl brightened up our mornings - Ang anak pawis ng kabundukan - Heidi!

Song:

Heidi, Heidi,
Anakpawis ka sa kabundukan

Heidi, Heidi,
Tahanan mo ang kalikasan
Luntiang parang, nasisikatan ng gintong araw
Heidi, Heidi, tahanan mo ang kabundukan

Heidi, Heidi

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC7KtySAOlI&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

6. The blue horse who made our afternoons a lot happier - Blue Blink!

Song:

Habang nabubuhay, manalig ka
Lagi kang may kasama, may kaibigan ka
At kung ikaw ay nalulungkot
Kung ikaw ay natatakot
Wala kang gagawin kundi ako’y tawagin…

Ako si Blink
Sa bawat oras nariyan,
Tutulong sa nangangailangan
Ako’y maaasahan sa lahat ng bagay…

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqYkNLCCpw8&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

7. Based from a novel, the anime that taught us valuable lessons in life - Si Mary at ang Lihim na Hardin

Song:

Waksin niyo na ang iyong luha
Pilitin tawanan ang problema
Habang bata ay magsaya
Makulay ang mundo basta’t mangarap ka
Sa bawat pagsubok na makikita
Huwag mong hayaang madapa ka
Tibayan mo ang loob
Pagkatapos ng unos, ligaya ang dulot
Sadyang ganyan ang buhay, kailangang magsanay
Mapaglarong tadhana susubukin ang tibay
Kaya’t kumilos ka’t mag-isip, mag-aral
Magandang bukas, sa yo ay nakalaan…

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6FKxFyw0B8&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

8. I know that we all joined The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Song:

Humayo ka kaibigang Tom Sawyer
Maglakbay kung saan mo man naisin
Anong (censored from the OBB)

—-ehh…
Sige Tom, Humayo ka
Humayo ka’t maglakbay pawad
‘Wag kalilimutan kami…

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M9gvzfV_2I&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

9. How about the princess that changed our mornings - Cinderella

Song:

Ngunit hanggang kailan, hanggang kailan
Ito mananatiling panaginip
Sabik na ko, sabik na ko sa iyong
Yakap at halik…

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxaemDnzX0M&feature=related

--------------------oOo--------------------

10. A song tribute to mothers - from Remi, Nobody's Girl

Song:

Aking ina, mahal kong ina
Pagmamahal mo aking ina
Yakap mo sa akin, hinahanap ko
Init ng pag-ibig, kumot ng bunso
Sa kita ng pagkakahimbing
Yakap mo ang gigising.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uGPdZMO0QE&feature=more_related

--------------------oOo--------------------

And the most dramatic anime of all. The friendship between Nelo and Patrash - The anime that made all of us cry - The Dog of Flanders

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxvkVgeaVk&feature=more_related

--------------------oOo--------------------

I hope you enjoyed tonight's post!

This just proves how colorful a Filipino childhood was! I hope today's generation will have the chance to see these great animes - animes that are full of moral lessons to live by!

'til next time!

Sing on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

The Price You Pay For Being Free

I do not even know if I could write this post while I am hearing our neighbor's hidden singing talent which I guess should be kept hidden for the good of all mankind!

It is very difficult to concentrate on what you are doing if you hear something as unpleasant as what I am hearing now. It is equally hard to get my well-deserved good-night sleep.

What have I done to my neighbor for me to suffer sleep deprivation under his hands, or should I say under his voice?

But I guess this is what I pay for being free. How ironic. There is still something I need to PAY for a thing which is for FREE. The FREEdom we are enjoying right now is not as FREE as we think. The freedom to do what we want to do even if it is annoyingly annoying in the middle of the night comes with an expensive price which we do not have to pay, but other people around us have to. 

As ironic as it may seem, we should not let other people pay the price of the freedom that we have. Just like buying something at the grocery, you should pay what you buy. Respect and being responsible are the best payments you can offer in exchange of your freedom to do the things you wish to do. Respect the same freedom other people have. Be responsible in exercising your own freedom. 

This post may not reach my neighbor, but sharing this lesson with my loyal blog readers is the best way to start the change that I am hoping for. 

Thank you for sharing your time with me. You may not be here suffering with me (and I guess you do not wish to), but the fact that you are reading this makes me feel blessed of having you in my life. 

'til my next one! Time to try to get my good-night sleep!

Pay on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

The Fight Against 'S'

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

After the geeky post that I had a couple of days ago, here is a new post written the way my posts used to be. =)

However, this post is another milestone for Lyndon Speaks as this would be my first post entirely dedicated to promoting wellness at work.

Are you taking stress from work to a whole new level? Is it becoming a major major hindrance in your social life? Is stress from work your new definition of an "ideal work"?

Worry not! Here are some tips on how to reduce, if not eliminate, that dreaded 'S' word from work. This is taken from http://www.tandurust.com/online-health-tips/stress-relief-exercises-tips-at-work.html

--------------------oOo--------------------


Q: Sitting long hours at the desk causes various kinds of stress. How can I reduce this stress?

