tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366770852024-03-14T15:18:06.257+08:00Life of a GeekRM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.comBlogger728125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-78991728664686409282023-02-02T22:43:00.000+08:002023-02-02T22:43:01.968+08:00I guess my mission's not yet over<p> </p>
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<p></p>
<p>
The 38th IFATCA Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting was held last October 20-22,
2022, in Cebu City, Philippines. This is the first time for PATCA (Philippine
Air Traffic Controllers' Association) to host an international event. Also,
this is the first face-to-face conference/meeting since the APRM in Kathmandu,
Nepal, in 2019. At that time, travel restrictions were eased in most
countries.
</p>
<p>
We barely had three months to prepare since the travel restrictions weren't
proactive. It was indeed a gargantuan undertaking for us! While on duty, my
colleague approached me and asked if I wanted to host the 3-day program. I did
not hesitate and said 'yes' at first, thinking that was my only contribution
to PATCA (later, I had too many tasks for the event, but I ain't complaining).
They also asked Katrine to be my co-host for two days, which is also a good
thing since she's one of my close friends in the office. Communication and
coordination won't be a problem for both of us.
</p>
<p>
I never felt nervous and anxious until two weeks before the program. While Kat
and I were finalizing our script, it finally hit me. I was starting to regret
it. Firstly, I NEVER hosted a formal program in my ENTIRE LIFE (parties not
included), and secondly, talking in front of an audience frightens me. But I
told myself this is just a challenge, and I had Kat with me. I am not alone in
this ordeal since she felt the same thing.
</p>
<p>
The first day of the program was nerve-wracking, and my hands were shaking
during break time. But you know what? As soon as I heard positive remarks from
my colleagues, it gave me the strength and confidence to continue my task. The
flow of the program wasn't 100% smooth. There were a few minor technical
glitches, and as a host, I need to keep the show running while the tech team
is busy fixing some things. I need to think fast, and I was also surprised
that we pulled it off and even made the audience laugh and highly engaged!
</p>
<p>
Because of this, I got recognized by some of the people from IFATCA. Today, I
am part of the World Communications Committee for Asia and Pacific Region and
a facilitator for the IFATCA's Speak English Program. If I didn't say yes to
this hosting task, I'd probably be stuck in a rut.
</p>
<p>
This shows that we grow outside our comfort zone. My heartfelt gratitude to
those who supported me in all of my endeavors and those who pushed me hard to
strive even better in my craft and skills. Maraming Salamat!
</p>
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RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-44816069683202463942022-06-23T22:49:00.001+08:002022-06-23T22:49:11.253+08:00Some updates about my life<p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just don’t write something that hasn’t happened yet. I don’t know, as much as I’m an optimist, I am leaning towards pragmatism. I don’t give myself false hopes because, at the end of the day, it’ll hurt me so bad. As an air traffic controller for nine years, I have learned how to pre-plan my life, and plan at least ten steps in case shit hits the fan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">—</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few days ago, a creative idea just popped out of my awesome brain. Awesome. Yeah right. Anyway, so I was thinking of writing a book. Can you believe it? Well, I am not surprised. When I was in fifth grade, I began writing my novel. It’s a horror-comedy kind of book. It’s all about a family who just moved to a new neighborhood. Like your typical horror-comedy flick, the family lives happily while they settle in their new environment. And all of a sudden, strange things began to unfold. The family had a tomato garden in their backyard. Then their tomatoes started to grow big and began to develop teeth. You already know what happened. It’s morbid. It’s fun. But, I didn’t take the time to finish the book because I don’t know how to end it.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe I just missed writing. Like, writing-without-being-forced-to-write-something kind of thing. Trust me, when you write something creatively, it’s hard especially when you lack inspiration. I honestly can’t picture myself working in a creative industry. My creative juices need to be replenished now and then. The problem is, I need long breaks in between. That can’t be done if I work at an advert company, for example.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Going back to the topic, I am thinking of writing something about my journey as an air traffic controller in the Philippines. You know, it’s my first job, been working for nine years already, and I am feeling sentimental just thinking about it, especially since I am LEAVING the country for good. I honestly don’t care about the reception after publishing it. But the fact that I published a book is already huge. I am also planning to publish my travel stories as well. These dreams are in the pipeline, and I am considering them. </span></p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-66842112775522632972022-01-16T22:30:00.003+08:002022-01-16T22:30:22.025+08:00First Two Weeks<p>2022 welcomed us with a bang, like literally. For the first few days of the year, I have finally decided to resign from my online job. It's no longer making me happy, and I got burnt out from all those demanding tasks. Almost nine years of being an ATC, I have never experienced this before. Even hearing Slack's notification and the Aussie accent is making me anxious. So, I decided to resign. This job is one of my means to earn more for my show money and tuition fee for my Canadian dream. But no, I was no longer happy. I told my parents about what I was feeling, and they told me not to worry about it because they were willing to help me. For the first time, I felt free! Like a slave unchained from the clutches of his ruthless master!</p><p>It was the best decision I have made so far because everyone got tested positive back at my 'real' work, and we lack a workforce. Since the start of the year, I have been working endless hours to meet the minimum shift complement—good thing we are all getting paid for rendering overtime work.</p><p>---</p><p>Speaking of which, we had an emergency online meeting in our cluster to discuss the procedures and our work schedule. I have this colleague who is an anti-vaxxer. Instead of discussing the main plan, he kept veering off-topic, like the anti-vaxxer's sentiments and the omicron variant being a 'Mother Nature's natural vaccine.' As the one who previously contracted COVID-19 last year and experienced isolation for 14 days, I lashed out. I was fuming mad because he completely disregarded science and presented dumb facts from conspiracy theories. I have friends who suffered and died from the virus, and I cannot just let it pass through. His sentiments scream injustice. I debunked what he said and left the online meeting after that. I can't stand the blatant ignorance. Every time I see him in the office, I feel indifferent. I don't care, to be honest. I pray that he will only experience mild symptoms if he contracts the virus. Otherwise, he will never get an ounce of pity if everything gets serious. I don't know; thinking of that particular moment makes me fuming mad. Anyway, we need to move on. It's already in the past, and I have to focus on beneficial things and make me happy.