tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313509152011-04-22T00:38:14.290+03:00It has been said that 'OF ALL THE THINGS IN WHICH THE WISE EXCEL, NATURE'S CHIEF MASTERPIECE IS WRITING WELL.'This is my attempt at writing and getting published. This is not to say I'm passing myself off as wise but believe me, I hope to come across as someone who just writes well. After all, what's a frustrated writer to do but write? And hopefully, get read?ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comBlogger1571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-15379629892723892392007-08-13T11:15:00.001+03:002007-08-13T11:24:16.483+03:00

I created a Robertisms clone in WordPress. However, it's called rob.in.riyadh over there. Here's the new address - http://robinriyadh.wordpress.com/

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-7573392332144983882007-08-08T11:28:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:37:59.013+03:00

Tadaaa! Presenting the HTC P3600! OverviewPacked with technology, the HTC P3600 is the perfect companion for work and play. Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 5.0 keeps you up to date with your emails, calendar and documents; and with worldwide 3G high speed internet access you really can be connected wherever you are.Highlights- High speed connectivity with 3G, Quad band GSM, EDGE, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-88559930152156845602007-08-06T09:48:00.000+03:002007-08-06T09:59:48.237+03:00

At the right time (I would like to think actually, in God's time), I would like to establish a group (or a foundation if you will), that I will call, I Am Third. I came across this phrase from one of my readings in the past, I think Reader's Digest, which indicated that I Am Third is already a movement somewhere in the USA. It further read that the First is God; the second is Country and the I/

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-6641445302996106142007-08-04T14:58:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:01.940+03:00

Just as we named our Laguna abode Merrill Court, after our first feline pet, so did we name our rooftop villa in Riyadh Pfeiffer-On-The-Roof (POTR), after our second one.Although completed in August 2005, POTR was blessed in September, in time for Dennis' birthday celebration that year. When Dennis turns another year older this year, we would have been staying at our rooftop villa for more than

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-51457293260443885542007-08-04T14:17:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:02.735+03:00

So the Charmed One finally made it to Riyadh and back to Al Khobar (August 1-3) in one piece! Read his own account of the visit here: http://chriscafuir.blogspot.com/In his whirwind descent to the deserts of Riyadh, here are some of my favorite photos at Pfeiffer-On-The-Roof/POTR [courtesy of Charmed One] of his visit - Charmed One: in a pose worthy of Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon's Yes! magazine.Charmed

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-59999223466664352282007-08-04T10:59:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:04.449+03:00

September is Dennis' birthday month. One of the most memorable celebrations we had in the past was when he and I marked it at Burj Al Arab no less in 2002. The photos (and the Burj Al Arab experience) are therefore about five years old. [Disclosure: I used these photos and captions in a PowerPoint presentation and sent it out to family and friends via email, long before I learned how to blog. It

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-35330240554128406412007-08-04T10:07:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:04.985+03:00

At Dennis' birthday celebration last year (September 2006), one of our friends, Omar, gave Dennis a dog. As per Omar, the female canine - a mixed breed of Pekingnese and Tibetan-Spaniel, was already six months old at that time. We called her by many names but we eventually settled on Myx. All through most of the night, Omar just kept holding the copper-colored dog on his lap and the dog stayed

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-68502572776793725052007-08-01T10:20:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:05.874+03:00

Kapatid na Chris (Charmed One; http://chriscafuir.blogspot.com/) is visiting Riyadh for the first time over the coming weekend, since his move to the Eastern Province about four months ago. It's a big deal, obviously, so we are preparing a fete fit for a Charmed One tomorrow/ Thursday/August 2. Catering for about 25-30 of his friends in a swimming pool setting (urrgh, the temp hereabouts is 45

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-71618080896318517722007-07-30T12:17:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:06.093+03:00

I finished reading HPATDH/HP7 last night (July 29, 2007). I read the book over four nights (not consecutive, with the rally last night - I read almost half of the book - when I couldn't put down the book no matter how droopy my eyelids had become. I just had to find out what happened to Harry!) My thoughts, without hopefully being a spoilsport: I liked how J. K. Rowling wrapped up the Harry

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-42099986226660870792007-07-30T10:10:00.000+03:002007-07-30T10:13:56.399+03:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jyyfFiBZ8k

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-23856687860732412222007-07-29T10:45:00.001+03:002008-12-10T00:38:08.466+03:00

Construction of Merrill Court was completed in early 2006. With a lot of help from Ate Mayet and family and the rest of the Mendoza clan including the Esta couple (Ger and Lani who were our chief architects, with Dennis as chief design consultant - CDC huh), as well as from friends (the likes of Ate Agnez and family who helped a lot in settling legal/deed of restriction issues during the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-64364125966288131762007-07-29T09:48:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:09.909+03:00

