EJ Padero dot Com: Volume 1

The Next Episode

EJ — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:00:42 +0000

It’s been awhile. The saga continues (sort of) in, EJ Padero dot Com: Volume 2 over at:

http://ejpadero.com/vol2/

Here’s where (this) story ends – The Sundays

Thanks for everything.

End of Rinse Cycle

EJ — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:00:08 +0000

This blog is broken and its cycle has ended. ~~All that it was, will remain. Unchanged. Such is the past.~~ To be free and happy, this is where this story ends.

Again, as Coelho wrote about Closing Cycles:

Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust.

Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

Coming Soon: EJ Padero dot Com: Volume 2.

October 15, 2009: No kidding. I really broke this blog by accident. In early 2008, I tried transferring the WordPress installation from the dot com root directory to a subdirectory I named 2008. It did not occur to me at the time that WordPress had created a same-name subdirectory automatically. My creating the said subdirectory and attempts to copy or transfer the WP installation to it kinda broke the database. I’m lucky to still have the content intact and still be able to use WP in the root.

I have been unsuccessful in my few attempts to rectify the issue by transferring this WP installation to a /vol1 subdirectory and have the root dot com as a front page table of contents.

October 17, 2009: All is well now. Read all about it here.

What is NBI Clearance?

EJ — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:53:38 +0000

I had to provide details on what sort of employee background checks are performed by companies hiring in the Philippines. I found out that online searches on Google and Yahoo about the NBI Clearance and Police Clearance we use do not have (m)any concise definitions on them.

Instead, the top search results are mostly/only about the procedure to acquire them. Even the official website of the National Bureau of Investigation does not define their NBI Clearance! Wikipedia came up empty, too. So here goes my own definition:

Usually, companies here in Manila require applicants to provide them with two kinds of background checks or “clearances”. They are, an NBI Clearance and a Police Clearance.

The NBI Clearance is provided by the National Bureau of Investigation and its satellite offices around Metro Manila and in the provinces. The NBI Clearance cross-checks an applicant’s name against the NBI database for any filed criminal record or civil case. A “hit” occurs when the name matches that of a person with a known/recorded case. Hits can be cleared upon cross-checking a person’s name with more details such as fingerprints and birth certificate.

The Police Clearance is obtained from the Philippine National Police (PNP), which usually has a satellite office at the City/Municipal Hall. Where the NBI Clearance is checked against the database of the NBI, the Police Clearance is checked against the database of the PNP.

To compare the two clearances mentioned and put them in a western perspective, the NBI Clearance would be like having a “clean record” at the FBI. The Police Clearance would be like having the same from the State Police.

Companies hiring in Metro Manila usually require applicants to provide them with both NBI and Police Clearances that have been issued within the last six months.

I hope this helps. Feel free to add or correct information posted above.

Related websites (try looking for definitions here!):
National Bureau of Investigation [Official Website]
National Bureau of Investigation [Official Website]
Philippine National Police [Official Website]

P.S. Yes, it seems that the NBI has TWO “official” websites.

Hitman Spotted at Shangri-la Plaza Mall

EJ — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:50:19 +0000

Last month, I was waiting for the screening of the movie Stardust to start when I thought of taking a photo of the Hitman movie standee poster. It was only after taking the picture that I noticed something interesting I caught in the shot.

Freaky? You decide.

Check out the Hitman movie trailer below:

Related links:
Hitman (2007) [Official Movie Website]
Hitman movie trailer [YouTube]

This Warrior Is A Child

EJ — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:29:48 +0000

“The Warrior Is A Child” by Twila Paris
Also performed by Gary Valenciano

Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears

They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
‘Cause deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child

Gary Valenciano’s “Warrior Is A Child” music video below:

References:
Twila Paris – “Warrior Is A Child” Lyrics [Let's Sing It]
Gary Valenciano “Warrior Is A Child” Music Video [YouTube]

Gary Valenciano – Kailangan Kita

EJ — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:06:29 +0000

“Kailangan Kita” by Gary Valenciano

Sa piling mo lang
Nadarama ang tunay na pagsinta
‘Pag yakap kita ng mahigpit
Parang ako’y nasa langit