</p><p>Speaking of the things that make me happy, someone from UFA Technologies interviewed me for a possible job offer. Hours before the interview, I felt nervous because it'll be all over if I screwed this up. Plus, add that Jason speaks highly of me at the office, so imagine the pressure of keeping up with the 'gold standard.' The interview went really well, based on Neil's comments. I hope that this is the sign I've been waiting for. This pathway is better than the international student pathway because I don't need to shell out millions. But, who knows? Either way, I have more options to consider.</p><p>Anyway, this is getting long. The first two weeks of 2022 have been crazy. </p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-46579190684519246482021-11-01T11:31:00.001+08:002021-11-01T11:31:03.874+08:00Which Path I Should Take?<p>So, I'm stuck. I don't know which one to take between two post-grad degrees in Toronto. I initially thought of taking Human Resource Management at Humber College (Lakeshore campus) since they have a mandatory work term that could help me land a job for my PGWP and increase my network in Toronto. Also, I am interested in taking the Public Administration post-grad degree at Seneca College (York Campus) since I am a government employee, and I can easily defend this on my student plan. It also has an optional work permit, and the campus is at York University. I guess I have to do more research on which one to take. To be fair, Humber College also offers Public Administration, but it is more expensive at $26,000. We'll see how this goes.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-62866891376779878172021-10-31T22:03:00.004+08:002021-10-31T22:04:26.944+08:00I Survived!<p>Last week was just hectic. So, it was on the third week of my online work as a podcast manager. I was still learning about the how-tos of my role, plus I had to attend a two-day seminar about safety management. Do I have a choice? Nope, I didn't. I am the safety officer of my facility, and I have to attend that meeting. But wait, there's more! I have to work four days straight! Like, OMG. I can't believe that I survived. By Friday, I was sleep-deprived, and I was using every ounce of my neurons. Just after logging out at my online work at around 3 PM, my brain was restless. Instead of taking an hour's nap, I searched some stuff on the internet, then went to the gym by 4:20 PM. At sundown, my mind started to shut off. It felt like my brain wasn't there in the first place. I was mentally tired at that time. My close colleagues invited me for dinner at MOA, but I bailed out last minute because I was mentally exhausted. I was too tired to socialize. The mental stress was taking a toll on me. So, at around PM, I slept. The next thing I knew, the sun was already high, and it was bright outside. It was the best 11-hr sleep I have had—much-needed rest.</p><p>This week isn't that hectic since I have already done some tasks on my online work, and I don't have online meetings. God, I hate online meetings. Now I know what it feels like to attend online conferences and workshops for days. Zoom fatigue is real! I still have to work four days straight at ATMC but, I have already arranged that since I'm the shift supervisor on all shifts.</p><p>Anyway, I am still grateful for this online opportunity because it will help me save more and plan for my finances since I will study in Toronto! I think I'm going to settle at Humber College. I am excited! I am starting to gather my documents, schedule my upfront medical examination early next year, and research international student life in Canada. Wow, this is it! </p><p>PS: I'm back in Makati CBD, and life is better here. I just didn't like BGC.</p><div><br /></div>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-61401352867591458582021-10-07T17:35:00.004+08:002021-10-07T17:35:51.488+08:00 A Bold Step<p>This is it. This. Is. It!</p><p>I have finally decided to pursue graduate school in Toronto, Canada. Since 2019, I have been planning to move there and live there for good. Why Toronto? Well, I've always believed that I was meant to be there, that Canada is calling me. I've been gravitating towards the idea of settling there. When I went to Toronto last March 2019, it was love at first sight. No, Toronto may not be the cleanest city in the world, with lots of homeless people lying in the streets I mean, there's no perfect society, right? But I guess while walking around its parks and streets, and riding their streetcars and trains, I see myself working and living in Toronto. That's why in the same year, I applied for an express entry for PR (permanent resident) under the Federal Skilled Worker stream. Unfortunately, my CRS points aren't enough to meet the minimum score. I tried every province in the provincial nomination stream, but for some reason, I didn't receive an invitation from them.</p><p>I have to admit that I almost lost hope, but there's still one way to get there, and that is to study there and work after. In that way, I will score higher points for my express entry profile and have a better shot in getting the highly coveted PR. But why think of it today when you had the opportunity in 2019, you might ask? Well, I thought about it but it wasn't worth the shot since I need to study for a year, international students pay three times more than the locals. On average, a one-year graduate certificate costs around $17,000, excluding books and other miscellaneous fees. It doesn't include the monthly living expenses yet. While it's an investment, people are taking their chances since most of the invitations to PR came from the Canadian Experience Class stream, meaning those people who had their post-graduate education and work experience in Canada. They are prioritizing the international students. I believe this will be the trend for the next three years because come to think of it: international students pay more, therefore contributing to the education sector of the country. And after graduation, these students also contribute to the Canadian workforce, which is essential for the Canadian national economy. </p><p>My target date is September 2022. For now, I am researching all the things about applying for a Canadian study permit, the steps I should expect and undertake, and the possible scenarios I would encounter along the way. I am aware that this is not going to be a walk in the park. I know that leaving my promising career in the Philippines is a big risk, but this is the risk that I am willing to take. All for personal growth and learning.</p><p>Nothing's going to stop me from reaching my goals. I can do this, with God's grace and perseverance, I shall conquer the world. Yes, I can do this!</p><div><br /></div>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-5709186804528602402021-08-08T23:16:00.003+08:002021-08-08T23:28:24.647+08:00Intersection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<p><br /></p>
<p>
What if we lived in a world that didn't face the global health crisis? Life
could've been different. You see, we'd both continue to do our regular work or
responsibilities in life. We'd be traveling around the world and continue to
tick off our bucket lists. Or perhaps continue living this never-ending cycle
of monotony? Maybe in that world, our lives will continue like parallel lines.
There is synchronicity. There is a common denominator. The world might feel
small, but just like parallel lines, they will never meet.