The home that my Bebe and I built for ourselves in a village in Binan, Laguna (near Laguna Technopark), completed in 2006, has been named Merrill Court - after our first official feline pet, Merrill (we've had another pet cat, Pfeiffer since then, followed by doggie Myx, a mixed breed of a Pekingnese and a Tibetan spaniel, and lately, Grey, a white offspring of Pfeiffer with grayish hair on its

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-86776836352743044702007-07-28T10:15:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:10.217+03:00

[Or how we were able to finally watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix] ... That last Thursday morning (July 26), at a little past 9, my Bebe and I drove almost 400 kilometers from Riyadh to Al Khobar for almost three-and-a-half hours, after munching on jubna (oven-cooked cheese-filled oval pies) washed down with soda for a very late breakfast. Along the way, listening to Martin and

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-47694797492782840942007-07-25T16:20:00.000+03:002007-07-25T16:23:18.196+03:00

Happy birthday to my blog!My first post appeared on July 19, 2006, stupidly titled, "My First Time." He he. To date, not including this one, I have posted 143 blog entries, and counting.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-7337096833565708452007-07-25T13:37:00.000+03:002007-07-25T14:30:25.270+03:00

I'm giving way to two articles that say something good/nice about us Filipinos -Enjoy, be Pinoy; Bahala na si BatmanBy Gilda Cordero-FernandoInquirerMANILA, Philippines -- Pinoy is what Filipinos call each other, a term of endearment. You're Pinoy from Pilipino just like you're tisoy from mestizo or chinoy from chino. It's a nickname just as Minoy is from Maximo, Ninoy from Benigno, Tinay from

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-11495983346045573182007-07-25T10:46:00.000+03:002007-07-25T12:10:05.735+03:00

I love movies. I love watching them. Sometimes alone, and sometimes with company, specially if the film is so action-packed you sit at the edge of your seat. I love watching them in moviehouses, infront of a huge TV screen and on my laptop.I even love most of the celebrities that movies spawn. And so naturally, I am avid reader of celebrity magazines although I have this strong affinity with

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-18283768387208110742007-07-22T15:19:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:10.390+03:00

I'm not going to play coy and deny that I love the Harry Potter books and films. I actually now have all seven books (hard bound no less, all with the covers by Mary GrandPre - trivia: there are 3 cover versions including US child, UK child and UK adult - see below photos from MuggleNet.com).My sister Doris bought for me the first six in the series in the Philippines. She had to badger National

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-57756008632398337452007-07-22T13:43:00.000+03:002007-07-25T14:57:38.328+03:00

Here's the second installment of high school life vignettes...JUNIOR-SENIOR PROMOn our Junior year, we were the organizers of the annual Junior-Senior (JS Prom), which was (still is) a big deal in the Philippine educational system, despite efforts by the Philippine government (through the Department of Education) to economize, so that JS Proms fall under school extra-curricular activities that

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-73783217256710216902007-07-14T12:32:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:11.420+03:00

Here are my Cairo stories: ONEI never did venture out of the hotel and environs that much. Was kind of wary going to the city center on my own since I would have to deal with taxi drivers and vendors who I know will try to make a killing out of tourist me. So I was content to walk around the shops at the hotel and at the nearby Meridien hotel for my souvenir shopping. It took me two trips to the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-35378449786721514022007-07-14T11:51:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:12.890+03:00

Was in Cairo July 8-11, 2007. Wasn't really looking forward to the trip. Had to make it though since I needed the training from colleagues based in our Cairo office (which is actually the regional headquarters; it used to be that our regional HQ was in Abu Dhabi).Been to Cairo in 1996, for CairoTelecomp - a telecom exhibition that then-Lucent participated in, in a big way. My boss, who was with

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-28607928700529021482007-06-16T15:55:00.001+03:002007-07-25T14:59:19.709+03:00

It took too long in coming, but here it is -With so many things that happened in high school, I thought that the best way to reminisce is by sharing vignettes.I became a student of the Science-Oriented High School (SOHS) quite by accident. While a graduating elementary student in 1975 of the Bicol University Pilot Elementary School (BUPES), my class advisor then (Mr. Matocinos), spurred the class

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-24121341187779391822007-06-16T15:19:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:13.706+03:00

High school classmate and friend Cecil, encouraged me once to write about our life in high school. Truth to tell, the idea has long been simmering in my head. I have always wanted to do it with high school photographs uploaded as well though. I had difficulty sourcing the photographs until I realized some photographs have been uploaded to our high school class Yahoo group. So once again, I'm

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-14246952068034587162007-06-16T11:11:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:15.594+03:00

