Experience and tradition tells us that if we want to achieve something, we have to make the effort. However, this is not always the case, as relaxing is just as important as persistently taking action.

”Why am I at fault? I didn’t do anything wrong. I only did it because...” The most common reaction we make when we’re being questioned.

Accepting one’s fault is never a sign of weakness. We do not lose face in it. Rather, it exemplifies our strength and the courage to accept the opportunity to improve ourselves. When we excuse ourselves from a situation, when we try our best to find loop holes in an argument rather than possibilities, we resist growth and the chance to see the bigger picture. It’s not saying that we should blindly take what is being presented to us, but it speaks of being critical to the circumstances that constitute the truth.

I’m a Vincent Van Gogh fan. Not the biggest geek who can spend hours talking about this amazing Dutch post-impressionist artist, but I really like his art, and his realisations. Somehow, they relate to me.

Ever since Emily, my laptop, broke, I’ve been using my phone as an alternative. It works in some cases, but there are a lot of formatting that I would like to be doing here and there. Anyway, as soon as I’m able to manage my finances, I’ll get back to fixing those tiny details.

- Ber months are always challenging because of all the promotions and events happening. Routines and schedules change, and sometimes, you get stressed out because your mind is already set to something you’re used to or would like to be doing.

These past 5 days, I’ve been using the Headspace app, and I can say that it clears my mind in the morning, and puts me in a generally relaxed state in the evening. Not quite sure how long this free trial would last, but I’m contemplating whether I should be buying the subscription or just continue practicing what I’ve learned so far.

Today was about accepting change. Too often we recognise it, but also resist it. However, change is good. If it doesn’t go our way, we learn something, and if it does, we’ve achieved something. We must move away from clinging to what’s familiar, from not moving forward. At the end of the day, there is no growth in our comfort zone. Life is more about constantly improving ourselves and our environment. Even a tiny seed undergoes so much before it becomes a tree - achieving its full potential. (Not the best example, not really into cutting more trees) But even after it is cut down, it still goes through changes.

So how about you? How’s everything going?

​Stay inspired.

2017 started right for me. I got a new marketing stint in a different field.

I’ve been in the hotel industry since 2011, and I know it’s not as long as it sounds, but I always wanted to widen my skill set or just plain curious to try something new. Thanks to my headhunter, I got the said opportunity.

Hi, everyone!
 
It’s been a curious week, and an interesting time to be alive. Recent events have affected our past, and yet to shape our future. These triggered a lot of opinions, struggles and silence. 
 
Although a lot of questions and messages arose from recent events, I am concerned that some are more inclined to disregard connections and promote indifference. To think that a certain event does not affect us in small or large ways is like looking at life through a keyhole. Now is not the time to be indifferent and isolated. Now is the time to know, to understand and be involved. As they say, fighting for what you know is right is worth it. To stand up for what you know is true, and best for you and the rest of the world is what makes democracy great and beautiful; to be able to think, voice out differences, and respect them. Someone else’s truth may not necessarily apply to us, but the freedom and responsibility to express, and accept or deny something uphold the values of equality, diversity and justice.  
 
We are all for healing the wounds of the past and moving forward. However, we must never forget the lessons that history have taught us. For it is through the past that we are able to reflect, stand and create clearer paths for our future.
 
Hurt as we may be for things and outcomes that did not go our way, let us continue to invest in each other. We are all on the same team: a team that drives for progress and realization of dreams.
 
Regardless of race, gender, religion or political views, what’s important is that we continue to hope together. That hope must relentlessly direct us towards a better tomorrow. To deny ourselves of hope is like wishing our boat to sink while we’re in it. A leader does not make a nation, its people does. Let’s break the cycle of negativity, and start acting as learned nations that create healthy and inclusive opportunities for everyone. Let us not feed on hate and fear, but hold on to, and educate the youth about love, hope, and unity.
 
We can do this. We can always be better versions of ourselves. Remain connected. Stay inspired, and may God bless us all!

Hi, everyone!

Happy Halloween! It's a beautiful Monday afternoon, and it's so good to be back.

I'm still at home, recovering, but I hope you're all enjoying the long weekend and Halloween parties. What's your costume this year? My niece went to two parties, and she dressed up as a princess and a cupcake. She enjoyed chasing after the mascots and dancing with the other kids.

This Monday, I just wanted to share something inspirational to kickstart the week.

Part of trying new things and growth is experiencing some setbacks. Although sometimes we only see the success of other people, we also need to recognize that their accomplishments were not achieved overnight. They, too, had to battle their way to the top. In fact, they continue to do so in order to surf the waves or change the tides. It is also because of their persistence that some challenges may seem like a walk in the park. Not being able to accept the challenge of failure draws us back from our purpose and mere existence. Recognizing defeat without pushing ourselves to stand and try again makes us complacent.

Idealistic as it may sound, I believe that we're all destined to do great things. May it be for ourselves, for our family and friends or for the community, the measure of our success is entirely up to us. The only question is, how bad do we want it?

Here's a short video from Drew Canole of Fitlife to power up your afternoon. Enjoy! #StayInspired

Hi, everyone!

How's your week so far? Mine has been a bit of a roller coaster, but finally MacBook Pro gets an update, and I'm so excited about it!

"A touch of genius." MacBook Pro's 2016 tagline is very clear of how proud Apple is for this launch that they have been working on for years. This is supposedly the thinnest, most powerful and brightest notebook they've created so far.