</p>
<p>
However, in our realm, everything turned upside down. I thought life would be
such a huge mess, not just for me but for everyone else. The world momentarily
stopped, and chaos ensued. There was panic. And for the first time, there was
uncertainty. It was in these moments where plans didn't go accordingly. But, I
just realized that unpredictability comes with excitement. The unplanned
outcomes are can either make or break you.
</p>
<p>
The foxes led me to a fortunate stroke of serendipity. Through these
creatures, I had the chance to meet you. I met someone who has a soul so pure,
so passionate and dedicated, and so much zest in life. An exchange of simple
salutations turned into long late-night conversations. I knew right after our
first call there was something special in you.
</p>
<p>
Every day, I look forward to seeing your name on my phone's notification. I
would feel gutted if I missed your calls because I was either at work or
sleeping. We laugh at our weird jokes, and we eagerly listened to one another
how our day transpired–even talking about the weather of our current cities
would last for like an hour. It was too easy to have struck a conversation
with you. It felt like I have known you for the longest time. Every day, you
always remind me to keep pushing forward to achieve my dreams. You always
inspire me to strive for excellence.
</p>
<p>
I just realized that in our world, there's always a curveball. Somehow, the
once parallel lines we used to started to converge. At one point in our lives,
we begin to intersect. It is a point where all of the synchronicity,
serendipitous events, and coincidences happen. From there, we shall remain at
the intersection point, never leaving again as individual lines.</p>
RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-41704933284933204722021-06-12T22:14:00.001+08:002021-06-12T22:14:06.531+08:00Second Half of 2021<p>I can't believe we're halfway through with 2021. So, yeah, my Canadian boss decided to take a break from my voiceover job, but I'm hoping that he'll give me projects soon. He told me there's nothing to do about the efforts I made but some of his projects that I'm working on didn't pick up steam. In the meantime, I'm applying for an online translator side gig. I'm currently residing at BGC, another posh district of Manila. I love the environment plus my new housemate is my former schoolmate back in uni so this shouldn't be hard (plus our birthdays are only a week apart, so we share the same attitude HAHA).</p><p>Wish me luck! I'll fly back to Davao in three weeks again to have my second dose of vaccine. I'm so excited! Most of my friends have already been vaccinated. My hopes are high.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-48173308401948907742021-03-14T03:05:00.004+08:002021-03-14T03:05:56.594+08:00Solitude<p>How is it possible to feel empty despite doing productive things? Like, today, I had 8 hours of good sleep, wrote the first safety report for the year 2021, ate delicious Chinese food, worked four hours for my online voice-over project, and watched three episodes of medical dramas. I even planned to edit my Melbourne vlog, but my creative juices aren't spilling out yet.</p><p>Yet, I feel terrible. Terrible because I wasn't like this. There's a party with my colleagues, yet I chose to stay at the office to do this stuff, to keep myself preoccupied. I feel better with this kind of setup. There are days when I don't feel like talking to anyone. There are days when I value solitude, that I have to regenerate this energy inside me. I don't know, but I still feel terrible and empty inside despite being productive. I am not proud of what I did like I only gave four stars to the Grab delivery guy just because he doesn't have change for 500 pesos for my McDo delivery. So, I went to the nearest ATM, only to find out it's taking 48 years to dispense money. I banged the ATM out of frustration, and I didn't listen to the Grab driver's suggestion that I can pay him through GCash the following day. Instead, I gave him four stars despite him being so apologetic with our predicament. I know it wasn't a big deal on my end, but for him, it was. He was doing his job, and here I am, acting like a privileged brat. It feels like there's an inner monster or demon inside me.</p><p>Maybe all these emotional stresses that accumulated since last February had finally reached a crucial point. I'm not like this. But, there are people in your who'd test your patience. When someone broke your trust, you'll never bring it back. I believe people deserve second chances in life, but we have to consider the circumstances. As for me, when someone broke their trust, they start burning the bridges. Why fix something that's already damaged when you can destroy the foundations of it? I'm all for quality over quantity, and I don't give a flying fuck about all those good memories. Memories, whether good or bad, are a thing of the past. It's good to reminisce about it, especially the good ones, but we have to move forward.</p><p>Maybe I was hurt because someone took advantage of me being selfless. Maybe I was hurt because someone dares to tell lies to people. Maybe I was hurt because they never asked how I truly felt if I was okay or not. I think it's about time to leave this heavy emotional baggage and move forward. Burning bridges and destroying their foundations will surely help to unload this burden that I'm feeling right now.</p><p>I will be okay. But for now, I am not. </p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-13888202576428870562020-12-31T13:09:00.005+08:002020-12-31T13:09:40.090+08:002020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO23kaiWTMm8GfmfQmmKmANDBjVdEl6SAasqJOB8EQZ7-psYSsi6O5gPT25TizLCuOu9B12fa3iPgXAE0WSAtEreUwNMsa2LtzfQaK1iHBH7nhjdPf_4qjbU1zkImZ1TqqeEO1/s4032/IMG_5568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO23kaiWTMm8GfmfQmmKmANDBjVdEl6SAasqJOB8EQZ7-psYSsi6O5gPT25TizLCuOu9B12fa3iPgXAE0WSAtEreUwNMsa2LtzfQaK1iHBH7nhjdPf_4qjbU1zkImZ1TqqeEO1/s16000/IMG_5568.JPG" width="600" /></a></div><br /><p>It's the time of the year when we post how we spent the year and how it culminated. This year was an exception–no throwback travel photos, no photos of your family and friends being together. It has been a long and dreary year for us, and January 2020 felt like it happened a decade ago. We have been through hardships this year, and all of these have affected most of us. It's easy to say that 2020 is the worst year yet as some succumbed to the virus, and long-awaited plans have to be put on hold indefinitely. Some of us were also quite eager to see the sunshine again, the birds sing, the flowers bloom, and this cold veil, the outbreak lifts itself off of this world. Most had desired so mere, yet so lofty. Everyone wanted to do what they did last year and the years before: live normally again, breathe once again some outer air. However, before this outbreak, people were tired of living monotonous lives, and they craved some change.