A: Long office hours sitting at one place can cause various ailments such as weight gain, joint pain and hypertension. If you are working on a computer your eyes get strained. Even your back can get stiff and cause backaches. Make it a habit to splash cool water on your face every 2 hours or so. Get up from your chair and walk around for a few minutes each hour. Place some plants near your desk and look at the green plants periodically. This may help you calm down. Instead of plants you may also want to keep some scenic posters close by. Keep the area near your desk net and clean.

Q: What about eating (diet) during office hours? Eating too fast and too much causes any harm? How can I regulate that?

A: its a good idea to eat small meals frequently. Drink enought water, maybe 1 glass every 2 hours or so to keep yourself well hydrated. Eat oily fish, yogurt and high carb foods like whole wheat sandwiches that help you fight stress. Avoid consuming too much sugar or caffeine.

Q: I get tense when i have to give speeches or make presentations or train other people in a classroom. How can I lower that pressure?

A: Adrenaline gets your heart to pump blood faster. This makes you tense. To avoid this try to meditate a few minutes before you start your class or meeting. To avoid anxiety close your eyes, take a deep breath and move your head slowly from one side to another by stretching your neck muscles. Rest the back of the base of your head in your palms for a few minutes.

Q: I have a busy schedule each day and do not get time to relax at work. What should I do?

A: Use your breaks when you get a chance. During the break get ou of your seat and walk a bit. If you have some more time, chat with your colleagues about things other than work. Close your eyes and try to see scenic pictures such as green mountains, the beach side or whatever makes you feel good. Drink a glass of water. Take a few deep breaths and try not to think about work at all.

Q: I take a long time to commute to and fro to work. What exercise can I do to relax my muscles and mind?

A: If you are not driving, you can try various things like rolling your wrists, rolling y our head and stretching your neck muscles, rotating your feet in a circular motion around the ankles and try to feel the stretch. If you are driving do these stretches while waiting at a traffic light. You can also do this before you start your journey and after you reach your destination.

--------------------oOo--------------------


Wouldn't it be great that you enjoy your work and at the same time living a healthy lifestyle? Try these tips and you'll surely have a different standpoint for work.

I guess that would be all for now. Always remeber to have fun in whatever you do and never ever stress yourself out!

Let us all join forces in the battle against that 'S' word from work!

'til we meet again...

Health on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

My Weekday in Java

GEEK MODE!

Let me share with you my typical day through a Test Script.

For those who are not in the Software Development, Software Testing, and Software Programming worlds - this may be too much for you. But don't you worry, normal blog posts will resume after this geeky post. =)

To my fellow techie-guys - ENJOY! =)

/* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
package myWeekdays;

import com.thoughtworks.selenium.*;
import org.testng.annotations.*;
import org.testng.Reporter;
import java.io.File;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.text.DateFormat;
import java.text.SimpleDateFormat;
import java.util.Date;
import jxl.Sheet;
import jxl.Workbook;
import jxl.read.biff.BiffException;

public class MyDay {
private Selenium selenium;
private Boolean assertChecker;
private String errorShot = System.getProperty("user.dir") + "\\SomethingIsWrong\\";
private String inputFile;
protected static HttpCommandProcessor proc;
public void setInputFile(String inputFile) {
this.inputFile = inputFile;
}
public String getDateTime() {
        DateFormat dateFormat = new SimpleDateFormat("MM.dd.yyyy");
        Date date = new Date();
        return dateFormat.format(date);
    }
public String getLunchTime() {
        DateFormat dateFormat = new SimpleDateFormat("hh:mm");
        Date date = new Date();
        return dateFormat.format(date);
    }
    public void assertElementPresent (String elementName, String description){
     assertChecker = selenium.isElementPresent(elementName);
if(assertChecker.equals(false)) {
String fileName = description + "_" + getDateTime() + ".png";
selenium.captureEntirePageScreenshot(errorShot + fileName, "");
}
return;
    }
@BeforeClass
public void setup() throws IOException {
setInputFile(System.getProperty("user.dir") + "\\WhatINeed.xls");
File inputWorkbook = new File(inputFile);
Workbook w;
try {
w = Workbook.getWorkbook(inputWorkbook);
Sheet config = w.getSheet(0);
String myDay = config.getCell(1, 0).getContents();
String happyThoughtsAndPatience = config.getCell(1, 1).getContents();
proc = new HttpCommandProcessor("localhost", 4444, happyThoughtsAndPatience, myDay);
selenium = new DefaultSelenium(proc);
selenium.start();
selenium.windowFocus();
selenium.windowMaximize();
}
catch (BiffException e) {
Reporter.log("I am not in a good mood!");
e.printStackTrace();
}