Dennis and I were at The Four Seasons Hotel (Riyadh at the Kingdom Centre) last week as Dennis supervised (successfully I must say) logistics and other arrangements for meetings with the company's big bosses (from the Europe & South region, the Regional Unit Middle East and the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain leadership). Preparations were hectic and on the meeting days themselves, almost everything

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-48931975323638970832007-06-10T14:04:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:16.417+03:00

I greatly thank Jose Wendell Capili [of away from canberra] for inspiring me to write this entry, with all the nostalgia-inducing photographs he posted on his blog about UP.Mr. Capili, I took the liberty of posting some of the photographs from your blog, and adding my own stories/memories your photos evoked from me.How did I become a UP student?It almost always starts with the UPCAT or the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-40156589185200732952007-06-10T10:03:00.000+03:002007-06-10T17:09:30.525+03:00

If there is one thing truly lamentable during my stay here in Saudi Arabia, it is the apparent lack of the true spirit of professional customer service among the ranks of people supposed to provide you that. [For sure, Saudi Arabia's customer service industry has no monopoly of this lack but I am going to be writing from experience.]Last night (June 9), I was scheduled for a 7:00 pm massage

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-44244521338741094912007-06-09T14:35:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:16.629+03:00

This is a photograph of my nephews and nieces, and some of my older nephews/nieces' kids. I'm proud of them all if only because they all are lookers! I hope they all grow up to be as good-hearted as they are as good-looking!They gathered together for a reunion of sorts in Cavite. Three nephews/nieces from the USA, Japan and Saudi (who are siblings), decided to take a break in the Philippines

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-32386116147308328642007-06-03T15:21:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:16.703+03:00

We received our new corporate IDs today. I would have wanted to keep the old one as a souvenir but I would not get my new one until I surrender my old one. So I thought, I would post the old one on the blog (and include the new one to boot), for posterity.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-67255873264790745612007-05-26T11:58:00.000+03:002007-05-26T12:15:48.365+03:00

My Bebe and I flew to Jeddah over the (May 23-25) weekend. Nothing unusual but for the fact that it was our first time to fly NAS Air, one of two new budget airlines in Saudi Arabia (the other being SAMA).Since the beginning of public air transport in the Kingdom, the airlanes have been dominated by Saudi Arabian Airlines.Flying by NAS Air was pleasant enough - meaning, there was not much

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-21914432687442906692007-05-22T11:15:00.000+03:002007-05-26T12:15:11.347+03:00

I went to a rehearsal of singers last night (May 21), with my Bebe. You already know my Bebe sings, doncha? And that he's an excellent singer too, doncha agen?Anyhow, this entry is not about him but the other singers in the group. This group has been rehearsing for a show for OFWs in time for the so-called Migrant Workers Day celebration of the Philippine Embassy here in Riyadh. It was originally

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-78667211662769628962007-05-20T09:40:00.001+03:002008-12-10T00:38:17.175+03:00

Let's go back my memory lane, why don't we?Me and Pluto at Disney (in Anaheim), in the early 2000's.I really like my smile here. I feel like the little boy wrapped around Pluto.Me and the pyramid in Cairo.I was in Cairo for a telecom exhibition in the late 90's.Unfortunately, I did not get inside the pyramids; I was a bit scared.And sadly (and I don't mean to trash Cairo), while the pyramids were

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-14704092008088647962007-05-15T17:05:00.000+03:002007-05-20T14:43:10.774+03:00

Last May 14 evening, after my Bebe and I had dinner, I dropped by a neighborhood store to check if it sells Em Bee Tin hopia. It didn't so I moved around the cramped store and picked up a big bottle of Vaseline and quarter of a kilo of almonds. But before I could get my almonds, another customer wanted a hundred grams of mixed nuts. His request would not have been unusual or uneventful were it

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-2340589908298379042007-05-14T15:45:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:18.043+03:00

Without a doubt, Chili's has become a favorite eating place for us through the years. We first dined at a Chili's back in Makati (at Greenbelt), although I am unsure now if it's still there. Chili's at that time had the ambience of a TexMex resto.Subsequently, we've had the good fortune of dining at Chili's in Hawaii, in LA, in Manama, in Jeddah, in Al Khobar and in Riyadh. Chili's in Al Khobar

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-42590885905890209242007-05-13T13:54:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:18.650+03:00

I beg your indulgence. Just one more photo. From R. Formaran's lens.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-2774476924211521332007-05-08T10:45:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:18.981+03:00

Finally, Papa Randy was able to share with us a copy of the so-called FAMILY PICTURE of the weekend we spent in Dirab [the same one that was "video-grabbed" by J. Manalili]. Randy somehow, seem to have begun a nice tradition, of gathering families who spend activities together, for a group shot. He also makes it a point to share the photo with each family [and all other participants] as a

