Marc Aldrich Gopal. 22. Novena, Singapore. Filipino. Proctoid. Wanderlust-y. Leo. Atenean. O-C. Sleepyhead. Anti-mediocrity.
Potterite. Pet Fanatic. Acquired Taste. Lives life. Loves life.
You think you know but you have no idea.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma- living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary.
Thanks to the great 1 Peso Cebu Pacific Sale, the Wanderlust Chronicles already has bookings for 2010, this time expanding to North East Asia! Awesome!
I was up until 3 AM and had to wake up at 8 to double confirm the bookings - but it's all done, and it definitely worth it! It was all sooo exhilirating, soo much fun! The fares were dirt cheap - crazy I tell you! Get this - I'm flying to Japan for the cost of a meal here in Singapore. And the flight to Korea was even cheaper than that. OMFG! This is it! Plus, I finally get to apply for visas! I'm so damn excited!
Oh God, I miss feelings like this, it has been a while since the last time I booked tickets. It's an addiction I tell you! No matter how hectic life is, the craze of coordinating dates and passport details always gives me a high. It's just been too long, I forgot how good the feeling was!
Big shout out of thanks to Jigjig who told me all about this. What they say is really true - it's not what you know, its who you know AND what they know! ha ha!
Hearing: Adam Lambert - Time for Miracles Feelin' damn excited!
Philippine Presidential Elections Posted at 10:10 AM in Life as I Know It
I was born in 1987 - which means I've been through four presidents and 2 EDSA revolutions and some that claim to be. This also means that I've been through three presidential elections, one where I actually went to our nearest public elementary school to vote. That also means, I've been through all of the things that define Philippine presidential elections - from mud-slinging to the cheating controversies. But it's not all bad - in fact, I think it's one of the best and most entertaining periods of any election year! Take this for example:
A pessimist would say that it's amazing how a death could bring another person's political career to life. But to be honest, this particular ad made me feel good, made me feel hopeful about the Philippines and what it could be.
Maybe it's because it's star studded - heck, it's a friggin constellation. (got to love celeb cameos!) But i guess, it's more of the fact that I believe the Philippines needs a president that will unify all of us, lead us to one direction (and of course continue the legacy of PGMA. haha biased much? haha).
Is Noynoy the answer? After seeing this ad, maybe. That's what I have now, a "maybe." If only there's another video that talked more about him instead of his parents, then maybe that "maybe" can turn into a resounding yes!
One thing's for sure, I'm definitely going home to vote. Definitely.
Hearing: Hindi Ka Nag-iisa Video Watching: Hindi Ka Nag-iisa Video Feelin' amazed.
It's just another weekend, the regular kind. These days, long weekends feel like regular weekends, and regular weekends, are well,, more fleeting than ever.
Last week was action packed! And that's saying something - given that it was only a four-day week. All I want to do is just sleep and relax - and I shall! And I'll try to sneak some Online Settlers of Catan in between as well. (yes, if you think playing actual boardgames is a one way ticket to loserville, well, playing it online makes me mayor. haha) But anyway, it's fun and strategic at the same time, so sue me if I like it.
And oh, I got a Citibank alert through SMS last night - pumasok na ang sweldo! Pero honestly, super worth it ang bayad sa akin this month. I swear. haha
Anyway, have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy it while it lasts!
I've been meaning to write this post for the longest time. I just wanted to do it justice - not like most of my recent posts that were just sneaked in between my schedule.
I brought DVDs to SG the last time I was in the Philippines - roughly around end May this year. I really wanted to watch Will and Grace! This series was not new to me - after all, this was shown at around 9 pm every Sunday night in Studio 23 when I was in high school. I wanted to watch it from the start, so I bought all 8 seasons and brought all 8 DVDs into Singapore!
One month later, I was down to the last few episodes. Oh yes, I've watched at least a couple of episodes a night regardless of the work load that I had. Truly, when there's a will, there's a way. haha!
Here's a brief overview of what the series is all about - The show is set in New York and focuses on obviously, Will and Grace. Will is a gay lawyer and Grace is a Jewish Interior Designer. There's Also Karen - Grace's assistant and a rich socialite and Jack - Will's struggling gay actor/sing/dancer who had brief careers as an acting teacher, a back-up dancer, cater-waiter, talk-show host and nurse.
