New Sony Vaio! (Vaio P Press Launch)

This afternoon, I was invited by a friend to attend a product launching -- The Sony Vaio P Pocket Style PC!

Mr. Toshiya Kagita retrieving the laptop from his inner jacket pocket.

It fits anywhere! Also, it only weighs 594 grams!!! :o


Mr. Toshiya Kagita is President and Managing Director of Sony Philippines.

He is showing off the new shiny-mineral-ore-like exterior finish of the Sony Vaio P.


Sony Vaio P Demo

One of the highlights of the Sony Vaio P is the "Instant Mode" feature. With a touch of a button, you can instantly surf the web, browse through your photos or play music. This also has a "window arrangement utility" button which when pressed, organizes multiple windows in equal sizes.


Different colors to match your personality

The Sony Vaio P has currently 4 different colors:
- Crystal White
- Obsidian Black
- Olivine Green
- Garnet Red


Full Keyboard

Not only looks good but, it's pretty easy to type on!

More photos of the Sony Vaio P below. (Click to enlarge)





For more information, go to Sony Vaio P website. You can also order there because this pocket style laptop is only limited as of the moment.

You can also go to their internation website - Sony Style International website (Sony Vaio P)

Chinese New Year Facts and Trivia

Facts and Trivia (From my T.O.M) Top of Mind



"Kung Hei Fat Choi" is the cantonese way of greeting people during Chinese New Year. This means -- Congratulations and be prosperous. It doesn't mean "Happy New Year"
"Kiong Hee Huat Chai" is the Fookien version.
"Gong Xi Fa Cai" is the Mandarin version.


image from CCHP

Happy New Year in Fookien is "Sin Ni Kuai Lok"
Mandarin - "Xin Nian Kuai Le"

"Tikoy" is also a cantonese word -- as we know and as we all call it - in fact "Tikoy" is "Glutinous Rice Cake" in english.
"Ti-ke" is how to say it in Fookien.
"Nian Gao" is what they call it in Mainland China.

More TIKOY trivia:
-It is not true that eating "Tikoy" with molds (Amag, in Filipino) is better! This is how the "OLD" Chinese people fooled people into buying their old stocks of "Tikoy" just so it would not go to waste. This trivia is from an educated man in his 60's that I know.

-It is okay to eat "Tikoy" directly EVEN without cooking it. In fact, that is the original way of eating it.

-There is no such thing as a "Sugar Free" "Tikoy" because as we all know, rice = sugar. It might not literally contain sugar but, rice has glucose. In short,

"Tikoy" is NOT OKAY to be eaten by diabetics.

-In Hong Kong, you would pay triple - quadruple for haircut services as Chinese New Year draws nearer. Explanation: Getting a hair-cut in the first lunar month puts a curse on maternal uncles. Therefore, people get a hair-cut before the New Year's Eve.

"Ang Pao" (Fookien) or "Hong Bao" (Mandarin) Trivia:
Per custom, the amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals (帛金 : Bai Jin). The number 8 is considered lucky (for its homophone for "wealth").

Odd and even numbers are determined by the first digit, rather than the last. Thirty and fifty, for example, are odd numbers, and are thus appropriate as funeral cash gifts. However, it is common and quite acceptable to have cash gifts in a red packet using a single bank note – with ten or fifty yuan bills used frequently.

Good luck and Bad luck (c/o wikipedia)

Good luck

• Opening windows and/or doors is considered to bring in the good luck of the new year.
• Switching on the lights for the night is considered good luck to 'scare away' ghosts and spirits of misfortune that may compromise the luck and fortune of the new year.
• Sweets are eaten to ensure the consumer a "sweet" year.
• It is important to have the house completely clean from top to bottom before New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year. (however, as explained below, cleaning the house on or after New Year's Day is frowned upon)
• Some believe that what happens on the first day of the new year reflects the rest of the year to come. Chinese people will often gamble at the beginning of the year, hoping to get luck and prosperity.
• Wearing a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
• The night before the new year, bathe yourself in pomelo leaves and some say that you will be healthy for the rest of the new year.
• Changing different things in the house such as blankets, clothes, mattress covers etc. is also a well respected tradition in terms of cleaning the house in preparation for the new year.