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-12739110643795862642007-05-05T15:48:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:24.425+03:00

The villa had this divider that looked like a studio backdrop.Andami naming kinunan ng photos against this backdrop including moi, my Bebe,Papa Randy and Papa Chevy.Sleeping beauty. Cora and Jun, side by side.Jun, Rene and Engel at one villa's wide patio. A view of the huge pool behind our villa and against the wall of the mountain;the pool at night.Ms. Earth Dirab candidates: Tess, Cora and

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-42260516636689163982007-05-05T08:56:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:25.290+03:00

Ex-Lucent families once again found a way to spend the weekend in a most lovely way - at Dirab - in particular at the Dirab Polo and Golf Club Resort. The resort is owned and developed by the Ibrahim Abunayyan Sons Company at Dirab, which is about 60 kilometers south west of Riyadh city and nestled in the Tawfiq Valley. The resort is an adjunct of the Dirab Golf Course, "the only grassed 18-holes

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-30968778838860892622007-04-30T08:44:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:25.874+03:00

Me as a Dominican novice:I am not in costume, he he; I thought I was called but I was not chosen. This was in the late 80s. Back when I thought I had the calling. Maybe I had but the Dominicans did not choose me in the end. I felt so numb when it was announced, ironically, on the Feast of the Anunciation. It finally sunk in a few days later and I felt so unwanted, so useless, so unloved.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-33578217319830704652007-04-29T15:08:00.000+03:002007-04-29T15:41:28.091+03:00

Ang pagsusulat ko ba ng blog ay para sa akin lang? Bakit naman hindi ko maiisip ito gayung mukhang ako lang yata at paisa-isang kaibigan o kapamilya lang ang nagbabasa nito? Kahit na nga ang Bebe kong naturingan ay hindi parating nagbabasa ng aking pinagpalang blog. Tinanggal ko na nga ang bilangan upang hindi ko na mapunang hanggang ngayon pala, wala pang sampu bawat linggo ang nakakabasa nitong

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-89408254789552105772007-04-29T09:59:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:26.063+03:00

The Penelope*Phone adds a new and distinct character to the HULGER collection.They designed phones you would want to use in the street, bar, officeor at home on a long (free) VoIP call to your best friend on the other side of the world.The lavish, sweeping, sensual curves of the Penelope*Phone conjure up images of a 30's deco opulence. This phone seduces the senses while engaging contemporary

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-54930438202300227502007-04-23T11:41:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:26.988+03:00

One of the better things about the Internet is the ready availability of images such as these that I unashamedly downloaded for my collection. Now, you're in it with me; you're a conspirator!Chess set; I downloaded from Marvin's blog (Prologue of a Prince). This one's not actually from the Internet but it's included in this setas I have kept this in my computer for the longest time now.It was

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-74269759007260888682007-04-22T09:12:00.000+03:002007-04-25T12:58:38.852+03:00

In my youth, and even in my adulthood, I never knew what I really wanted to be in life. I never found my calling, so to speak, at such an early age. And this led to a few false starts.In high school, I thought I wanted to be a dentist and so I took college entrance exams designed to let me into a pre-Dental Medicine course. That did not pan out. To stay in the university of my choice, I was left

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-88479421939736271942007-04-21T17:05:00.001+03:002007-04-28T18:41:22.819+03:00

After leaving my first job in Riyadh in February 2005, I went back to the Philippines and returned right back to Riyadh in April of the same year, to a similar (secretarial) job in another company. I owe the opportunity of landing another job to my Bebe, who recommended me to one of the bosses in the new company where he worked and who was looking for a really capable assistant. I therefore got

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-84648758833135756652007-04-21T11:24:00.000+03:002007-04-28T14:21:44.961+03:00

After more than 13 years, I'm still an OFW.I stayed in my first job for 26 months, despite the fact that I should have been eligible for leave or exit from it after two years, as per my contract. My bosses made it quite difficult for me to leave on time by requiring me to find my replacement myself, despite it not being my job. Even then, after I found a replacement, they still wouldn't let my

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-76073872403213407602007-04-18T11:51:00.000+03:002007-04-28T14:21:06.578+03:00

This is the real story. He he.The year was 1993. I was already working as a reporter for a business newspaper when a friend/former colleague from the school where I used to work prior to becoming a reporter, called me from Riyadh to ask me to be his replacement at his job there. He said that he had not been at his job for two weeks when he realized that he (and his young family back home in

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-46714940917470948432007-04-17T10:28:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:36.767+03:00