</p><p>This year was all about realizations instead of expectations. We truly understood the meaning in the phrase, 'life is precious' and truly learned not to take anything or anyone for granted, not to guarantee anything, and to expect less and accept more. </p><p>2020 changed us in every possible way. What was once flourishing in 2019 plunged into a deep, dark abyss in 2020. While some of us became a little cold, let's shed off the misfortunes that engulfed us, let us again smell the glittering new year. 2020 was a year that enhanced people's experience with turmoil and some with trauma due to the passing of those that once breathed air like we once did. While we're at it, we have stories and tales to tell when we're old and gray, like what we hear from the war veterans. While I am aware that it's like comparing apples and oranges, what happened this year will be embalmed in our history books, and one day, the future generations will one day use it as a source of knowledge.</p><p>One can only hope that 2021 will give us everything that we couldn't have in 2020. While 2021 rhymes with '2020 won', it didn't win.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-54806045634193595712020-11-20T21:15:00.003+08:002020-12-01T04:48:19.520+08:00The Impact of COVID-19 on Philippine Air Traffic Management<p>On March 12, 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced the halt of domestic land, sea, and air travel to and from Manila beginning on March 15. The National Capital Region (NCR) and the Greater Manila Area (GMA) were under Extensive Community Quarantine (ECQ) to curb the spread of COVID-19. International flights to key cities in the country had followed as well. While the government has advised everyone to stay at home, it was an entirely different story for air traffic controllers, albeit with the new safety procedures and health protocols mandated by the Department of Health.</p><p>The Air Traffic Service of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officially inaugurated the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) last August 2019 as it gears towards the integration of systems of the approach control and en route facilities of the country. The new integrated system addresses the increasing demand for air travel in the country. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Beginning March 15, all domestic flights and most international flights have halted in an attempt to restrain the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines. Because of this, it significantly reduced the air traffic volume by more than 90%. Due to the low volume of air traffic across the country, the Air Traffic Service of CAAP has reformulated the new working schedule to ensure that there would be fewer ATCs reporting for duty on a given day. Pre-COVID, air traffic controllers here in the Philippines work 40 hrs a week with two days off. However, during the pandemic, we are only required to work 24-hrs straight, and the remaining days of the week will be either a day off or a work-from-home set up to meet the 40-hr work week requirement from the Commission of Audit (COA). ATCs on duty are required to wear face masks during their tour of duty and to observe social distancing and frequent hand washing to minimize the spread of the virus.</p><p>Since there is a surplus of air traffic controllers, CAAP has announced that it will suspend the recruitment of the new batch of air traffic controllers. We are currently in a situation where we encounter a surplus of air traffic controllers to cope with the limited demand, and it still unclear as of this writing how demand for air travel will recover. Aviation experts say that it would take at least 12-18 months before we get back to at least 80% of the peaks we saw in 2019. Therefore, there would be less demand for air traffic controllers in the country in a few years to come.</p><p>The Air Traffic Service has crafted new procedures regarding handling situations like this one, the global pandemic. These procedures ensure the safety of our airmen as we mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The air traffic service has nonetheless never ceased to continuously provide air traffic service to flights that carry stranded locals and OFWs and essential goods.</p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic is 'The Big One' that we never anticipated. It caught us off guard. Nevertheless, there is a clear sense that this is going to be one of the main topics of discussion in the Philippines for the foreseeable future.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-8757678743800620472020-11-08T02:54:00.004+08:002020-11-08T02:55:10.253+08:00Know Thy Worth<p>So, I had an hour of a heart-to-heart talk with my best mate in Toronto. I told everything about why I was feeling down and sad these past few days. I told my mate that I have dropped a bomb that really caught him (nope, <i>not my mate</i>, the other person) off guard. I was actually expecting it. My good mate told me that there's nothing wrong with me and I just have to do those things that make me happy. He said, "know your worth, Renz!". I'm still in the process of recovering from all the bad shenanigans I did. It was downright irrational, irresponsible, and I might have caused a burden to him, to begin with. His last message read, "I really appreciate this. I have to process it though." Maybe I am still new to this thing, and the lesson was learned the hardest way. People really come and go, but they teach you valuable lessons in life. I should go with the flow, and the person <i>who truly values me</i> will just come when I least expect it.</p><p>Such a life!</p><p>PS: And oh, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won!</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-74569286940706364982020-11-07T01:27:00.004+08:002020-11-07T01:27:41.620+08:00Irrational Thoughts at 1 AM<p>I always think that I'm smart, rational, and organized. At work, I believe that I'm one of the most efficient employees, and I always strive for perfection. I have no problem with that. BUT, when it comes to love, I'm on the opposite spectrum.