catch (Exception e) {
Reporter.log("My day is a mess!");
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
@Test public void myMorning() throws IOException {
setInputFile(System.getProperty("user.dir") + "\\WhatINeed.xls");
File inputWorkbook = new File(inputFile);
Workbook w;
String[] idleTime = { "30000" };
try {
w = Workbook.getWorkbook(inputWorkbook);
Sheet config = w.getSheet(0);
Sheet sheet = w.getSheet(1);
String myDay = config.getCell(1, 0).getContents();
String speed = config.getCell(1, 2).getContents();
String timeOut = config.getCell(1, 3).getContents();
String waitTime = config.getCell(1, 4).getContents();
String breakfast = sheet.getCell(1, 1).getContents();
String outfit = sheet.getCell(1, 2).getContents();
selenium.setSpeed(speed);
selenium.setTimeout(timeOut);
selenium.open(myDay);
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
selenium.click("link=Wake Up Ring");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
proc.doCommand("watchA4jRequests", null);
selenium.click("link=Morning News");
proc.doCommand("waitForA4jRequest", idleTime);
selenium.type("whatToEat", breakfast);
selenium.click("link=Take a shower");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
selenium.type("whatToWear", outfit);
selenium.click("link=Prepare to leave home");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
assertElementPresent("IsEverythingOkay", "NeedToDoWhatIForgotToDo");
selenium.click("link=Leave home");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
selenium.click("link=Ride to office");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
assertElementPresent("IsTheRideAndTrafficOkay", "NeedToInformTeamForComingInLate");
}
catch (BiffException e) {
Reporter.log("Nothing to eat. Nothing to wear.");
e.printStackTrace();
}

catch (Exception e) {
Reporter.log("Cannot go to work. Need to inform team.");
e.printStackTrace();
}

}
@Test (alwaysRun=false, dependsOnMethods = { "myMorning" })
public void atWork() throws IOException {
setInputFile(System.getProperty("user.dir") + "\\WhatINeed.xls");
File inputWorkbook = new File(inputFile);
Workbook w;
String[] idleTime = { "30000" };
try {
w = Workbook.getWorkbook(inputWorkbook);
Sheet config = w.getSheet(0);
Sheet sheet = w.getSheet(2);
String waitTime = config.getCell(1, 4).getContents();
int hoursAtWork = 0;
String softwareTestingAndMeetings = sheet.getCell(1, 2).getContents();
String osgLunchOrSMXLunch = sheet.getCell(1, 3).getContents();
String thingsToDoWhileIdle = sheet.getCell(1, 3).getContents();
String currentTime;
String exactLunch = "12:00";
selenium.click("link=Open up all needed files and things to do");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
proc.doCommand("watchA4jRequests", null);
selenium.click("link=Chat");
proc.doCommand("waitForA4jRequest", idleTime);
selenium.click("link=Eat Snacks");
proc.doCommand("waitForA4jRequest", idleTime);
while(hoursAtWork < 8){
selenium.type("workWorkWork", softwareTestingAndMeetings);
assertElementPresent("isWorkOkay", "ReportThatWorkIsNotOkay");
if(assertChecker.equals(false)){
selenium.type("WhatToDo", thingsToDoWhileIdle);
}
currentTime = getLunchTime();
if(currentTime.equals(exactLunch)){
selenium.type("Lunch", osgLunchOrSMXLunch);
}
hoursAtWork++;
}
selenium.click("link=Logout");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
}
catch (BiffException e) {
Reporter.log("Running out of Tasks.");
e.printStackTrace();
}

catch (Exception e) {
Reporter.log("Something is wrong. Maybe it is a sign to.... =)");
e.printStackTrace();
}

}

@Test (alwaysRun=false, dependsOnMethods = { "atWork" })
public void afterWork() throws IOException {
setInputFile(System.getProperty("user.dir") + "\\WhatINeed.xls");
File inputWorkbook = new File(inputFile);
Workbook w;
String[] idleTime = { "30000" };
try {
w = Workbook.getWorkbook(inputWorkbook);
Sheet config = w.getSheet(0);
Sheet sheet = w.getSheet(3);
String waitTime = config.getCell(1, 4).getContents();
String gimmiks = sheet.getCell(1, 2).getContents();
selenium.click("link=Are there gimmiks for the night?");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
assertElementPresent("GimmiksSet", "JustGoHome");
if(assertChecker.equals(true)){
selenium.type("nightOut", gimmiks);
}
selenium.click("link=Go home");
selenium.waitForPageToLoad(waitTime);
proc.doCommand("watchA4jRequests", null);
selenium.click("link=Read");
proc.doCommand("waitForA4jRequest", idleTime);
selenium.click("link=Midnight Snacks");
proc.doCommand("waitForA4jRequest", idleTime);
selenium.click("link=Watch TV");
proc.doCommand("waitForA4jRequest", idleTime);
selenium.click("link=Sleep");
}
catch (BiffException e) {
Reporter.log("Gimmik planning failed.");
e.printStackTrace();
}

catch (Exception e) {
Reporter.log("Unable to go home! Stranded? or BASAG from the gimmik? =)");
e.printStackTrace();
}