How my nephews and nieces have grown! Just this month, several of them graduated either from high school or college. This is the last batch I think of my nephews and nieces since I don't believe my siblings have anything forthcoming in the next years.I'm quite proud of my nephews and nieces, including the older ones who already have families of their own (these include nephews and nieces from my

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-62067823436104318362007-04-16T11:44:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:39.310+03:00

Friend and colleague/co-worker Jun Manalili, turned 50 recently, with a sumptuous late lunch buffet (home-cooked and catered by catering magnate Ali Zacarias, naks) at a traditional (and very spacious) Saudi esteraha (resort). It was actually an overnight stay at the resort, which afforded us (my Bebe and I at least) plenty of time to indulge in our videoke singing passion till the wee hours of

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In a multi-cultural working environment, such as in Saudi Arabia where many expatriates form part of the workforce, unique and very peculiar goings on happen. This was one of them.This is a story of what happened to Vincent Krol, a Dutch national who used to work as executive assistant at the office of the president of our company here in Riyadh. He phoned another company located in Europe. His

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-26702900345377767962007-04-14T09:30:00.000+03:002007-04-14T10:50:26.450+03:00

I don't really know what brought it on, but last night, I thought about my teachers in college, specially those who kind of appreciated the way I write. On top of my list are Francisco Arcellana, Rene Villanueva and Jorshinelle Sonza. The late Francisco Arcellana was an eminent writer and a professor emeritus. And he gave me a flat 1.0 (the highest) in his creative writing class. Until now, I

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-54826282367112447022007-04-03T11:30:00.000+03:002007-04-07T10:12:23.729+03:00

The ways detractors describe our profligate lifestyle, and the ways that I would sometimes affirm such descriptions, albeit in a facetious way, you might think I was to the manor born. Veracity be established though, I had my moments of poverty looking me in my eyes. I know how it was (and is) to be materially poor specially as I was growing up.While my mother Mamay was still alive and at the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-18389002892402183102007-04-01T11:22:00.000+03:002007-04-01T11:25:04.626+03:00

I am excerpting this prayer from Our Awesome Planet. Anton writes the prayer is from a guy called Stephen Cuyos.A Blogger’s PrayerSo compassionate, so faithful, so loving You are Our Father. We ask You to increase our faith and our love for You that we may use blogging as an instrument to fulfill Your purposes. May we become bloggers of truth and promoters of peace. Help us to be steadfast in our

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I already mentioned elsewhere that even before Janice de Belen appropriated the title for herself, I was and still is a Quotation Queen. And just a few moments back, I remembered another favorite which I first read while in college --Just when I knew all of life's answers, they changed all the questions.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-80769147933357761842007-03-20T08:38:00.000+03:002007-03-20T10:16:24.796+03:00

I can drive. You. Nuts. But I don't drive vehicles. Much as I want to. Or dream about it. I can only manage bikes. Presently. The saddest with this fact is my Bebe. For quite some time now, he has been complaining about the rigors of driving our car. Specially in Riyadh in particular. And in Saudi Arabia in general. [Although he also complains about driving in the Philippines.] He wishes loudly

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-63747756583448024482007-03-19T14:35:00.000+03:002007-03-19T14:55:45.375+03:00

My birthday month is June and based on an email I got, my birthday month means that I am someone who [with my comments inside the brackets]1. Thinks far with vision [Duh]2. Easily influenced by kindness [Corrected by]3. Polite and soft-spoken [Ain't it obvious, hmmmm?]4. Having lots of ideas [yeah, lotsa, lotsa of them]5. Sensitive [I'm not the best drama actor/actress for nothing]6. Active mind

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-8117341997799063422007-03-19T10:16:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:39.552+03:00

A few months back, there was talk of organizing a concert for a cause, featuring my Bebe as the main performer/singer. You see, my Bebe is an unheralded singer of note. He surely captivates his audience when he sings. He might not enjoy superstar status, but for people in the know, he's more than just a top-caliber singer.My Bebe loves to sing and singing so much, that for a time, he was willing

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-49853889883135026152007-03-14T10:03:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:40.549+03:00

I'm no gourmand, even if the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus know how much I pretend I am sometimes. He he. Nonetheless, and limited my foodie trips may be, allow me to describe the gastronomic and gustatory palette here in Saudi Arabia.Officially, we can't eat pork. Kasi nga, Islam considers pigs dirty and their meat, therefore, not fit for eating. Unofficially? Let's just say that there are

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DESIDERATA (which according to Wikipedia is Latin for "desired things", plural of desideratum) is one of my all-time favorite poems. Wikipedia further describes it as an inspirational prose poem about attaining happiness in life. I first read it on the walls of dormmates back in college. It was a best-selling poster during our time, together with a poem about not quitting. I didn't like the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-56594356745492062412007-03-13T09:43:00.000+03:002007-03-13T09:51:12.464+03:00

