Meet Max

“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich” –Louis Sabin

Then:

When I was a kid, we have a pet dog in our family. We named him “Dogetch/Dogetz”.
Dogetch is a cross between Maltese and a Poodle (Maltipoo).
He’s medium-sized dog with straight white and silky coat.
He’s sweet and friendly even on strangers that’s why everyone likes him.

Unfortunately, I was left with just tiny piece of happy moments with Dogetch.
I can’t really remember most of our adventures/misadventures together since I was just a small kid then.
“You and Dogetch shared the same bed whenever you can’t fall asleep.
You want him to be by your side always.
Even in the shower”! my dad expressed.
Until, I got asthma.
They needed to take Dogetch away because my illness is getting worse.
The entire healing process of my asthma is the beginning of the worst living days of Dogetch.
We are informed that he’s not eating regularly, sad and woeful.
I tried to ask mom and dad to bring him home but they wouldn’t allow it.
Im limited to fishes and birds which I also enjoy taking care of but,
I really miss Dogetch.
Tragic event: Dogetch died of starvation and skin decease.

Now:

While browsing my Facebook news feed, I came across a cute photo of a Pomeranian dog with superman shirt.
Its super cute and I immediately think of Dogetch.
Never have I got the chance to do all cute and crazy things like that.
So I thought, why not get myself a new pet dog since my sister want one too.
I’m confident that any chances of getting an asthma is low and probably not at all since I’m not a kid anymore.
My big sis is super supportive yet there’s a bit of hesitation considering my situation.
We have no plans of telling mom and dad about it since they’re in the province and won’t think of it as an issue.
So my sis and I split our money to buy a new pet.
Our choice is to get a Pomeranian or a Shih Tzu but,
considering the cost between the two,
Shih Tzu is more affordable than the Pom,
so we searched for the cutest Shih Tzu at Tiendesitas PetVille.
We both agreed to buy a male dog since we don’t want more dogs in the future, one is enough.
Second, male dogs are cheaper than female ones.
Lastly, we already have a male name for our future dog, and we want to call him Max.

We found Max sleeping on his cage.
Max’s tricolor coats are Black Gold and White with an adorable eye patches.
Beside him is another Shih Tzu with soft wavy Black and White coat unlike max’s straight and short hair.
When I asked for the other Shih Tzu,
Max woke up, sniffed and licked my fingers whilst I’m trying to grab the other dog.
The Black and White Shih Tzu nearly bit me and I was not pleased.
So we decided to get Max instead.
After trimming the hair near his eyes and air grooming,
Max looks insanely adorable!
It’s been years since I held a puppy on my arms.
It felt nice and I’m emotionally thrilled.

We bought Max last September 15, 2012.
He’s a 3 month old Shih Tzu and he’s real name is “Lazenta” (ugh. why would someone name him that?)
Max is now part of our family.
He’s now beginning to respond when we call him “Max”.
After 3 days, he now learns to obey the command “sit” and “stay”.
We always give him treats when he’s doing a great job and a whole lot patience.

Our next goal for now is to teach Max on how to urinate and poop in one area
so we won’t bother disinfecting the whole house (any tips?)
There’s only one problem.
Before going to sleep,
we put Max inside his cage and during 2-4am he cries and snarl until he gets our attention
so, we have no choice of petting Max until he fell asleep again.
I’ve been doing the same thing everyday maybe 2 times in the span of 2-4am (any tips?).
It was cute at first but during the weekdays I always arrive in the office late.

To sum things up.
It’s really refreshing having Max.
Suddenly the house is full of life and smiles.
Will look forward for more adventures with my baby Max.

P.S.
Dad got his knowledge about Max on Facebook,
and he’s totally okay with it…hopefully.
As for mom I’m not so sure.

Do you have a Shih Tzu too?
I’m currently looking for good ways on how to take care of baby Max.
Do you have any tips and recommendations?

Team Earth

Ayala Land recently launched its 2012 sustainability campaign last January 22 with a theme, “Appreciating Earth”, by practicing sustainable operations in all of its projects and developments.