}

@AfterClass
public void tearDown() {
selenium.stop();
}

}
/* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- */

Java on!
~Lyndon Jason

 

Work Smarter

Working Harder - This may get you on top, but at what expense? - the time you have for your family? - the time you have for your friends? - the moment you have for yourself? Are you ready to trade your time beyond the 8 hours of work just to finish everything that needs to be done? Are you in for the stress that comes with working hard? Will the praises and commendations suffice all the hard work you have given? Have you ever thought that "working" and "harder" are two negative words combined to form something far worse than what they are on their own?

Maybe it is time to Work Smarter!

When you work smarter, you not just rush things and get everything started and finished through hard work. When you work smarter, you always plan what to do and think if it is the best way you can do your work. When you work smarter, you gather your experiences - may it be the successes you have or the downfalls you endured - and use them. When you work smarter, you think how to make things easy - not harder. When you work smarter, you can surely balance your time between work and other things. When you work smarter, you may not need the extended hours for additional work. When you work smarter, there will be more time to play - and play harder!

A consistent honor student from pre-school to grade school until high school, graduated high school with the highest honors and distinction, graduated college with the prestigious Dean's Award, received consecutive acclamations on work - one given being the second highest, consistently received simple "good work" notes, and successfully maintaining work-life balance - look at what working smarter brought me!

The hard worker may make his way on top, but the smart worker is already on the highest highs when the hard worker gets there! Just my two cents!

--------------------oOo--------------------

'til my next one! See yah!

Smarts on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Teachers

Doctors - persons licensed to practice medicine
Engineers - people trained and skilled in the design, construction and use of engines or machines, or in any various branches of engineering
Nurses - people formally educated and trained in the care of the sick or infirm
Policemen - those member of a police force or body
Businessmen - men regularly employed in businesses
Priests - people whose office is to perform religious rites and especially to make sacrificial offerings
Politicians - persons active in party politics
[reference: http://www.dictionary.com/]

These are just few of the many groups of people who are important in our daily living. Imagine life without them. Will our lives be the same? Will Earth still be the planet where life exists? I guess the answer to both questions is no. We can't imagine life without these people. Life may cease to exist without them. We may not admit it, but most of us depend on these people. Medical patients depend on doctors and nurses. For us to be able to make work easier we depend on engineers. For safety and security, the policemen are there for us. For spiritual guidance, priests are there to listen to us. We can think and enumerate a lot more professions and groups of people who we depend on. But most of the times, we tend to forget the most important people there is, the people responsible for giving us those we depend on, the people who are behind the glory of those we esteem, the people we call our TEACHERS.

Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. Without teachers, there will be no doctors, engineers, priests, and businessmen. Without teachers, a child may be at lost early in their lives. Without teachers we may not become the persons we are right now.

Teachers are there to educate us, to mold us into becoming the doctors, the engineers, the businessmen that the world needs. But have you thought of the most important role a teacher plays in our lives? A teacher INSPIRES us - inspires us to learn, inspires us to do the things we want to do, inspires us to become the persons we are right now.

Unlike doctors, engineers and most workers, teachers do not instantly reap the fruit of their labor. They need to patiently wait, more or less, 20 years before they see what they have worked for. But having to know that they have inspired even a single individual to become a good and responsible person makes the waiting worth it.

In my opinion, teaching is the noblest of all jobs! And with what our teachers sacrifice in order for us to have the best quality of education that we can have, I regard teaching not as a profession but as a DEVOTION!

It is in our practice that we give a special day to tribute the important people in our lives. We have Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, Valentine's Day for our loved ones, and more special days marked in our calendars. Today, October 5th, as declared by UNESCO, we pay tribute to the unsung heroes of every generation. Today, we pay tribute to our beloved teachers. Today, we celebrate World Teachers' Day.

Let us all say our thanks to our teachers for the inspiration they have given us. Let us thank them for being our second parents. Let us thank them for all that they have provided us. But what is more important is to remember them not only in this day, but in the other 364 as well.

I am very much thankful to have crossed paths with great teachers. I have gained a lot from them. I am very much lucky to have met people who have shaped me into the person I am right now. But I feel very much blessed because God did not only give me a mother, He also provided me a life-long teacher of my own - Mom!

My mom may have chosen to work for a higher-earning job, but she did and still continue to devote herself in giving inspiration to students. Back then, when I hear her previous students brag about what they have become every time we meet them, until now when I hear the testimonials her students and other people give her, makes me always say: "That's my mom!". I am very proud of my mother because she has not just raised an only child, but she has as well raised thousands of other children and made them the persons they are now.

I may have a lot of teachers during my school days, but Mom, you will always be the best teacher I ever have. Happy Teachers' Day Mom!