Bad luck

• Buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck amongst some Chinese. The character for "shoe" (鞋) is a homophone for the character 諧/谐, which means "rough" in Cantonese; in Mandarin it is also a homophone for the character for "evil" (邪).
• Getting a hair-cut in the first lunar month puts a curse on maternal uncles. Therefore, people get a hair-cut before the New Year's Eve.
• Washing your hair is also considered to be washing away one's own luck (although modern hygienic concerns take precedence over this tradition)
• Sweeping the floor is usually forbidden on the first day, as it will sweep away the good fortune and luck for the new year.
• Saying words like "finished" and "gone" is inauspicious on the New Year, so sometimes people would avoid these words by saying "I have completed eating my meal" rather than say "I have finished my meal."
• Talking about death is inappropriate for the first few days of Chinese New Year, as it is considered inauspicious.
• Buying (or reading) books is bad luck because the character for "book" (書/书) is a homonym to the character for "lose" (輸/输).
• Avoid clothes in black and white, as black is a symbol of bad luck, and white is a traditional Chinese funeral colour.
• Foul language is inappropriate during the Chinese New Year.
• Offering anything in fours, as the number four (四), pronounced sì, can sound like "death" (死), pronounced sĭ, in Chinese. Pronunciations given here are for Mandarin, but the two words are also homophones in Cantonese. See tetraphobia.
• Also you should never buy a clock for someone or for yourself because, a clock in Chinese tradition means your life is limited or "the end" which is also forbidden
• Avoid medicine and medicine related activities (at least on the first day) as it will give a bad fortune on your health and lessen the luck you can obtain from New Years

The image above, is an inverted chinese character. It means "Luck". it is inverted on purpose because they believe that inverting it would make it easier for the "Chinese Gods" to read it.

You know something not included? Share it in the comment section below :)

E-mail Forwards: Funny Life Lessons

Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.

The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.

When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few
seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'

'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies.

'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'


Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may
be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.



Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift.

She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.

The priest nearly had an accident.

After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.
The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up,
you will find glory.'


Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.



Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil
lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out.
The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'
'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care
in the world.'
Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal
masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.'

Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'


Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.



Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'
The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on
the rabbit and ate it.


Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.



Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull.

'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'
'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest
branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.


Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..



Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large
field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out
and ate him.


Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your
friend.

(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep
your mouth shut!

Fire at San Andres, Manila -- January 23, 2009

Fire Earlier at San Andres Manila -- Photo taken by Cheftonio from South Super Hi-way

Philip Salvador and The Bus Incident

I've made several posts ( here and here )previously about unruly bus drivers and this is an additional to the bus frenzy here in the Philippines.

After last year's bus accident which killed a known eye doctor here in the Philippines and several other people in seperate incidents, some might have already forgotten already about it. But to the victims of these unruly and undisciplined bus drivers, they won't -- forever.

Just yesterday, another bus almost caused an accident. It became big of an issue because it involved a famous person (A Philippine Celebrity) otherwise, it wouldn't have made the news. I am guessing that the bus driver and the conductor made this a big issue. I am not in Philip's side because I did not know what really happened. All I can say is, I know how these big vehicles of mass destruction acts.

As I've narrated several incidents already of me being nearly crushed by racing bus drivers, aiming to get passengers first, my side mirror was destroyed with them not noticing it or purposedly not noticing it. I guess this is what happened to Philip Salvador yesterday. When we are in danger (our family), we react quickly and defensively. What he did is not far from what I can possibly do when I am with my family in the same scenario.

of course, you will do everything to protect your family. You know what I hate about them (Bus Drivers)? After driving irresponsibly and racing using public roads in their huge public utility vehicles without them thinking of the consequences, they will say sorry to the victims. Sometimes, they are even the aggressive party rather than being sorry. What if a life has been taken? This is the time wherein the acting skills of the bus driver will be revealed. He will sit there like a purring kitten asking for forgiveness. Will sorry be enough?

In my opinion, we really need to have the system changed. Give them fixed wages to have a more disciplined and safer streets. Unless a politician or someone great is killed by these drivers, I guess no one would notice this.

By the way, did you know that the bus driver who killed Dr. Sarabia had 30 violations prior to the accident? How nice that he still has a license... How can that be? Very poor system. tsktsktsk...

April Fools Day came early this year!

Prank your friends -- now!!! (Click the image above and play the game...)

Don't be scared because you shouldn't be!

A Hero Born in Every Minute - Hudson river crash Flight 1549

Reuters reports that a small plane carrying more than a dozen people has splashed down intact into the Hudson River near Manhattan. Via US News

The first news came from, guess what? Not CNN but Twitter!
You can see the actual photo from where the news came. It was posted by jkrums.