I've collected these from emails I received these past years:***May today there be peace within.May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.May you be content knowing you are a child of God.Let His presence settle

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-36319914588437820422007-03-13T08:58:00.000+03:002007-03-14T09:37:52.080+03:00

Growing up, I heard my father once say after someone blurted "Wala akong pera/I have no money" that you shouldn't say that lest it becomes the truth. Last night (Monday/march 12), while watching Oprah interact with a panel of motivational speakers on "The Secret," Rhonda Byrne's now hugely-popular rendering of what makes successful people successful (check out www.thesecret.tv), I realized how

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-33263657295756730942007-03-12T12:53:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:40.830+03:00

I'm a Water Rabbit. This means that (at least as far as the www.chinese.astrology.com is concerned) -- Timid and attractive, the Rabbits of the Chinese Zodiac tend to act more like bunnies, whether they like it or not! This Sign is extremely popular and has a wide circle of family and friends. Its compassionate nature leads it to be very protective of those it holds dear, but where romance is

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-82675040330074823242007-03-12T11:19:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:41.482+03:00

As I was born on June 7, my birthday tree daw is the Hornbeam. WTF is a hornbeam tree? But if the Internet [Which Tree Are You? avintagewedding.com] is correct, the hornbeam is the tree of good taste#&%^&*()(!It is a tree of "cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-32226332816894236002007-03-12T10:24:00.000+03:002007-03-12T14:37:47.988+03:00

Back in high school when annual retreats were de rigeur for us students, the concept of Johari Window was much bandied about. Are you familiar with this? If not, here's a repro, lifted from the Net.Johari WindowKnown to SelfNot Known to SelfKnown to OthersNot Known to OthersThe Johari Window, named after the first names of its inventors, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, is one of the most useful

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-49079194212108295772007-03-12T08:52:00.000+03:002007-03-13T09:01:59.346+03:00

I grew up on komiks. Not the Marvel Comics sort. Not even Jughead. More like Hiwaga, Wakasan, and Tagalog Klasiks. I even soaked up on Liwayway and Bulaklak. I know, I know. This really dates me. But I'm disclosing this because I owe a lot to komiks, specially in helping me read and write in Tagalog/Filipino.I don't know how I got started but I distinctly remember spending time at the arkilahan (

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-64335267775709856492007-03-07T18:29:00.000+03:002007-03-11T13:09:33.740+03:00

This list includes countries kung saan hanggang airport lang ako. He he. And it goes without saying na I could not have been in these countries without my Bebe. Sa totoo lang, kahit na me wanderlust ako, I never did have the courage in the beginning to venture into embassies to short of beg for visas. My Bebe was my confidence-booster everytime. It's also a factor na dahil OFW kami, we were able

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-62616232845260881272007-03-07T14:35:00.000+03:002007-03-12T10:22:23.359+03:00

These are what I love - in random order:1. Peanut butter/jelly sandwiches.2. Ripe/sweet mangoes and watermelons.3. Strawberry and chocolate ice creams.4. Chocolate and ube cakes.5. Eating out.6. Fish/shellfish.7. Kiamoy, dikiam and those sweet/sour Chinese candies.8. Peanuts, cashew nuts, pine nuts and almonds.9. Shopping for clothes and accessories; shopping for the home.10. Keeping house.11.

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We were at the Marriott in Riyadh on February 25-26, 2007, as support staff of the 2007 Alcatel-Lucent Technology Seminar. The seminars have been staged in Saudi Arabia only six times since 1997. They bring over scientists and researchers of world-renowned Bell Labs to the Middle East region. This year's edition brought the Bell Labs president himself no less. And here's one trivia that could

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-43984503178819914952007-03-04T11:54:00.000+03:002007-03-04T13:48:25.531+03:00

My post on my TTAM pala was my 100th. Akalain mo yun? Hindi pa kasali siyempre yung mga drafts na until now, I have yet to publish. Anyhow, for the 101st, naisip ko na ilista naman ang mga eccentricities ko. Buti na lang hindi yata aabot ng sampu. He he.1. I flush the toilet even before I'm done.2. I drink water or beverage even before I'm done eating.3. I must always have tissue paper around me

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-32479822538184194492007-03-03T12:12:00.000+03:002007-03-03T13:37:52.998+03:00

Taking a cue from kapatid Chris, here's my TTAM [ten things about me] you may never know until this revelation, in random order now --1. I'm uncomfortable with being touchy-feely.2. I love to shop in 3s or in 6s or a dozen specially when it comes to clothes and canned goods.3. I need to push a cart when grocery-shopping.4. I don't readily accept people in authority; I must first be convinced that