--------------------oOo--------------------

I guess this is it for now. Thank you all for sharing another of your time with me. 'til my next one!

Teach on!
~Lyndon Jason

 

You've Made Me Stronger

You've made me stronger - This may be what Raissa Laurel says to whoever threw the bomb at the final day of the Bar Exams in Taft, Manila. One supposed-to-be a happy Sunday afternoon turned out to be one hell of an experience to those hurt by the inhumane blast. A lot got injured, including Raissa Laurel who was needed to get her feet amputated because of the injuries she got from the nightmare that was. News about what she suffered flocked the evening Sunday TV and continued the day after. But what got everyone moved was her optimism towards the ordeal that she had. Instead of crying her lungs out because of what had transpired, she served as an inspiration to everyone by having a positive outlook in life. Hope never left Raissa as she tells everyone that it would never be the end for her, it would never be a hindrance from pursuing her dreams, it would never stop her from living her life.

You've made me stronger - A shout-out that Kean may have given to the accident that he experienced a couple of nights ago. Tweeps following the Callalily's lead vocalist were surprised with a tweet from Kean that he had a car accident. From his tweets, the horrific accident looked like something that may have ended his life. But the singer/actor tweets that he was lucky to get out from the frightening mishap unharmed. Kean's being back in his work, his tweets, and the simple 'feels good to be alive' posts are enough proofs that he is much stronger in taking his second shot at life.

You've made me stronger - a scratched-up line from a song used by heart-broken people all around the globe. Very much used as it is, this still gives a lot of hope and strength to those who fell out of love and to those left by people they loved. This line makes everyone believes that ending a relationship is a way to start a new one, maybe a better one. This line motivates those star-crossed in love to start anew, move on, and learn. A simple line that keeps the fire burning for those who have been hurt by this thing everyone calls love.

You've made me stronger - Yes, you, my loyal blog readers, are making me stronger and wanting me to post more. Your love and support gives me the urge to continue blogging. Your usual comments and messages are more than sufficient to keep my creative thoughts working. You are the reasons why Lyndon Speaks keeps on improving from its humble beginnings until today. Now, Lyndon Speaks is supported on both desktops and laptops/notebooks. It is now compatible with 4 of the major browsers: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari. And now, Lyndon Speaks invades the iPhone as it is also working on the mobile device. Take Lyndon Speaks with you where ever you go by placing a link on your iPhone's home screen. All of these - because of you! Thanks guys!

You've made me stronger - No one deserves this line more than God, Himself. It is He who undeniably makes you and me stronger! All praises should go to Him.

--------------------oOo--------------------

I guess this is it for now. 'til our paths cross again!

Stand on!
~Lyndon Jason

 

Season Premiere

Guess what?!

Lyndon Speaks is back!

Just like our much loved US TV shows, which all returned this Fall with their new seasons, we all have our own Season Premieres in our lives. These premieres mark the start of a fresh and thrilling journey in this thing we call life. I recently had my own season premiere last July as I entered a new chapter in my career. But before I share it, why not recall the bitter-sweet finale of the previous one - just the way how our favorite series do it :).

The end of the previous chapter of my life started with a lot of thinking and realization. Is it worth the risk? Will I grow? Will I make it? Will I be able to leave everything behind? These are only a few from the hand-full of questions I had. But as always, with the help of the Lord, my encouraging family, and those I can call my true friends, making one of the hardest decisions of my life became like a breeze. I may have been hurt with what had transpired, I may have thought less of myself back then, but I realized that that was never my loss, it will never be my loss. After looking back at what I have accomplished back then, I realized that I shouldn't think less of myself because through the achievements I had, the praises I received, I have proved to everybody - to all of them - that I am better than them compounded into one! And if my "being better than them" cost me the end of a chapter of my life, I think that it is worth it.

But just like what my mom said, we should never burn bridges so that we can have a way to go back. It is not just the bitter memories and those who have caused hurt that I can go back to, there are a lot of sweet ones to cherish and bring along with me on to the next season of my life. There are friends - true friends - who have proved that they will never abandon me. The memories I had with them are surely worth coming back for. The bond that I made with each of them is worth keeping. The voyage that I shared with them is a story worth telling to my future grand kids. And the final days spent with them is the best way to close this chapter of my life.

As the new season of my life premiered, old faces came back as if the previous chapter had not ended. Of course, new places, new faces, and a new journey are ahead of me. An exhilarating feeling pretty much covered the season premiere. No one knows how long this season will go, but I am sure that I will make the most of every single day that this has. I will continue where I left off - a journey towards making a difference in other people's lives.

--------------------oOo--------------------

Lyndon Speaks is also premiering its new season. Let me present to you the third version of my site! This new version fades away from the old HTML-based site and is now gearing for an XML-based one. I'm still studying on how to build a site using this new design but I will make sure that I will still be able to add a few of my own to the templates that I'll be using. The new site features a full archive of posts (Lyndon's Peeks), my pick from the latest in movies, music, TV, and everything in between, and links on how to connect with me.