Overall, this series is definitely on a league of it's own. I loved the plot, the wit, the language, and of course, the humor! Some series nowadays can barely pass as "amusing", but this one definitely made me laugh out loud. It's so funny that sometimes, I remember scenes while at work, and would just smile out of nowhere. haha I'm hoping no one at work noticed. haha But above everything else, it featured true friendship, the kind that most people spend their lives looking for but can not find.
It's amazing how the series can seamlessly shift from slapstick humor to deep, human emotions all in the span of a few minutes. And there were even some episodes where it was literally in front of a live audience (without any takes.) That's just amazing!
And as I was watching the series finale, I felt what I always feel when I know that one good thing is coming to an end. It was beautiful - even more given that I've watched it from Episode 1. For me, this was definitely a series that ended in a high. Do watch it if you have the chance - without a doubt recommended, and a piece of happiness and laughter for anyone in these troubled times.
Aldrich and The Great Adidas Sale Posted at 10:11 AM in Life as I Know It
This week was a looong one, and I was more than happy to say goodbye - and of course, hello to the long weekend that is Deepavali!
I didn't plan for any wanderlust travels for this long weekend - partly because I just want to rest and relax. God, sometimes happiness and satisfaction can come from the simplest things.
Take shopping for example. I found this voucher in the office that was for a 40% VIP Discount in the The Adidas Factory Outlet in Velocity - yes, so it's discounted by x% (ranging from 30 to 50%) already and on top of that, you get an additional 40% discount! Amazing right!?
And so, after 13 pairs of shoes (in my defense, only 5 are mine) and Adidas exercise apparel, I left the store with my pockets significantly lighter than when I came in and a smile on my face - that smile that says "Christmas shopping for family has come early this year." haha
And now, I rest. Well deserved, I think.
Hearing: Janet Jackson - All For You Feelin' calm.
Top 100 Paying Jobs in Singapore Posted at 11:38 AM in Life as I Know It
I was googling stuff in the internet, and found myself in this website, detailing the 100 top paying jobs in Singapore. God, look at what's on top of the list - this makes me rethink career choices... haha, it's the whole why-didn't-I-just-go-to-med-school can reopened once again. haha
There are also some weird entries - Ship-master, chinese physician (traditional chinese medicine), and even ship rigger! Amazing! haha Take note that these are just rough averages - obviously, there are outliers.
Specialised surgeon - $30,755
Managing director - $24,472
General surgeon - $17,872
Commodities futures broker - $17,464
General manager - $16,667
Company director - $15,513
Creative director (Advertising) - $13,000
Legal service manager - $12,318
Foreign exchange dealer and broker - $11,095
Operations manager (Finance) - $9,808
Legal officer - $9,790
Risk management manager - $9,600
Research and development manager - $9,385
Computer operations and network manager - $9,300
Training manager - $9,000
Computer and information systems manager - $8,930
Ship-master - $8,671
Technical manager - $8,595
Financial futures dealer and broker - $8,447
Personnel / Human resource manager - $8,420
Business development manager - $8,290
Corporate planning manager - $8,290
Fund manager - $8,125
Treasury manager - $8,079
Budgeting and financial accounting manager - $8,000
Marketing manager - $8,000
Power generation and distribution engineer - $7,848
Engineering manager - $7,819
Chemical engineer (Petroleum) - $7,678
Manufacturing plant and production manager - $7,645
Chemical engineer (Petrochemicals) - $7,547
Advertising and public relations manager - $7,533
Advocate and solicitor - $7,500
Operations research analyst - $7,500
Business management consultant - $7,437
Procurement manager - $7,416
Lawyer (except advocate and solicitor) - $7,400
Quality assurance manager - $7,263
Customer service manager - $7,142
Sales manager - $7,100
Logistics manager - $7,050
Operations manager (Commerce) - $6,862
Chemical engineering technician (Petroleum) - $6,696
Automation engineer - $6,680
Instrumentation engineer - $6,616
Book editor - $6,538
Surveyor - $6,523
Industrial health, safety and environment engineer - $6,503