Ngunit ito ay panaginip lamang
Pagkat ang puso mo’y labis kong nasaktan
Pakiusap ko ako ay pakinggan

Kailangan kita, ngayon at kailanman
Kailangang mong malaman na ikaw lamang
Ang tunay kong minamahal
At tangi kong hiling ay makapiling ka muli

Ngunit ito ay panaginip lamang
Pagkat ang puso mo’y labis kong nasaktan
Pakiusap ko ako ay pakinggan

Kailangan kita, ngayon at kailanman
Kailangan mong malaman na ikaw lamang
Ang tunay kong minamahal
Ang lagi kong dinarasal

Kailangan kita, ngayon at kailanman
Kailangan mong malaman na ikaw lamang
Ang tunay kong minamahal
Ang tangi kong hiling ay makapiling ka muli

Kailangan kita

Reference:
Gary Valenciano – “Kailangan Kita” Lyrics [Let's Sing It]

Ikaw Lamang

EJ — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:18:36 +0000

“Ikaw Lamang”
Originally by Ogie Alcasid
Also performed by Gary Valenciano

Ikaw lamang
Ang tangi kong iniisip
Ang lagi kong panaginip
Tayong dalawa ay laging magmamahalan

Pangarap ko
Na kailan ma’y ‘di maglaho
Ang pag-ibig kong ito
Pagka’t hinding-hindi ko makakayang mawalay sa’yo

Ikaw lamang ang buhay ko
Sana nama’y pakinggan mo
Ang puso ko na mayroong sinasabi

Ikaw lamang
Ang tangi kong minamahal
Ang lagi kong dinarasal
Sana’y habangbuhay tayong magkasama
Ang puso ko’y
Ibibigay lamang sa’yo
Ito ang aking pangako
Mula ngayon hanggang magpakailan pa man
Ikaw lamang

References:
Guitar Tabs for Ogie Alcasid – Ikaw Lamang Tabs, Chords, Lyrics [AZ Chords]
Gary Valenciano “Ikaw Lamang” Lyrics [Google Search]

Random Stroll: Global Fun Carnival

EJ — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:06:32 +0000

A leisurely drive around the Metro last night ended up at the Global Fun Carnival, SM Mall of Asia Complex.

I hear it opened just a couple of days ago, on October 27. I guess that explains why the place was still pretty much in a sort of “soft opening” phase, not yet too busy and with only a handful of visitors here and there.

Mga Takas:

R.I.P. Jumong?

Tip: The carnival grounds is loose gravel all over. Wear appropriate footwear for that sort of terrain. It won’t be long before those wearing thin slippers (even fancy, thousand-peso Havaianas) get sore feet. High heels? Good luck.

Related link:
Global Fun Carnival [Official Website]

At Packo’s, Last Night

EJ — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:53:11 +0000

Here’s us celebrating Kathy’s visit home from Singapore. Tense schmense. I still got a good buzz. Wapak!

I wasn’t aware of this shot.

Packo’s Grill and Restaurant
36 Scout Esguerra St.
Quezon City
Phone: 414-5570 & 71

Ryan Adams – Memories Of You

EJ — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:46:58 +0000

“Memories Of You” by Ryan Adams

Memories of you
That I just don’t have right now
I’ll make them up
One cup of wanting you
Two cups of hoping somehow
These things come true
While I’m staring at pictures of you
While I’m staring at pictures of you

Yearning
Longing
Making up memories of you
Making up memories of you
For now.. your picture will do

Dialing you up in my sleep when the nights wearing thin
Won’t make it right
My reasons to want to
And 100 reasons to lie
When I don’t want to
While I’m staring at pictures of you
While I’m staring at pictures of you

Yearning
Longing
Making up memories of you
Making up memories of you
For now.. your picture will do

Memories of you
That I just don’t have right now
I’ll make them up
One cup of wanting you
Two cups of hoping somehow
These things come true
While I’m staring at pictures of you
While I’m staring at pictures of you

Yearning
Longing
Making up memories of you…

References:
“Memories Of You” by Ryan Adams [AnsweringBell.com]
“Memories Of You” Lyrics, by Ryan Adams [Lyrics and Songs]