Thanks to my loyal blog-readers. I know you are all there to celebrate this new milestone of Lyndon Speaks. I know that you all know who you are. So thanks guys!

--------------------oOo--------------------

I guess that this would be it for now. And I hope to see you all really soon. Keep reading and keep your imaginations high! Always believe in yourself!

'til on my next blog post!

Ohhhh! I surely missed this:

Premiere on!
~Lyndon Jason

 

Love Sucks

Move over 'Cullens'. The 'Salvatore' brothers are here!

A blood-sucking afternoon to all! Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

March 4 2010 - the date when I got a hold on 11 episodes of a series called Vampire Diaries. Since then, I hoped to rot it on my laptop until I needed to clean up some disk space.

May 23, 2010 - after almost 3 months, I finally had the time to open one episode. And the rest was epic!

Elena, Stefan and Damon, all three characters would definitely invite you to watch all season 1 episodes. Finishing one episode will definitely make you want to open up another one and another one and another until you realized that you already have skipped lunch (speaking from experience). This is not just another epic love story, it is definitely more than that!

I'll not give every detail of the series. I do not want to be a spoiler for you guys. I'll just have to give all of you my word. It is very entertaining. Probably, this is the best fantasy series that I have seen since Charmed!

Why don't you give it a try? Watch it! And you will learn why love really sucks! :))

Thanks to Mai for the first 11 episodes. Thanks to Normel for pushing me to watch this.

This may not be a vampire diary, but thanks for sharing your time by taking a peek on my online journal. 'til later!

Suck on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Stunning and Promoted

Look, up in the sky, a star directly above the moon!

A beautiful evening to you coming from Lyndon Speaks!

Stunning!

The view from where I am typing this blog is simply extraordinary! A star is found directly above the imperfect moon. I have already shared a picture that I took on Facebook, but for those of you who do not have a profile on the social networking site, let me post it here (this also marks a first on Lyndon Speaks - a first picture post! This is best viewed on IE (Internet Explorer).).



Because of the magnificent sky God showed us tonight, an officemate popped me on Facebook (I'll not name HIM. It is up for the rest of my office-subscribers to find out. :p). I'll quote him:

"At dahil dyan, magte-text na ako kay boss. Sabihin ko mag-SL ako, ice-celebrate ko yung pinakamasayang gabi ko. Kasi may libre pa sa mundo na maganda."

You are definitely right 'kuya'! There are still lots of things on earth that we could enjoy for free! And tonight is one of them!!!

Promoted!

I'll take this opportunity to thank everyone who congratulated me on my promotion as Senior Software Quality Engineer!

I like to thank MOM and DAD for being proud of me. Mom, Dad, I am prouder for having you as my parents! Without all your hardwork, without you doing everything in your might just to send me to the best institution in town (Mapua Institute of Technology), and without you who continuously believe in me, I would have never gotten this far in just a short period of time (I'm just 24 years old!). I promise that I will continue to do great things. Thanks Mommy and Daddy!!!

I guess that would be all for now! 'til the next blog post!

Promote on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Elections 2010

I was not able to vote, but rest-assured that I'm praying for change!

The votes have been cast and the transmissions have begun! Welcome to Lyndon Speaks!

The Philippines has reached another milestone in its ever-colorful history as the first Automated Election took place. It is not fully automated as voters still went through manual processes. It was a good start although some glitches, both technical and not, transpired.

All the bad that happened were inevitable especially to a process which is new to everyone (including the COMELEC). All we have to do is to learn from it and think of it as a start, a start of something new.

There is no point in blaming anyone. Pointing fingers would not do any good. But prayers, hopeful thinking, and an optimistic view will ignite the fire of the change that each of us asks for.

To those who voted, I salute you for taking part of this change. To those who were not able to vote, there are still sacks of ways in which we could have the change that we longed for.

Who will win this race? Who will lead the Filipinos for the next six years? Only time can tell.

Be vigilant and protect our future!

As I ran through my portfolios, I saw an article on our highschool school paper (SSI Linkage). It took me back to memory lane - to the time when I became a part of an election - a Student Council election. Here is the article:

---------------------------------

SSI Studentry Re-elects Catalan as SC Prexy
By: Rachelle San Diego

Lyndon Jason M. Catalan, former SC President was elected for the second time as the Student Council (SC) President for the school year 2002 - 2003 on January 29, 2002.

Eight hundred twenty six (826) students casted [sic] their votes for Catalan that made him re-assume the said position.

Melvin Mark A. Villanueva, his run mate for presidency got one hundred sixty nine (169) votes.

Catalan headed the Heading for Oneness, Peace, and Excellence (HOPE) Party that primarily aims to continue the journey towards excellence with collaboration.