MBP 2016 sports a strip of Touch Bar that inherited traits from the smartphone technology. It replaced the generic F1 to F12 keys that comes along with the usual ESC and eject keys. Fully customizable, the Touch Bar adapts to whatever program you are currently running, from FaceTime to Adobe Photoshop. This opens a ton of opportunities for developers and designers alike, similar to the iMessage update. At first I was hesitant that the Messages App will be heavier and slower, but I was surprised that it actually replaced my need for a different program. That said, although a bar that automatically changes functions may need a bit of getting used to, I know it will be great for us in the end.

With the Touch ID, it also allows us to unlock our computer in an instant. Apple Pay and switching between users is even possible with a touch of a finger.

Should you need the F1 to F12 keys, holding down the fn key is said to reveal them on the Touch Bar.

One thing that I would surely miss is the MagSafe plug that saved a ton of users before. Although Apple did not discuss plans about one of their smartest inventions, the introduction of Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports would mean that you can charge devices and transfer data faster. While this will push us into buying adapters for our existing devices, it also means that Apple takes another step towards the future. Same thing goes when previous ports have been changed, and people started complaining about how things will work for them, but the good thing is that we all managed to move forward.

On the same note, Apple did gave us a hint when they debuted their MacBook in 2015 which included a single USB-C port. Good thing, MBP 2016 comes with 4.

Since MBP 2016 is now using Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, they should have included the same port on the iPhone 7.

Don't worry about getting an adapter for your 3.5 mm headphones. Although Apple axed the port on their latest iPhone, the jack is still present on their 2016 MacBook Pro.

Even if Apple managed to save the headphone jack, we all need to say goodbye to the HDMI port and SD card slot. Soon, the days when a photographer hands you his / her SD card to transfer raw images and you automatically plug it in your MBP will be over.

Friends who prefer carrying an Air typically ask me if my Mid-2012 MacBook Pro is heavy, and my answer remains the same - it's not. However, a slimmer 2016 version of my beloved notebook isn't too bad for my back. In fact, Apple said that the new MacBook Pro is 17% thinner and 13% lighter than its predecessor.

I'm not a big fan of the Rose Gold Mac nor the iPhone, but when Apple introduced the Matte and Jet Black options for the iPhone 7, I was excited that they will also create a darker hue for their laptops, and they did! Space Gray is now available for the 2016 model.

Although the casing of the MBP gets a darker hue, the screen gets brighter and more colorful: 500 nits brightness, 25% more colors than sRGB, and 67% higher contrast ratio. Creating and editing graphics, images and videos will be tastier on this MBP.

My WODs usually involve me playing a video on YouTube or one of my go-to playlists, but I sometimes find it hard to compete with the outside noise. However, that may change with MBP's redesigned speakers that generate 58% more volume.

A set of flatter keys is said to improve responsiveness, but replaced the actual clicks and physical response that we're used to. MBP 2016 reviews show that Apple improved their butterfly keys after getting user feedback for their 2015 MacBook.

The iconic glowing Apple logo is also gone in this version of the MBP. Cutting that out helped them create a slimmer body.

Apple already uploaded updates for their homegrown programs like Keynote and iMovie that will integrate with the Touch Bar and MacOs Sierra, but seeing them first hand will have to wait for now.

I did wish for a better FaceTime camera in terms of pixel ratio, but I guess that needs to wait as well. However, considering that the MBP is Apple's premium notebook with a price range up to almost 3000 USD, I think users deserve better than 720p.

Not to mention that the entry level MBP 2016 is more like an improved Air with a Pro name. Reports show that Apple may be trying to eliminate Air to streamline their models in the future.

Overall, there are a lot of things that I will miss on the MBP. However, change is inevitable and Apple is trying to advance our way of interaction with new technology. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I can't wait to get my hands on this new MBP.

For a more concise comparison of their latest models, here's a screenshot from their website. Click on the photo to get to the MBP page.

So what do you think about this update? Let me know in the comment section.

Stay inspired, and later days!

Hi, everyone!
 
How’s your week so far? I hope everything is great.
 
It’s been almost a year since my friends from Shang and I decided to book a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Months after, my college friends got the same flights, and I couldn’t be more excited for what the trip will entail. The months of waiting ended, but due to some unforeseen events, the original group whom I planned the trip with wasn’t able to go. I guess we’ll just wait for another get together.
 
With the help and encouragement of friends and family, I decided to push through with the plan. It’s not like I’ll be missing out on a great opportunity such as this.
 
Day 1 started with a little of catching up: inside jokes, past travels, work. In an instant, it felt like nothing really changed. The empty boarding gate was then filled with our laughter.
 
After a smooth 2-hour flight from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, we found ourselves lining up for our visa stamp. The line was long, but we entertained ourselves nonetheless.
 
Originally, we all wanted to buy a local sim card, which is very advisable if you’re traveling with a group and need to navigate around a foreign country. Malaysian networks offer up to 10GB of mobile data for a week for 25RM. However, since it was our first time to travel abroad as a group, we wanted to take the chance to do some exploring. Sticking together is more fun anyway.

In addition to my earlier post, I want to share some of the experiences we’ve had when we visited Macau and Hong Kong during winter.
 
Our ever reliable planner, Gaye made the itinerary for the trip. She even called travel agencies, hotels, transportation companies, etc. to make sure that the spots we’re visiting will fit our schedules. As I recall, the trip actually started with a joke when Gaye asked Diego if he wanted to travel abroad. Surprisingly, we ended up booking one of our hotels on that same week, and our plane tickets for the 6-day trip a week after.
 
We rode a hotel bus from Macau airport, situated at the eastern end of Taipa island, to Macau Peninsula, then walked all the way to Ole London Hotel during the first night. Exploring a new city in a foreign country is awesome. You get to discover things, and meet friends while getting lost.