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-14937234688110501402007-02-27T15:36:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:42.377+03:00

I have been meaning to post an entry on kapatid na Ferdie. I found the best opportunity today, inspired as I am by the photograph above. It was taken at Cameraderie's photo exhibit at the Philippine Embassy Chancery last Friday [Feb. 23], in celebration of National Arts' Month. The photo shows [from left] Dennis, Chris, Ferdie and me. The exhibit coincided with the induction of officers of the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-63693436677165248892007-02-14T16:51:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:42.923+03:00

Grabe, ang konti ng photos namin together.Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-79489198785640318142007-02-14T16:28:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:43.199+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-90100478053320063872007-02-14T16:22:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:43.628+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-12342539416385473362007-02-14T16:20:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:43.961+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-90912950731334964562007-02-14T16:06:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:44.701+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-28317491235235103482007-02-14T15:58:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:45.532+03:00

Ang mga poses na pang-election poster:Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-3545959976650576002007-02-12T12:33:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:46.452+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-70925171471896834032007-02-12T12:05:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:46.925+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-42296664779884957182007-02-12T11:54:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:47.446+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-1603387383005021402007-02-12T11:45:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:48.027+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-35831930754154004922007-02-12T11:33:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:48.449+03:00

Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-23411289006215974432007-02-12T11:21:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:48.913+03:00

Now, 13 years later --- Special thanks to Geri and Flor Canlapan for use of their home-based studio.Photos by Ferdie U.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-83928418383729556792007-02-12T10:34:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:49.087+03:00

This is going to be a series, beginning with this particular entry. The series (of the photos at least) will be on the surprising but nonetheless delightful twist to Dennis and I's February 11 celebration/commemoration of having been together for the last thirteen years, and hopefully, for many more years to come.The delightful twist came in the form of Ferdie's call/text message on Feb. 9 [or

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-8201372799987176912007-02-06T10:36:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:49.651+03:00

One of the more memorable days during our homecoming to the Philippines in early January this year, was the day trip to Tagaytay. Kapatid Chris just came back to Riyadh from his own homecoming and shared the photos attached below (thanksalot Kapatid!). Highlight of the Tagaytay trip was the look-see of Tagaytay Highlands. One of Belle Corp.'s agents guided us on a tour of the estate. (For the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-7836468565212753872007-02-04T17:25:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:54.746+03:00

Photos by Dennis Mendoza.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-59755239885708649912007-01-15T17:51:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:38:56.260+03:00

After lunch at Souk Madinat Al Jumeirah's Dome restaurant, we moved to the Ibn Batuta Mall to collect our tickets at the Quidam box office. We had many hours to spare before the show started at 8:00 pm. So we roamed Ibn Batuta's four courts: China, India, Persia and Egypt.We were VIP Tapis Rouge ticket holders for Quidam and so we lined up at the red carpet entrance by 7:00 pm and enjoyed drinks,

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-66129635873358491832007-01-15T17:32:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:02.594+03:00

Dennis and I flew to Abu Dhabi from Riyadh, despite the fact that Circque du Soleil's Quidam will be in Dubai. The primary reason was to save on hotel room costs while the secondary one was to enjoy the company of now Abu Dhabi-based colleagues/friends. We stayed with the Ochoas and visited with the Celestinos.On the day we were to watch Quidam (Jan. 11), we rode a small bus to Dubai from Abu

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-33766049246444183482007-01-14T16:33:00.001+03:002008-12-10T00:39:12.579+03:00

One wonderful part of our homecoming, was hosting Lola Ganda/Mommy Donida even for a few hours. She is such delightful company for she keeps you in stitches and engages you in endless chatter interspersed with her unique witticisms. And she's such a fashionista to boot! This is just our second date with her (in two years huh) but it looks like it's going to be a regular thing from here on. Dining

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-55612596101734270012007-01-14T16:32:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:14.357+03:00

Super dami the tao at our housewarming. Box office hit!It was the first time that the Magnos and the Mendozas came together, so it's also probably historical and certainly hysterical. He he. This is the eksena at the living area na tagus-tagusan sa dining area. Jog and young family sa stairs where you can also see somehow what's going on at the terrace.Turkish lamp also making dungaw from the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-166922117073678802007-01-14T15:28:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:14.601+03:00

We're taking a break from our Christmas vacation chronicles!Yeaaaaarrrrs back when I was but a toddler, my parents (most probably, my mother) somehow were able to have my photographs taken by an ambulant photographer. The funny thing is that this photographer must have been without any apt props; I had to be seated in a potty training seat! Missing props aside, I think my propensity to flash my

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-51031227080436249962007-01-14T13:25:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:16.989+03:00