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>They say love is the most complicated thing in the world. I can say that I'm still an inexperienced lad. A noob, if you put it that way. In the past, I only had one relationship which only lasted for like four months because the other half was too clingy and wanted me to settle and move to a new country permanently. I thought it was fast, and I got too overwhelmed by it. It was a bad break-up. We ended up blocking each other on every social media platform. He is clingy and I wasn't enjoying my solitude from time to time (an INTJ thing) but wasn't a toxic person to be fair. I was just afraid and came unprepared in facing the unknown.</p><p>There were times when I'd thought he's the one. Apparently, it was either one-sided or an LDR. I don't know. I make simple things complicated. I know I'm a straight-forward-no-bullshit type of person, but when it comes to love, I am irrational. Heck, I thought I'm one of the dumbest human beings who have walked on this planet. I easily fall in love when I thought everything's falling into the right places. I struggle saying the right words I wanted to say, and I ended up writing it in a letter or just send it through text. What a coward!</p><p>I need to be honest to myself, but sometimes too much of it can lead to a total disaster. Ugh, I hate myself for being like this. I have been thinking a lot of stuff lately and it keeps on bugging me, you know? I got restless, and eventually, I get sadder and depressed as days go by. But I don't know. I shouldn't have sent that notebook, to begin with. I shouldn't have. I have definitely crossed the line, for sure. But for what its worth, he made me realize that I am still capable of loving a person unconditionally... at a cost of losing him as a great friend.</p><p>I am hoping that everything will be okay in the next few days, or weeks, or even months to come. I am willing to wait. And, if it goes to radio silence, I have no choice but to move on and learn that mistake. It'll hurt me along the way, but it all goes to a lesson learned the hardest way. I don't know, time is relative, and it only depends on the other end. As for me, I did what I did, but the only thing that I'm regretting right now is losing a friend and became a stranger once again. It felt like all of the foundations have been broken right after the strong earthquake.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-68699593886038769152020-11-06T22:40:00.002+08:002021-03-23T21:00:37.201+08:00Against The Tide<p><i>My dearest Super Pumpkin,</i></p><p>Maybe you will forget everything I have written here, but it doesn’t matter. Resting upon these pages are my truest feelings for you. I will leave my love for you so you might someday find it, when you’re moving to a better apartment, or when you start disposing old things from your drawer or cabinet, and so I may leave it behind me, so I may live again. Like the way, I used to live before.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The days I had with you, virtual or not, were unlike any passings of time I have witnessed on this planet. For so much of my life, behind the walls I have built around my heart, I have been alone. In you, with you, I found such a friend as I had never known. I was enraptured, consumed in this bliss that was the turning point of my long solitude to something else, to something entirely, for solitude is the sullen presence of nothing, and nothing more. But in my bliss came blindness, and as such under my nose unnoticed you, slipping away. I did this, you did that, and there was so much we didn’t say. Now those words, those dreams were scattered by the swirling winds of time. Perhaps though, if a mind is an ethereal thing gets cast out into the sea of reality, grasping at the truth, entangled with emotions. Perhaps, as this mind is bound to dead words and lost dreams, expressions, and hopes who are no longer have a place to resonate and walk upon the earth. Words for times now gone, dreams of hearts new and broken, all sense says such things no longer belong.</p><p>So I am senseless. Mad even, for on this page, against my broken heart, I defy those swirling winds and ask time to forget these dreams, to let them rest forever on this page, in this bed and mountains of emotions and feelings we’ve made together. Entropy is damned, the LOVE we shared will wait here upon these pages. Without me, without you, they will wait like the stones of our hearts to meet once more.</p><p>Loving you always and forever,</p><p>Renz</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-69922720306143938652020-11-05T16:49:00.000+08:002020-11-06T16:49:11.458+08:00Sodexo unwraps the best gifts and their digital solution this holiday season <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuuGDxHBL-z84IZs6f4_9ASrFJRQOYDRGDrG2Ta-4HDElFEkC5zd3ymAh57W0BKwLK_6RI4ZmozYCJXnaMbJIv_FpnEIrU6EeauNEhlx-uaUK8uvbewgSkL3hLIoVa52qpZSR/s1080/Sodexo+Photo_App.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuuGDxHBL-z84IZs6f4_9ASrFJRQOYDRGDrG2Ta-4HDElFEkC5zd3ymAh57W0BKwLK_6RI4ZmozYCJXnaMbJIv_FpnEIrU6EeauNEhlx-uaUK8uvbewgSkL3hLIoVa52qpZSR/s16000/Sodexo+Photo_App.png" width="600" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services fosters the spirit of gratitude this holiday season with a multitude of exclusive deals for its corporate clients and consumers. For companies to reward their employees in a safe and efficient way during these times, Sodexo also launches its new digital solution, the Sodexo+ app to complement their paper solution, Premium Pass.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services fosters the spirit of gratitude this holiday season with a multitude of exclusive deals for its corporate clients and consumers. For companies to reward their employees in a safe and efficient way during these times, Sodexo also launches its new digital solution, the Sodexo+ app to complement their paper solution, Premium Pass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupy7BpeSbnXGQFFrJWXfLwKmdST3hUHX3Nslx1FD-cjV0fFsE7e7uPu3TGQ8aGeWqv4iDyvLJKw_V0-BDojFWSONHdr4U8N-MW4oNuQPGNNcWS4seEYfjyLupyWaJRXCrhRAZ/s1080/Sodexo+Photo_Diagram+Sodexo%252B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupy7BpeSbnXGQFFrJWXfLwKmdST3hUHX3Nslx1FD-cjV0fFsE7e7uPu3TGQ8aGeWqv4iDyvLJKw_V0-BDojFWSONHdr4U8N-MW4oNuQPGNNcWS4seEYfjyLupyWaJRXCrhRAZ/s16000/Sodexo+Photo_Diagram+Sodexo%252B.png" width="600" /></a></div><p>With Sodexo+, the country’s leading gift certificate can now be distributed from an easy to use web portal into a free app. Through the app, users can then enjoy their digital GCs at the most preferred and popular merchants nationwide and purchase e-vouchers from e-commerce giants Shopee and Zalora. Users can also share their GCs with other users through the ‘Share GC’ feature on the app.