This is his photo and the actual URL on where it was posted:

Photo from: http://twitpic.com/135xa
Photo caption: Wait, are they serving the first class passengers first?

In just a few hours, that page already reached 91,000 views (as I am typing this). This is a sample work of modern technology + online media combined.

Going back, the pilot was a hero. The captain, named last night as ­Chesley Sullenberger, has 29 years' experience with commercial airlines and is a former US airforce fighter pilot. Most tourists and people around that area said that they thought it was a seaplane landing! There was a loud bang 40 seconds after the take off. Both engines failed and the other was on fire after it hitting a flock of geese.

An air incident investigator, David Gleave, told the BBC that the incident was "quite remarkable, but not unique". He said if both engines of the plane had failed, the aircraft would become like a "glider".

Another hero is the crew and the captain of Thomas Jefferson, a 95-foot long ferry. Their response time was 2 minutes.(News here from NJ.com )

For more details about the crash - http://www.guardian.co.uk

ZTE MF626 Problem, Review and Solution - Globe Visibility Broadband Modem

Continuation of yesterdays post from another blogger -- ( Globe Visibility ZTE mf626 USB broadband modem Problem )

I've got results!!! Although I found a work around, I've got a lot to research about. For the mean time, I will stick to what I discovered and guess what, I will share it to you guys!

Here is the review of my problem with ZTE MF626 broadband modem.

> When I plug the ZTE mf626 to my laptop computer, it will work. The problem begins when you cannot find the "Safely Remove Hardware" on your task bar.

Here are some experimentations I did last night.

1. I inserted a memory card in the card reader so that the "safely remove hardware" would appear. To no avail, it appears but still, the said "ZTE MF626 is not on the "safely remove hardware" list.

=============

2. I've browsed the different USB properties and found out the following differences:

A properly working USB would have the following... [You can find this in the: right click "my computer" > properties > Hardware > device manager > universal serial bus controllers > (select the usb gadget you connected) > right click then properties > then details > then select from the drop down list ]

Devnode Flags:

DN_DRIVER_LOADED
DN_STARTED
DN_DISABLEABLE
DN_REMOVABLE
DN_NT_ENUMERATOR
DN_NT_DRIVER

Power State should be at "D0"

Capabilities should list:

CM_DEVCAP_REMOVABLE
CM_DEVCAP_UNIQUEID
=============

A USB that is not functioning properly would have:

Devnode Flags:

DN_HAS_PROBLEM
DN_DISABLEABLE
DN_REMOVABLE
DN_NT_ENUMERATOR
DN_NT_DRIVER

Power State should be at "D3"

I do not know what the hell those information means so, I need to still research on that.
=============

FOR THE WORK AROUND:

I discovered that plugging in a USB Flash drive (Flash disk) first before plugging in your ZTE modem would let the "safely remove hardware" let the zte mf626 appear in the list.

If you would do that, you can disconnect and connect your zte mf626 as many times as you want without restarting your computer. logging off or switching users won't help too if you don't insert an USB flash disk first. I haven't tried any other USB gadgets yet but this is the only gadget I can think of that almost everyone owns.
=============

Here are some questions in my mind right now:

1. What the heck is "windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. (code 38)" and...

2. ...how do I erase the instance of the device driver from the memory without restarting my computer?

3. Why should insterting a USB Flash Disk first before inserting the ZTE MF626 prevent the problem from occuring?

4. I tried insterting a memory card in my built-in card reader and the "safely remove hardware" appears. Isn't just a flash disk and memory card the same? Why won't it work with a memory card then?


Now, if any of you finds out the reason why this works this way, please explain it to me. It will take me hours to research on this thing again. Anyway, I will post again further results from my investigation as soon as I find out other possible solutions.

Making A Big Deal Out Of The Pangandamans

I cannot understand why everyone is so engrossed with the Pangandaman issue. You see and hear it every minute - everywhere -- Radio, Newspaper, Television, and now online! (..and now, including my blog! :p )

Why would everyone care about the mauling incident when in fact, we are having an economic crisis, corruption problems and tons of other national problems in our faces! (Tell me then, which is a greater national issue? The Philippines being the number one in Southeast Asia as the country with the most number of drug users or the Valley Golf scandal?)

