Forecasts and Predictions for 2009

There will be a slowdown for the Philippines in 2009, economists tell us. Forecasts and predictions for 2009 are not really that bright. The US is on a recession. Europe is in danger too. Giants businesses are crumbling. A lot of people are scrambling for their lifelong earnings which could vanish with this economic turmoil. There are rumors and threats of terroristic attacks. Where do we go in 2009?

2009 is the year of the Ox in the Chinese calendar but I don't know what that means. I am not a follower of any psychic nor do I read horoscopes. Predictions are just hunches. You and I can make one. Forecasts are based on historical facts and figures, which could not be correct at all times.

But whatever the signs of the times says, I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year! May the Lord gives us all the wisdom and the strength to overcome whatever trials and challenges 2009 may bring!

Discounts for Christmas Shopping Rush

I was at SM Mega Mall and St. Francis Square last Saturday hoping to catch up with the Christmas shopping rush and discounts from some stores . Both malls were not that crowded as I initially expected. I was able to buy a new Yonex double compartment badminton bag with 10% off and Umbro shoes at buy-one-take-one for only P1,500. I was glad to know that there are still discounts available despite the Christmas shopping rush.

At the other mall, I was able to negotiate a fair price for ladies shoes. If these shoes won't fit, then we're gonna sell them. It would be business this Christmas. I am still not finished with my shopping. I hope there would still be discounts tonight. Some bonuses just came in. I wish my wife is with me right now. But she's in Cebu and I am here alone to push carts.

I have to fly back to Cebu first flight tomorrow, and I will bring with me presents for people close to me. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Monetization of Everything

Monetize here, monetize there. When did we first learn to make money? As children we ask them from our parents. Then some monetize household activities, like asking for money in exchange for washing of the dishes, or a mere shining of dad’s shoes. No, I didn’t do that. My monetization was based on the 100% grade I received at school -- P1 for every paper that has 100%.

In our teens, we get our allowance from our parents. Some gets P50 per day, others get more. Mine was a mere P20 then in the ‘90s. I have to sell used newspaper and bottles to get some extra money during summer.

At that time we got our first job, our glee reached high heavens when we received our first ever salary, even if it’s only a minimum wage. Then our needs grew, and so are our expenses. As we earned benefits, we want some to be monetized. Like our leaves credits. We want money more than a day of relaxation with family. Some benefits or even awards, trophies and recognitions, we want converted into cash. Can we cash-in the ‘most punctual’ award? At times, we might also prefer money for gifts this Christmas. You don’t have to think high and low of kris kringle gift ideas if your kris kringle wants cash.

And as to blogging, we too joined in the monetization bandwagon. We monetized our first personal blog. We added 10 more for the same purpose of making more money. Some sacrificed quality, content and even readership because of the lure of the green bucks. (Of course there are money bloggers of the rare kind)

At the high level of politics, we suspect some moves as an attempt to make more money. The longer they stay in power, the more they get from the people. Political relationships are also monetized, like what the Illinois Governor is charged of. (So it does not only happen in the Philippines).

After everything is said and done, we are now moving towards 2009. There will be even harder times in the future. What would be your New Year’s resolution? MONETIZE even more?

Ideas for Christmas Kris Kringle

Our office Christmas kris kringle started last week but I haven't given a gift yet. I have not received one either so it was just fair. What is that something soft and hairy? Or that something naughty?

Any ideas for Christmas kris kringle please? I have made a list for the best gifts and toys for kids this Christmas. But I could not think of what to give to my secret manita.

Sometimes I think it's better to give in cash, but it's totally tasteless to give the exact amount on exchange gift day. I remembered one Christmas when a boss of mine picked my name in the exchange gifts. The minimum was P100. Since he forgot to buy a gift, he just gave me P100 instead.

I would like to complain really. Had he tripled the amount, that would have been acceptable.

Update: I already bought something for my kris kringle. I remembered that we signed a wish list, and my staff emailed me the summary. Posting an entry about kris kringle gift ideas purges my brain to think of something.

Dream Match: Mismatch

It was a mismatch before it began, even without the stats and the belts attached to their names. Experts predicted a De La Hoya win. Hopefuls and determined fans cheered for their People Champ Manny. Some had already changed heart because the stats and the experts said that De La Hoya will teach Manny what boxing is really all about.

We watched the fight live at the Hyatt Manila. We were comfortably seated at the front row of the big screen. We watched some of the undercard fights and I got to know who Juan Manuel Lopez is and why he is a feared fighter in his weight category. His opponent, Sergio Medina, is a champ from Argentina. But he looked like a fool in the ring. Our Gerry Penalosa could do better than that. Sergio was just a scared boy.

Then we listened to Karylle as she sang the Lupang Hinirang. I know a lot were scared of an embarrassing mistake. Did she sing it correctly? Well, by now, youtube will have lots of video replays of her rendition.

Then the fight. The mismatch was very obvious: David vs Goliath. But when Manny began connecting, and Oscar missing, the crowds' cheers were getting louder. Round by round, we saw De La Hoya punished. I even thought he'd be knocked down. But he stood his ground, only to suffer more. At the end of the eighth round, Oscar learned what boxing is. The mismatch was not actually in the size, the stats or even the number of titles held. It was a mismatch in terms of real skills and of heart. Manny deserves the win!

Pacquiao VS De La Hoya Fight Results This Weekend

The Pacquiao VS De La Hoya fight results will be known this weekend - Saturday night in the US, Sunday morning for us here in the Pacific. I know I'll be cheering for Manny then. I'll be watching live at some large screen at a location I still do not know of. But I'll post the location of where I'll watch live Pacquiao - De La Hoya dream match, once I get the details from my friend.

We all know that this is a very crucial fight for Manny. Boxing experts (except Roach and his allies) are predicting a De La Hoya win. Miracle believers, hoped for a lucky punch that could send the Golden Boy crawling on the canvass. Bettors think that, against de la Hoya, Pacquiao is a plus 155 underdog, a wager of $100 wins $155. Dela Hoya is at minus 185, which means you need to shell out $185 to win a hundred bucks.

The boys at our operations office are probably busy with their betting by now. Just some little fun, they say. I think even those who put their money on Pacquiao are also trembling. Can he win against Oscar de la Hoya? The results will be known this weekend.