</p><p>With over 2M customers served, Sodexo continues to delight companies and consumers through instant, affordable, and memorable gifting experiences in partnership with major retailers. Its Premium Pass is hailed as the top and most preferred gift certificate product in the country, accepted at over 12,000 merchants nationwide. Sodexo’s co-branded gift certificates offer exclusive access and best-valued deals in leading establishments such as SM, Rustan's Supermarket, Shopwise, Wellcome, and Walter Mart. Sodexo also powers the SM Gift Pass, which can be used in SM Department Stores, SM Supermarkets, and all SM retail affiliates such as Watsons, Ace Hardware, Toy Kingdom, Uniqlo, and Forever 21, among others. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKJOrO4FaMHWfYXhNZxUbTHSBtIfgRqRHCPRT-ZZWWN_b6O0x3xbT7TKVMr5_8MJGmm8v21ZYmrM876DzBnci5lH7tNfcsYXkQbN1MIo50XaUoVhaf-H81jrnas5ZnANts4JG/s1080/Sodexo+Photo_Hand.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKJOrO4FaMHWfYXhNZxUbTHSBtIfgRqRHCPRT-ZZWWN_b6O0x3xbT7TKVMr5_8MJGmm8v21ZYmrM876DzBnci5lH7tNfcsYXkQbN1MIo50XaUoVhaf-H81jrnas5ZnANts4JG/s16000/Sodexo+Photo_Hand.png" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8lRc1Helvk7CLvDG-rWvz3J2QVaLF9_Yq62g9g3k3siOXTEDiRy14NZBaseT4JjfKZ8D_04c4YBIxeymPVBbPDFOYbpjudJ9Cjn5Tms6T_6DpZNUHVyWnI4fnG0SvgIZUrnw/s1080/Sodexo+Photo_Office.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8lRc1Helvk7CLvDG-rWvz3J2QVaLF9_Yq62g9g3k3siOXTEDiRy14NZBaseT4JjfKZ8D_04c4YBIxeymPVBbPDFOYbpjudJ9Cjn5Tms6T_6DpZNUHVyWnI4fnG0SvgIZUrnw/s16000/Sodexo+Photo_Office.png" width="600"/></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCoMr_HNW7zkft60Xx7LDMrjvkzIu7cCpQUwZyqACfqwOc7bHNKGVE8ywlEBVZvKQaUtkGqFVgqZ6R0kbvzDz4TxjsFgmdBXqfmKliuhelYbzxPBwOA34pJqIhNJViPOulb8h/s1080/Sodexo+Photo_Sodexo%252B+Homescreen.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCoMr_HNW7zkft60Xx7LDMrjvkzIu7cCpQUwZyqACfqwOc7bHNKGVE8ywlEBVZvKQaUtkGqFVgqZ6R0kbvzDz4TxjsFgmdBXqfmKliuhelYbzxPBwOA34pJqIhNJViPOulb8h/s16000/Sodexo+Photo_Sodexo%252B+Homescreen.png" width="600" /></a></div><p>As more and more businesses adopt paper and digital gift certificates for valuable experiences, the forecast for the gift card industry is to have a compound annual growth rate of 13.9% for 2020-2024 in the country, even with the economic effects of the pandemic. </p><p>Since September, Sodexo has been treating its corporate clients with early holiday deals to reward their employees as well as their customers to help keep them engaged for the rest of the year and beyond. And now, clients have the option to send out versatile and meaningful rewards safely and in real-time through Sodexo+. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Delightful deals, digital Christmas baskets, and more! </h2><p>Aimed to celebrate everything that makes our hearts smile and unconditionally grateful, Sodexo’s “Season of Thankspiration” campaign offers corporate clients a variety of deals this season: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Early Thankspiration: Enjoy up to 1.10% Sodexo+ rebate on Premium Pass, Mobile Pass, or Sodexo+ digital GC orders. Promo duration is from Sep. 16 to Nov. 15, 2020. </li><li>One-derful Christmas Gifts: Order a minimum of P100K Co-Branded GCs and get to enjoy 1% OFF or rebate. Promo duration is from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020. </li><li>Buy More, Get More: Get FREE P500 worth of Sodexo+ credits for every P1M purchase of Sodexo GCs. Promo duration is Nov. 16 to Dec. 31, 2020. </li><li>Digital Christmas Ham or Basket: Instantly distribute gifts to employees, partners, and customers with Sodexo Digital Christmas ham or basket GC. Promo duration is from Sep. 16 to Dec. 31, 2020. </li></ul><p></p><p>Until December 31, 2020, consumers can also enjoy exclusive freebies and discounts when they use their Sodexo GCs at selected Miniso, Red Ribbon, Krispy Kreme, Yellow Cab, and Figaro Coffee branches nationwide. </p><p>The Sodexo+ app is available for download on both IOS and Android smartphones. For more information on Sodexo+ and Sodexo’s Christmas deals and offers, visit and sign-up at <a href="http://bit.ly/SodexoChristmasDeals">bit.ly/SodexoChristmasDeals</a>. For personal gifting needs, you can also buy Sodexo gift certificates at <a href="http://www.gcregalo.com">www.gcregalo.com</a> and have these delivered right at your doorstep. </p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-41044180727774363402020-11-04T23:23:00.003+08:002020-11-04T23:23:35.267+08:00The US Elections 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZC3TAgJHKPhjGB2XSl9CeHG3Yj_aSDw0NflGjxyFiZj0YSTRxoeSRDCqlGNKA9IqhGhqUcOO5tR3RjotBlap2A-_vADcDEiDBO7sax4jjK3Qmdfj5TJNDfojTiTN1TP7zjsp/s1306/Screen+Shot+2020-11-04+at+10.39.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1306" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZC3TAgJHKPhjGB2XSl9CeHG3Yj_aSDw0NflGjxyFiZj0YSTRxoeSRDCqlGNKA9IqhGhqUcOO5tR3RjotBlap2A-_vADcDEiDBO7sax4jjK3Qmdfj5TJNDfojTiTN1TP7zjsp/w640-h520/Screen+Shot+2020-11-04+at+10.39.49+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The entire world is watching. It's a neck-to-neck battle between the incumbent President Trump and Joe Biden. This is the current electoral college map, Biden, with 238 votes, and Trump is trailing behind at 213 votes. Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin are all leaning towards Biden as they continue to count the mail-in votes. Nevada has six (6) electoral votes, while Michigan and Wisconsin have sixteen (16) and ten (10) electoral votes. The remaining states that are leaning towards Trump are Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. These three states have 20, 16, and 15 electoral votes, respectively.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Let's do simple math, shall we?</p><p>Assuming that NV, MI, and WI will vote for Biden, he will get a total of 270 votes. Trump, on the other hand, will get a total of 264 electoral votes. Alaska is also a Republican state, but they only contribute three (3) electoral votes. In total, Trump will get a total of 267 electoral votes. However, if you add 270 and 267, it only adds up to 537. The total electoral votes for this year is 538. Either way, if you add 1 to either of the two, Biden will still secure his slot at the Oval Office, narrowly defeating Trump.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">FAQs:</h2><p><b>1) Bakit ka man naga care sa election ng America? Hindi ka gud American!