"I'm very happy and very much thankful to all who supported our party." started Catalan when asked by the LINKAGE to share his feelings for being elected the second time.

"Thank you for supporting me and my Party once again. We'll do our best to continue what we have started," ended Catalan with smiles in his lips.

---------------------------------

See you next time!

Vote on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Gangs

Before there were Chuchi and LBC, there was U.B.E.

All the gangsters out there, welcome to Lyndon Speaks!

Thanks everyone for all the comments you gave regarding the new version of my site. I really appreciate all of those applauds.

Last week, a friend asked me when will I feature gangs on Lyndon Speaks. As all of you may have noticed, Lyndon Speaks often tackles those which are in trend as of the moment. And yes, gangs are now a craze at the office.

Gangs - this word has a lot of negative connotations - gang wars for an example. But is it really that bad?

As far as I can see, gangs provide an individual a channel to be themselves. Gangs give a person the sense of belongingness. Gangs are where people meet other people with the same likes and dislikes. Most especially, it is in a gang where someone meets others who would accept them as they are.

It does not really matter where you belong - Chuchi, LBC, or even our U.B.E. - what matters most is that it is a group you can truly call your own.

Be safe everyone!

Gang on!
~Lyndon Jason 
 

Tweet

Tweet, tweet, tweet, TWEET!!!

Lyndon Speaks is now on Twitter!

Hi guys! I'm just dropping by to inform everyone that you can now follow Lyndon Speaks on Twitter! I hope to see you all there and I hope that you enjoyed my new blog template (which works best on IE - Internet Explorer)!

Follow me on Twitter: @lyndonspeaks

'til next time!

Tweet on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Lyndon x 3

Seeing three?!

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

One month after Lyndon Speaks' return to the world wide web, let me welcome you to its second version (its 9th overall) - Lyndon x 3!

This May, join Lyndon Speaks as the excitement triples up. Join me as I continue to share with you my thoughts, the recent happenings in my life and everything in between!

Thanks for reading my posts! Thanks for sharing your time with me. And I hope that you'll share another month of your lives with me.

Until the next blog post! I just dropped by to open up the new version of my site (which is best viewed on Internet Explorer - IE).

'til next time! Enjoy Lyndon Speaks!

Three on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Waiting...

And the waiting continues.

Another round of Lyndon Speaks straight from the office while waiting for JP.

I have less sharing to do today. No thoughts. Just plain small things happening here at the office while waiting.

Hmm. Let me think about that before sharing them with you. Hehehe. To share or not to share - this is the question. Hehehe. Maybe not. I'll not share what's really happening in the office during the night hours. But I am definite that nothing bad is happening. Hehehe.

Now that I will not share those with you, what will I share with you all 'Lyndon Speak-ers'? Hmmm. I can't think of anything right now. I'm quite distracted right now. Hehehe. Yeah. I just got distracted.

Anyway, I guess that I'll just be back some other day and maybe share something with you.

So, that would be all. Thanks to my ever-loyal blog readers - you are my inspiration to blog (naks!). Thanks for the warm responses to each blog post that I write. 'til next time! Ciao!

Wait on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Attack of the Jejemons

MbUhay aNg mgA~ JejeM0ns LOlz!~ l0LZ! l0Lz!
~ ~
welcome Bck 2~ LYndoN~ spEAkS~ p0wH.

mEDY0~ MtagL-TAgL q~ NG nRIRiniG Ang TErM na jEJemons P0WH.~ AkLa q DAt~ nA isa xIAng URi~ Ng PoKM0N P0wH.
~
Ni2nG nkRAaNG LinGGO~ Q LamNG NLaMn~ Na AnG jeJemon~ Pla Ay ISNg urI NG TAo p0WH. jeJEm0n~ anG Tawg Sa~ Mga tAOng GNI2~ MGTYPE~ sa~ mga s0cIAL NEtW0rkiNg SITEz 2LAD~ Ng~ facebO0k~ AT FRiEnDshiPSTeR~ P0Wh.~ jEJeMONZ~ diN~ AnG TAwG SA~ mGa TAOng GNi2~ MgPdAlA nG MGA txT MeSsGEs p0wH.

nOoNG~ Una ay~ NtataWA Aq~ sA mga~ jejEmonZ pERO nUnG~ NKBSA nA aq~ NG mga SULaT~ Ng jejEmOnz eH~ uNT-uNt NA AqNg NaAASR~ sa KnILa~ P0wH.

gUMgwA Na Ng MLakz Na iNgy AnG MGa~ jeJeMons~ P0Wh. lAmN nA SiLA~ ng mGa iNtErNeT FoRa, Pt nG mgA BLiTa sa~ telEbXON~ P0wh.~ SUMISIkT Na TALAgA~ aNg mga jeJemonS LoLZ!
~
peRo dapT~ BA~ ntN I2nG KUnSiNthn, N0H? dApT bnG iPgwlAng-bhALA~ na LamNG i2, n0H? o DaPt e AkXUNn na~ at puKPAiN AnG~ mga jEJem0nS, N0H?