Celebrating Earth’s Day this month of April is a call for us to start and continue our ways of practicing sustainable acts to help or planet. Let’s show the world how ‘green’ we truly are by simply practicing sustainable and pro-environmental steps the smallest/easiest way possible. There are lot of ways to appreciate Earth but, sometimes we are not aware of these smallest act.

” this might not be new, but they bear repeating. Sometimes it takes a few reminders for things take root”.

Let’s start by  simply turning off our lights and computers at night. We can save energy and we can benefit for its cooling effect, as lights adds heat to a room. By turning off our computer, instead of leaving it in sleep mode, we can save a  daily consumption of watts/hour.

When eating, let’s not use too much paper napkins and straw for our drink. By using less napkins and straws, we can save more than a billion pounds each year.

Taking a shorter shower can save more than ten gallons of water and taking a shower with your partner (couple) is also a good choice with some other added benefits.

Using reusable bags are much better than plastic bags. It is inexpensive and a good start to lessen the plastic bags in the storage cabinet. Recycling is a plus point for mother Earth.
shop here *it is also good to shop and pay bills online and receive electronic statements instead of paper.

Buy your own coffee mug. It cuts down the waste and can keep your beverage hot for much a longer time. You can even have a 2% discount on coffee shops for your daily morning coffee.

Simple things can make a difference! Let’s make baby steps towards a greener perspective to show our love for the Earth. We can be Earth’s mighty Jedi. Let’s Save Us.

Fill up your commitment: I APPRECIATE EARTH by ______
__

Little Wonder

He is Joaquim Reandelar Bantang. He’s my cute little nephew (age 4). I miss him so much because he can easily take my stress away when I get home during my school days. He’s not living in our apartment anymore. UP granted a house for he’s mom and dad both teaching in that university. I got a chance to talk and play with him once again during our Visita Iglesia last Friday, April 6, 2012. After visiting 3 churches, we had our quick snack at Mcdonalds – the only fast food chain available in that day. We had our shares of fillet-o-fish burger, French fries and iced tea.

While we were eating – “Tito, what’s your favorite animal?” Joaquim asked me. I immediately think of an animal that denotes good character/impression from story books and cartoons but all I can think of is a turtle and it sounds really vapid. To cut the story short, I sent back the same question to him and he answered quickly, “DINOSAURS!” he yelled thrice.  “What’s your favorite dinosaur?” I added.  “I like all types of dinosaur. Plant to Meat eating dinosaurs, raptors and armored dinosaurs.” I gave a playful grin and asked. “Can you name some for me?” I expect he can only reckon 3 or 4 names, but he enumerated all of it from plant to meat eating, raptors and armored dinosaurs. I was shocked and amazed! “I’m so proud of you!” I said to him while pinching he’s cheeks. I hugged Joaquim and gave him a kiss.

The last stop in our Visita Iglesia is the Chapel of Holy Sacrifice inside the UP campus. We attended the 3pm mass and head back to their house after. Joaquim introduced me to his collection of dinosaur books and toys. I had so much fun that I end up reading some of the books while Joaquim is beside me listening.

***

This wasn’t the first time I’ve seen him interested on something. At first, he wanted to be an astronaut, to see the moon, the stars, the planets and to explore the universe. Then, we wanted to become a train driver/train architect for he is interested to the types of train – including a collection of Thomas the Train dvds. And now, the amazing era of the dinosaurs, from books, toys and Jurassic Park movies. But what I can’t forget  this little wonder once said, that the most important thing he’ll teach to everyone when he grow up, is to share he’s knowledge about God.

Joaquim with his dad and his dream of being an astronaut

Discovering the universe

His love for trains

He also loves to read books and asks for it every time instead of toys. Heres a proof.

 

 

Postgrad

But I want you to remember that struggle and strive comes before success, even in the dictionary.

I believe I am the future for tomorrow, for my country and for the world. But what is it really like after getting a degree and move on to a greater face of reality? Based on my experience, it was a roller coaster ride — huge, fast and dangerous. The thrill of sharp turns, ups and downs is what you’ll get. And just when you think it’s over, you realize that it will slowly drag you to a higher platform and shoots you towards the ground.