Ok, I admit I feel bad for the Dela Paz family. I pray that justice be served to the rightful side because even if I feel bad for them, I do not really know what happened despite the clear narration of the incident in Bambi's blog (Delfin's Daughter). Only God knows the accurate happenings that occured. (I am neutral as of the moment, because they are both innocent of starting the commotion unless proven guilty)

Have you already forgotten about the Paranaque shootout that left 17 people dead, including an 8 year old girl? How could she be part of the syndicate? This is the problem with authorities/ government officials nowadays. You simply cannot trust them! Either they plant evidences to make them look good or they don't admit the problem is with THEM! This issue was buried because of the Dela Paz - Pangandaman braul.

Now, Arroyo is being "busy" on the alleged bribery attempt in connection with the "Alabang Boys". Is this issue more important than the ZTE scandal and the Fertilizer fund scam? Why don't she focus here first?

Back-off!

Now, do you know why the Philippines is not growing and developing well? Let the governments action speak for itself -- they are not prioritizing things well. Or, maybe they are covering up and avoiding issues? You be the judge!

Another article about the cover up >
http://www.filipinovoices.com/scandalizing-the-suffering-the-pangandaman-dela-paz-melee

*Photos from: daylife.com

UPCAT 2009 Results - online!

University of the Philippines
UPCAT 2009 Results
Click here!*
*source was delayed. argh! will post soon!

UPCAT Results will be posted at the Office of Admissions on the 3^rd week of January, 2009.

*I will also post all names here in my blog (Cheftonio.blogspot.com)

24ever.com.ph

My 5 addictions in the first 5 days of 2009

This is not a New Year's Resolution. These are my new "likes and addiction" for the first few days of the year 2009. (In no particular order)


1. I "like" Jack Daniels Whiskey

I an not fond of drinking. When the need arises to socialize, I drink a maximum of 1-2 bottles of San Miguel Light. I had tried Jack Daniels a few years back but, when I tried it last Christmas and New Year, I liked it!


2. Mario Kart - Wii "Addict"
This is not actually the first time I've played Wii but it has been a long time since I was addicted to this game. When I was in China, we played this game for hours! Now, Nintendo Wii brought in a different kind of experience with this game!


3. "Addicted" to Iphone
Nope, I am still not buying one even if my hands are itching for it. Simply the thought of spending 30 thousand pesos for a phone so I can play youtube videos on it is simply not worth it. Yes, my soul purpose for wanting to purchase this phone is for the internet and youtube. Not worth if that's the case but, it makes me think everyday anyways.


4. "Yearning" to learn more about management
After talking to my CEO uncle for just 10 minutes, I've picked up a lot of useful information last New Year. This made me think of how little I still know in running my own business. There is a huge room for improvement in my case. I'm seriously thinking of getting a MBA when time permits.


5. Worship songs - "addicted" to it!
After a impromptu fellowship I attended the 2nd day of the year, it made me want to listen and find more worship songs! Currently, I am listening to Hillsong United while writing this post.

...and as we start a new year, it's not about starting the year right. It's about you, having a positive outlook in life to keep the rest of the days in 2009 right.

(..and we also resume to the political instabilities, bad news or whatsoever here in the Philippines)

BACK TO REALITY

My Adventure Up North (Photo Compilation)

Here are some photos from my recent northern getaway. (For those who personally knows me, complete photos are in my multiply album) :)


Fort Ilocandia Resort, Ilocos


Riding an ATV by the beach...


A retarded monkey...


Hallway to the main lobby of Fort Ilocandia


Malacanang of the North


Paoay Church


Marcos Museum


Sandals on the sand..

Sunset by th beach..

Clay pot making 101 @ Vigan


Vigan


Pagudpud Beach

A local church in Laoag.

New Year, New Cause! (Project Brave Kids)

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Year after year, we make our own resolutions and goals. Some follow and some follow until the 3rd week of January only. No kidding.

As I start the New Year this 2009, I would like to make this goal and help causes through blogging. Just by posting about them, I believe I can find readers who read my posts to help them in any way they can.

I will stop explaining and let their site explain what they do -- and for what cause.

(Clue: Kids, Cancer, Fighter)

I chose this organization as a start:

Project Brave Kids (Feel free to click the links below to know more about them)
Below are some videos of a cancer survivor named Seve Perez. May we find inspiration from this little cancer fighter. May this also help you realize God's blessings that was and will be bestowed upon you.


6 Year Cancer Survivor Destroys Punching Bag - The best home videos are here


6year Old Cancer Survivor Crushes Cement Blocks. - The most amazing videos are a click away


6year Old Cancer Survivor is the Ultimate Fighter - The best video clips are right here


6 Year Old Fighter Beats Cancer - The best free videos are right here

LIFE is a GIFT, NOT a RIGHT