i2 lnG Ang msSb q: MLAyA ANG SIN0h MN NA pumili~ ng pMmRAaN KUng PPNu NIla IPpHaYaG~ aNG~ KniLaNg mGa~ DaMdAmin p0wH. dapt LnG na PKTAnDaaN Na gUmMiT~ nG wS2nG pRaan sa bwT uri NG QMUNIkxon~ p0wh.
~
HANggNg sa~ SUSUNoD P0WH. mbUHAy anG~ mGA JEJeMOns~ lolZ!~ JejEJEJejeJe lolZ!~

Jejemon on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Behind all the Glitz and Glamour

... are false hopes that are now biting us on our asses.

Another round of Lyndon Speaks while on the van on my way home.

Do you think that all the right words are enough to mask what really transpires? Do you think that those that happen behind the scenes will remain unseen? Do you believe that the glittery words will forever put a shine on the darkness that was there to engulf us since the beginning?

I think that acceptance is always the key to make things easier. Accepting that something is wrong might make things right at the end, if not, it will definitely help others to move on easily. If honesty has just taken its rightful place from the beginning, I think that what is about to happen will not hurt this much. If the illusion that everything is alright was instantly put to waste, then no matter what worst may come, we could all rise up, hold each other's hands and together move forward. If only...

Now that the nightmare that constantly chases us is about to unfold, will we still believe that everything is still alright? Will we still put a blind eye on what is really transpiring? Will we remain behind all the glitz and the glamour?

Reflect on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Blogging to the Next Level

After a very long technical difficulty - many thanks to Globelines for the slow response to their customers - Lyndon Speaks is now online.

First, I would like to thank everyone for the comments given for my last post. Just like all of you, I was just as excited to read my post after a year of absence from blogging. My sincerest gratitude to my loyal subscribers for continuously reading my posts. And to my new readers, thanks, thanks, and thanks. I hope that you'll join me all the way.

Hmmm. So where will I start? A lot has transpired since my last post but I guess that nothing much is worth sharing because I couldn't remember most of them - and, again, we have Globelines to thank for that. Oh! Now I remember. I had an U.B.E. with Japes, JP, and Angela at Guilly's. It was just a short dinner. The dinner was great but the walk to Glorietta 5 was the best. Thanks to Japes and to his good sense of direction, we took the 5-minute walk to a half-an-hour fat-burning walk. Hehehe. That was tiring but a lot of fun. Let me call that an U.B.E. walk. Hahaha.

I guess that would be the sharing I have for now. I have no thoughts to share as of this moment, unless you want me to talk about software testing. Nah! That would not be fun for any of us. Hehehe.

Still wondering why the title for this post? It is because I am blogging from my iPhone! I am definitely taking Lyndon Speaks a level higher!

'til next time. Have great day 'cause I'll definitely have one!

iPhone on!
~Lyndon Jason
 

Lyndon Speaks - AGAIN!

ONE year! It is more than the wait you have for your favorite tv series' next season. But is this worth the wait? I guess so.. Being away for one year made everyone at the edge of their seats waiting for the next post. Being away for one year made everyone guessing what happened.

The wait is finally over! Join me as:

Lyndon Speaks - AGAIN!

April 7, 2009 - I bid farewell to everyone in preparation for the Holy Week and the big move. I left everyone hanging on what's happening with me and on the things that I share. Sorry about that, but the times got busier than the usual as I prepared to travel to the United States. I thought I'm going to have time to blog miles away from home - but obviously that did not happen. I got swallowed by the chance to be alone - to live by myself, driving my own car, and be with people extremely different from the ones I grew up with. That was fun - a whole lot of fun! And that took me away from the blogging.

After my trip to the U.S., I got back to work and was given a bigger responsibility which required me to balance everything - work, family, friends, party. As always, I did well with that. But I forgot to include something - blogging.

Then I realized how blogging relieves me during stressful situations. As I went back to my previous posts, I realized that during those times that I felt stressed out and that I was about to explode, all I did was to blog - to share everything with you. And it really helped me. Of course, it was not only during stressful situations that I blogged. I remember how glad I was to share every single happy moment I had. I felt good every time I share something new - may it be a gadget or a new realization.

So why not do it again? Why not share my life with you? With this, Lyndon Speaks will be even bolder, even louder!

A lot had already transpired - new friends, memorable gimmicks, lost friendship - but it is never too late to start anew. It is never too late to star speaking again. It is never too late for Lyndon Speaks.

More experiences to share, more realizations to impart, and more U.B.E. with friends to talk about!

Stick with Lyndon Speaks again, and together let us make a difference in each other's lives!

It is really good to be back!

Until the next blog post (and I promise that the wait would not be as long as it was)!

Speak on!
~Lyndon Jason