</b></p><p>I know, I'm not American, but the whole world shouldn't be apathetic to begin with. Whether we like it or not, the USA is the most influential country in the world (I didn't use powerful as an adjective since it's vague). They influence the economic treaties around the world, bilateral policies, international policies, security, and a whole lot more. And oh, it's one of our BFFs. That's what BFFs are for, right? We care for each other.</p><p><b>2) Ano man yang electoral college uy? Magkano man tuition jan? So, wala pala pulos ang popular vote?</b></p><p>The US is the only country in the world that picks its president using something called the Electoral College. It's made up of delegates from each US state. When Americans vote for president, what they're actually voting for, is WHO their state will vote for. This is why, every so often, someone wins the presidency WITHOUT winning the popular vote (Hello Bush-Gore and Trump-Clinton). This system has been existing since the early 1800s.</p><p>So, why does the US still use this system, and who benefits from it?</p><p>Well, I suggest to google it 'coz it's a long story to tell. Next question please!</p><p><b>3) Bakit may swing states? Bakit trending man yan sila uy?</b></p><p>The US is divided into 50 states. Some states are considered as a Democrat State (usually west and east coast), while the mid-west aka red-necks are considered as the hardcore Republican States. However, there are states wherein their vote could swing to one party or another in nearly every election. Swing states have changed over time, thanks to shifting demographics and political views. States like these where presidential candidates spend most of their time campaigning. It also means these states have way more influence over the election.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-45169565020421387672020-10-26T22:01:00.002+08:002020-10-26T22:01:12.615+08:00100 decibels<p> I am so disappointed right now. Although, the wounds were patched and bridges weren't burned, but I still can't get over to it. I know that sometimes I can get tactless, but it's just me. When things didn't go in my way, I try to be sarcastic because it's my coping mechanism. It's me being me. But apparently, someone misconstrued it and blew it out of proportions. I was yelled at and the last time I got yelled at was decades ago, like when I was still six or seven and it was understandable during that time because I was so naughty, but to be yelled at because of a misconstrued statement? I don't know, I just broke out and cried. For the first time in my life, I felt helpless. I cried so hard because I wasn't expecting that to happen. I felt so sorry for myself. I believe I didn't deserve that kind of treatment.</p><p>I guess I need to stay away from certain people and enjoy solitude. Yes, a time to be alone.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-26181997566388009792020-09-29T21:09:00.005+08:002020-09-29T21:09:38.835+08:00Retreat House<p> And just like that, my month-long R&R has finally come to an end. So sad, but I had fun despite a few minor speedbumps and inconveniences along the way. I will defo miss those days when I'd just play the PS4 all day, edit my vlogs, and just catch up with my reading and Netflix lists. I'm grateful for the central office's initiative to give us a month-long vacay without deducting my leave credits. How cool is that? Also, I managed to finish Ace Combat 7 thrice! HAHAHA.</p><p>Back to reality. Back to work. Back to seeing my favorite colleagues. Back to seeing the faces of my colleagues whom I abhor the most (hahaha such a bitch, I know).</p><p>But, there's one thing that I wish to end–COVID-19. I miss going to the gym (though I'm still slim, only gained a pound since the quarantine started, but it made me happier because of endorphins and other happy hormones), I miss going to coffee shops alone, and most of all, I miss traveling.</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-26527956432141951552020-08-24T22:25:00.000+08:002020-08-24T22:25:11.608+08:00Unexpected Reward<p>Life knows how to throw lemons at you because it becomes two pitchers of lemonade right before hitting me. Lmao. So today, the chiefs had a meeting and since the mental health of the air traffic controllers is on their top priority, they're now allowing us to fly home and stay there for one month without deducting our leave credits. They thought of rewarding us for staying as one of the front-liners in the aviation sector (as if we had a choice duh, but still grateful for their decision). It's been almost seven months since the last time I went home to Davao. So, yeah. I am stoked that I'm finally going home and stay there for a month. I've applied for the medical clearance from the barangay and the travel authority from the police.</p><p>Can't wait!</p>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-86810775004246245842020-08-14T02:10:00.001+08:002020-08-14T02:10:26.064+08:0022 July<p>This is just a quick movie review. Take note that I have so much time to watch series and movies even at work. This is just one of my coping mechanisms from this global pandemic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgf8GYlwddRoANOZ5FD7FEyCM6Hud-2HGJKnZIaK8SAPqQx2yJydUhkoDMUGCbxNEyQg0dVH11yBJnM5BoDtkiG7b9r13q-yXXc7i8jCRZyC_-RT1_BOq3ssNhlCQEw7e1WCn/s999/277087R1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgf8GYlwddRoANOZ5FD7FEyCM6Hud-2HGJKnZIaK8SAPqQx2yJydUhkoDMUGCbxNEyQg0dVH11yBJnM5BoDtkiG7b9r13q-yXXc7i8jCRZyC_-RT1_BOq3ssNhlCQEw7e1WCn/d/277087R1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><i>22 July</i> is a very moving film about Norway’s deadliest terror attack, in which a right-wing extremist murders 77 teens at a youth camp in 2011. The film used restraint and empathy for the families whose lives were upended by an obsessed assassin. The film also reminds everyone about how political extremism can rattle a highly volatile society. The editing, cinematography, and the soundtrack were all on point. Casting the Norwegian actors instead of those from Hollywood adds the authenticity of this film. <div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Rating: 4/5</i></div>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-80316497263440861352020-08-01T07:00:00.001+08:002020-08-01T07:00:05.122+08:00My 30th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I imagine myself writing this post at Santa Monica Pier while watching its famous sunset. It's past 8:00 PM, yet the sun is still at the horizon,
spreading its rays and warmth to everyone. The sun cast its golden rays down upon the clouds of billowing smoke, turning them bright red; fire red. Moments later, the sky bled crimson, purple, and orange. It felt as if my soul was transported into a timeless existence, ready for the protective blanket of night and new dreams.