After graduation I had a sedentary lifestyle. “I just had my 5 years of studying architecture, I will reward myself a break,” my excuse when my family noticed me doing nothing. And that whole scheme worked like magic every time. A few weeks later I decided to take a long vacation to our province. Couldn’t care less of finding a course related job opportunities in the Internet because I was so stuck in my comfort zone. The thing is, when my relatives found out that I got a degree in architecture, all of a sudden every house, landscapes and interior design needs to be redone. I accepted all the tasks but overlooked a problem – I’m not motivated and I lack confidence. Its pure pressure and all work, when what I needed in that moment is to unwind and enjoy a task free life. I end up withdrawing some responsibilities and focused on one major project (to design a 3-4 storey house for my lola). It took months of planning and designing. I don’t want to ruin my first project bearing my name and pride.

Back here in Manila, I decided to focus on my goals. I started to worry for my future and sometimes complicate things which make it a lot harder to find a good direction. I envy my other classmates for their internships and successful career. I had a chance to talk to my friends and took a lot of advice and recommendations for finding a job. It’s a huge help and it motivates me to focus on my chosen career path. Though technology makes it easy for me to find job suggestions related to my course but, I wanted to work in a company I know I will fit in and I can be happy, with no doubts of waking up in the morning and always feel excited to work. My family and friends told me to just try and explore, and that’s what I did. “I will find a job! Submit my application and work my charm.” It’s easier said than done. Estimated resume sent, 200 and a counting. That includes job opportunities across the country. I received some feedbacks and scheduled interviews, most of the time it turned out well. There are job offers but I have to turn down the chance because it’s either I’m not interested in the working environment, job description and salary. At end of the day I’m still in our apartment hopeless and broke.

Job hunting in Ortigas and playing w/ manong's signage "i buy cartridges"

Months progressed and nothing has changed, I quit searching and think of other options. What’s my excuse? “I have no connections! I’m the first ever soon to be architect in our clan and I don’t have any experience!” I was emotionally offended and drained. All can do it cry silently with all the frustrations I can ever think of. I was lost. I cared not the least a bit of uttering words of insult to myself. I called my parents crying for help. They talked to me in a calmly manner and that made me feel safe.

December 2011, an HR from “my preferred company list” called me for an interview. I confirmed my attendance. It has been a long shot for me to gain my confidence and I fear of failure or taking risks. I can feel a rope – straining my body to react assertively. Walking towards the building I can feel my hands are shaky and sweaty, my mind is blank and I can’t even talk straight. I knew I was nervous and yet excited. I pulled myself together, I stayed focus and alert. Heading straight towards the HR office, I took the exam followed by the interview and head back home. The following days and week all the companies that I applied for the previous months called to schedule an interview and job offers. I declined all of it. That is by far the craziest and the most stupid decision I ever done.

January 2012, my second interview in that same company. I feel relieved that they called me. I even cursed for happiness. They told me that they are interested to my resume and to see my full portfolio.
I faced 6 panels of senior architects they’re all wearing a smile and randomly cracks a joke which made me feel comfortable. I requested for a projector for me to present my portfolio. It’s like a thesis deliberation in the conference room and it all went well. I waited the result of my application for a week, but I did not get any feedbacks, not even a single phone call. I was worried and scared.

“THEY CALLED ME FOR MY FINAL INTERVIEW!” I yelled. I was excited and gyrating! After a week of preparation I went to Makati for the final interview with the head architect of the company. During the interview I was stuttering and my mouth was dry. The best thing to do is widen your eyes, open your mouth, nod and you’ll be wise. I did that and It went okay though I’m not that confident about it. I kept a positive feeling, hopes up and more faith.

February 2012, job offer! Greatest gift I received for my birthday. Valentine’s day February 14, I signed my contract and it’s my first day of work. .

***

Today, I’m enjoying my work, very happy and always thankful to God and for the people who gave me this awesome opportunity. Also to my family and friends for their continuous love and support.   Life may shake you, it can turn you upside down, but the most important thing is never to let go and always enjoy the playful roller coaster ride.

I work in a real estate company in Makati innovation+design group