Sunday, June 8, 2008

AnimeBlog: Macross Frontier Episode 10 【鳥の人】

The 10th is by far one of the best standalone episode I've seen. The show features Ranka's first truly big break. It explores Ranka's feelings for Alto - feelings that lift her to a new level. Here, we see the expression of the great potential hidden inside Ranka. I love this episode. An inadvertent glance, a playful kiss, a solidifying conviction, and a maturing of a character - All this makes for one emotional and inspiring 30 minutes that leaves you feeling elated. :)

Friday, June 6, 2008

MyBlog: 日本へ行きます! (Nippon e ikimasu!)

I received my first offer today since I resigned from Canon; and guess what: it is an assignment to Japan! :) I don't know if I actually prefer this to the local assignment (because both were probable offers during the last time I was interviewed), but I guess I am nonetheless very excited about the prospect of going back to Japan - although I have to wave goodbye (for the time being) to my dream job of doing research and further studies. In the end, I think taking the job is the practical choice - one of my seniors in La Salle told me some time ago that I should grab opportunities, don't wait for something that may or may not happen. Well, this is most definitely an opportunity worth grabbing.

The salary is relatively higher than usual similar offers, even after considering that no bonuses will be given. There will still be transportation allowance on top of the salary, and the company will shoulder the living expenses. I will once again be assigned as project manager for an embedded network communications project. So it's pretty much well within my experience, and yes, comfort zone (for better or worse). I may be transferred later, but still to a project in Japan - although I was told that when that happens, I might be given the option to choose to return to the Philippines instead. I was also told that I will have equal opportunities to climb the corporate ladder while in Japan, even though I'm a Filipino. So it's financially good for the short-term with mid- to long-term possibilities for growth. Of course, being in Japan by itself is for me a really big perk already.

As of now, there are still a lot of personal issues to resolve - particularly with my girlfriend. Personally, I think it's for the best if both of us could find some way to go there. I know it will be a milestone for our relationship - a very big milestone. :)

One catch: I only have until Monday to consider everything since the target flight date will already be one month from now! Therefore, meaning: I should start with the paperworks immediately! Everything is suddenly moving so fast. If ever, I have to wrap things up with La Salle by next week because I will immediately be put into a Nihongo crash course in the one month prior to my trip - I'll be in a full time work by next Wed at best!

So fast. I guess that's the way life-changing events happen. Fast. Decisions made in a split-second (or in my case, a split-weekend :p ), altering the course of my life. I always pray that God will guide my decisions, of course - that whatever happens, I will take the path that would please Him. For those who know me: yeah, I know that's an odd uncharacteristic comment coming from me. ;)

A new turning point: this is what it is. It's once again time to make a decision.

Now, if ever I do choose to accept the offer, I hope my visa application will go well despite the tight schedule.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

MyBlog: Axis!

It was an uneventful week. The weather started getting warmer again, and personal psychological law seems to obey the inverse of physical law - instead of getting all excited, I got lazy. Well, like all new things, it would seem thoughts of getting sales on eBay is occupying my mind most of the time. I should recondition myself... it's already becoming a bad habit.

Nonetheless, I was able to buy the hardcover edition of Axis by Robert Charles Wilson today! And buy it at 75% off! Apparently, a lot of mass market paperback editions are coming out soon, according to the teller - so they're doing big sales at Bestsellers (a National Bookstore spin-off). Although, at 75% off, the hardcover is actually cheaper than a mass market paperback! The better part of the news is that the money I used to purchase this book came from today's sale of a book I didn't need anymore - plus a bit of change! In effect, it's as if I got a trade-in and upgrade! :)

I'll probably start reading it after I finish Marrow, by Robert Reed.

Additionally, I seem to be getting a number of inquiries about a supplement I'm selling that helps normalize metabolism (read: helps burn carbohydrates and sugars and potentially, fat) - I'm just thinking why they stop at inquiries and never result to sales. :j Hm...

In other news... my to-buy list item Saber (Revoltech version) is P1,000; while the Shifty Saber is nowhere to be found except through eBay. Still pondering if I'll buy tickets for me and my girlfriend for the Lea Salonga Cinderalla musical. What's stopping me, you ask? Well, I don't have the budget... Yet. ;) Ticket prices range from P1,500 to P7,000. :s One female faculty is saying di niya type ang musical score, and suggesting we listen to it first in YouTube. Well, we male faculty members, on the other hand, are saying "Si Lea yun, and just watching her is worth it." Hehehe. Gender differences at work. ;P