This series of photographs completes my chronicle of our Hong Kong trip in December 2006. This particular set is the result of my pretentious amateur photographer's (PAP) itch to click away with my criminal, er, digital camera - which, by the way, I think needs an upgrade. Robot-like contraption(actually, the coin-eating telescope) at the Peak. I am not really keen about orientation so I am

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-67409726067810622812007-01-14T11:49:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:19.278+03:00

Group photo of Dennis and the Bismontes.We did have a real group photo that includes Blogger.It was taken by an "in-house" photographer but we were unable to scan. Maybe later. Blogger and Dennis. Little boy Lloyd against one of the paintings/drawings at the viewing deck. The loving and lovable Bismonte kids: Lloyd, Carlo and Kristine. Kristine and Carlo with Minnie Mouse, sort of. Carlo and the

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-81906655672691252602007-01-14T10:20:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:26.014+03:00

A visit to Ocean Park will not be complete without watching the dolphins. The first time we were in the park back in the 90's, the dolphin show was on a break. The theatre was undergoing renovations, or so we were told. This time around, it was open. Not only were there dolphins, but there were sea lions on show as well. I had second thoughts about watching the show though since a news item I

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-64555072013291421272007-01-13T17:41:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:27.792+03:00

.At the platform of the Disneyland Resort Station:Dennis, Blogger, Lloyd, Kristine, Ate Mayet and Kuya Serge.Carlo took this photograph.Looking like the bedraggled tourists that we were,infront of the Disneyland Resort Station, after arrival.Blogger infront of the giant Christmas tree,elaborately lighted up, with a marching band to boot,as soon as it starts to gets dark. It's actuallya deja vu

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-86954303158843847092007-01-13T14:49:00.000+03:002007-02-14T17:32:11.685+03:00

So how did we spend the break? In a most hectic way. But since it was spent with family, coupled with a few side trips in two other countries and included watching a world-renowned circus act, it was a most satisfying albeit expensive and cash-draining one. Here's how it went:Dec. 25-31- Spent Christmas Day airborne.- Stayed in HongKong and met up with Ate Mayet and family beginning Dec. 26. They

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-69026589867701159582006-12-19T17:52:00.000+03:002006-12-19T17:56:12.140+03:00

Alcatel-Lucent wishes you the best this holiday season:http://www1.alcatel-lucent.com/2007

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-7951569286021799692006-12-11T11:35:00.000+03:002006-12-11T11:55:45.849+03:00

I have been under the weather, so to speak, for the past several days that I never really had the chance to keep myself up-to-date on news. It was like, news was dealt with in an in-passing mode. So imagine my shock when my high school classmates and a few bloggers I regularly read, clued me in on the devastation in Bicol, particularly in Daraga, Albay [where I was born and lived until graduating

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-17572601096561217262006-12-10T17:21:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:27.958+03:00

Me want this for Christmas!

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-22367041466938334752006-12-10T17:14:00.000+03:002006-12-10T17:18:50.502+03:00

On my marker (cremated my remains may be), I would want this to be written:All he wanted in life was to die in a state of grace.

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-13189114722306245082006-12-10T16:57:00.000+03:002006-12-11T14:30:51.478+03:00

Compared to serious bibliophiles, my book collection is a fledgling one. There are many reasons for this. One of them is the fact that life in these parts is so temporary that it will be such a waste to keep buying and collecting books, only to spend a fortune on shipping them back later to Manila [actually, in Binan, Laguna] when it's time to finally settle in Merrill Court. Another corollary

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-85700358489854281602006-12-09T15:36:00.000+03:002008-12-10T00:39:30.718+03:00

Alcatel and Lucent Technologies announced plans to merge in April 2006. The merger was completed in November 2006. Day One of Alcatel-Lucent is on December 1, 2006.In celebrating Day One, which actually fell on December 4 in Saudi Arabia, former Alcatel and Lucent employees gathered at a hotel in Riyadh. Photos of the gathering are posted below.In addition, here also are blurbs about the new

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31350915.post-59949945088848185712006-11-21T15:46:00.000+03:002006-12-11T14:33:08.397+03:00

Jarec and Woitech "at home"(home being Seder Village in Riyadh). Jarec up close. Jarec, Gary, Woitech, Blogger and Dennisat Zee Noodles (in Jeddah). Dennis, Chris, Blogger and Jarec drinking the night awayat Baher Villas. Woitech, Dennis, Jarec and Blogger infront ofBaher Villas (in Al Khobar). Woitech, Blogger, Chris, Dennis and Jarecat Chili's (in Al Khobar). Woitech, Blogger and Jarec at a

ROBERTISMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10040524448284256072noreply@blogger.com