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But here I am, stuck in the metro. Unable to move, unable to celebrate. All of the plans that I've had for this year had to be canceled. Everything had turned upside down–a hundred and eighty-degree turn. To be honest, no one came prepared for this one, including me. The global pandemic had indeed changed how I viewed life in general. It made me more sensitive to the plight of others, and it also made me grateful for those people who made my life easier.
We always take for granted all those mundane and little things that we usually do, but today, we fail to realize how significant they are.
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While I may not be celebrating my birthday abroad like what I used to, this birthday is a quiet day. It is my day to reflect on the year that was, and what is ahead to strive for. I guess it's a sort of a personal new year, one when resolutions and promises to the self can be made. This year, I plan to be bolder and to speak louder about the ideas I have just to make this world a
better place. Perhaps, that extra bit of bravery, that extra bit of willpower and resolve, is the real gift to myself. I should be grateful that I'm still able to celebrate an important chapter of my life despite everything.
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The sunset is merely a prelude to the dawn. Its majesty fills my mind with the most beautiful dreams. As my eyes drift to rest, I am one with the stars, my skin cooled by the breeze, and when I awake, the sky will be radiant with the first kiss of the new day.
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<div>Just like before.</div>
RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-56383371593158572042020-07-23T01:41:00.001+08:002020-07-23T01:41:19.098+08:00Schittiest Show Ever<div><br /></div><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f-KuYeF-Fxw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
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Oh my God. This sitcom is one of the best I've watched. You know the tv series
is so good that the characters grow into you. There's so much to talk about how
beautifully crafted this show was. I love about the character development of
everyone, it never veered-off from its story, and best of all, I've learned a
lot of life lessons from it.
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When life gives you shit, you have to stand up, clean yourself, start a clean
slate, and move forward.
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God, I ugly cried after watching the finalé. It was good. I wish it lasted for
20 seasons. This Canadian sitcom will be sorely missed. I will definitely miss
the bickering between Alexis and David, Moira's extensive vocabulary, and the
way she pronounces baby as bébé, Johnny's care for his family, and all the
side characters of this show. I still can't get over with it!
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RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-60337130702796515702020-07-06T23:29:00.000+08:002020-07-06T23:29:26.316+08:00We Get Sick As OneDays ago, I received an email from Cebu Pacific Air. They canceled my flight to Davao this July 29. I was supposed to fly home and celebrate my birthday with my family. But, I was waiting for their email, frankly speaking. With active cases of COVID-19 still rising, it's still risky to travel around. No choice but to render duty on my birthday. For the first time in forever, I'd be working on my birthday. It's not just an ordinary birthday, but it'll be my 30th birthday. Maybe in the parallel universe, the world won't be experiencing this global pandemic. I'd probably be in Los Angeles, celebrating my 30th birthday.<div><br /></div><div>But no, it all boils down to safety. We're dealing with a public health crisis. While some countries have already started flattening their curve, my country has no plans to do it. Instead, we are fattening the curve. It's downright embarrassing, I tell you!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am losing hope. But don't y'all worry. Ya boy is still fine, but I can't help but feel tired and exasperated from all the things I hear from the news. This too shall pass.</div>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-82293657945728983372020-06-20T22:35:00.000+08:002020-06-20T22:35:01.482+08:00Summer SolsticeTomorrow marks the summer solstice at the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year. However, this doesn't have drastic effects on countries located near the equator or just below the tropic of cancer. In Manila, where I'm currently residing, sunset is at around 6:40 PM, but in other countries, like Sweden and Canada, sunset time is at 10:45 PM and 9:01 PM respectively. It'd be cool to go out at 9 PM but the sun is still shining. The longest duration of the day that I've experienced was when I traveled to Melbourne last February. It was still mid-summer and the sun goes down before 9 PM. It was cool to experience though.<div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow also marks my grandfather's birthday. He should've been 79 this year, but he died almost four years ago. I terribly miss him so much. But, I guess we had great memories together when he was still alive. At least I grew up with a grandfather figure behind me. We used to catch grasshoppers and ladybugs when I was three (I was really a nerd since I was young), fly a kite together, and he would never hesitate to give me piggyback rides, even if his neck and back hurt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, still no news about resuming flights to Davao. I mean, flights have slowly resumed, but leisure travel is not yet allowed by the government. While other countries have started to recover, Philippines is still reeling with this global pandemic, and Cebu City is now the center of the pandemic. We are now close to 30,000 cases, 7,500 of which have recovered and over a thousand people have died as of this writing. This is frustrating. This government has been lenient ever since, and they just focused on draconian measures to curb the virus. Instead of implementing mass testing and early suspension of flights from China, they focused on community quarantine which is heavily guarded by military and police. This is disheartening. I'm out of words. It's taking a toll on me. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year has been tiring and frustrating as fuck. I am mad.</div>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36677085.post-29652241394044253042020-06-12T00:33:00.000+08:002020-06-12T00:33:46.011+08:00Can we just skip this year?It's been four months since the last time I went home to Davao. Thank you, Rona, for ruining my travel plans this year. A few hours ago, I received an email from PAL, and my flight to Davao this July got canceled as well. Why am I not surprised? Ugh, this is my fourth time to rebook my flight with this airline. It shouldn't be a problem at all knowing we are still currently battling the global pandemic, but it's a pain in the ass whenever I rebook my flights with them. I had no choice but to call their customer service again. There's no way I could rebook my flight through their website. They're so proud of calling themselves the only 4-star airline in the Philippines. 4-star, my ass! I'll give you a rating of 4 out of 100 stars if you like!<div><br /></div><div>Breathe in, breathe out. This year sucks. The economy is suffering. Everyone is suffering. The government has higher priorities than addressing the current situation of this pandemic. I am frustrated and disappointed. Everyone is! I am sick and tired of reading and watching the news. It's depressing, frankly speaking. But I find ways to keep myself – writing travel stories, reading Paul Theroux novels, and catching up with my favorite tv shows.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I still hate 2020. I can't wait to wake up from this bad dream. This year is a fucking nightmare to begin with. </div>RM Bulsecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235853928526428222noreply@blogger.com0