Data Checks (2 of 2)

Some more tips on analyzing incoming source data (referred as IFS in the telco project that I handled). Datawarehouse in a Nutshell: garbage in is garbage out. From a quality standpoint, throw away all the garbages before any app moves to production. The earlier it is detected, the less headaches, the cheaper. This again is part of the KT manual I created.

1. Most common issue is PK/integrity checks.
If there’s only one PK (natural key) stated in IFS specs, then IFS should not have two entries with the same natural key, this would result in Oracle constraint error during loading.
Product Code Desc Product Type
1 Class A 001
1 Class B 002

Possible course of action:
1) It could be source issue. Ask for Regen
2) Recheck data model. Maybe there’s a need to check whether natural key is defined correctly. There’s a possibility to explore addition of another new column, (eg. Product Type) which should be part of natural key to determine PK.


2. Not null columns.
Whatever primary columns or columns defined as not null in IFS specs, these columns should not be null in IFS.
Product Code Desc
1 Class A
Class B

Possible course of action: Ask for Regen


3. Unknown codes in Fact Tables
Logically, whatever codes submitted in Fact files should be present in Code tables, or else this would result to lookup failure:

Fact IFS:
Month Product Code Amount
200910 1 500
200910 3 400

Code IFS
Product Code Desc
1 Class A
2 Class B

Possible course of action:
1. If unknown code in Fact IFS is valid (product code = 3), then Code IFS should have regen.
2. If unknown code in Fact IFS is invalid, then Fact IFS should have regen.
3. Or customer can decide that it is ok to keep it as is.


4. Different Cases/Forms that cause mismatch during lookups
As pointed in above point#3, logically, whatever codes submitted in Fact files should be present in Code tables, or else this would resolve to lookup failure. However there are times that manipulation is needed in ETL side to make the join to be successful. Eg: functions like: UPPER, LOWER, TO_CHAR, LTRIM, RTRIM, SUBSTR, ABS, etc.

Fact IFS:
Month Product Code Amount
200910 101a 500
200910 000203B 400

Code IFS
Product Code Desc
101A Class A
203B Class B

Closely looking at the values, the values do exist but not exactly in the same form. This should tell you that these are not really lookup failures.

Possible course of action:
1. Agree with client who should change which and what should be handled in ETL in their side or our side. Other than the agreed things, then whatever that still fails lookup is considered ‘valid’. Revisit the logic when more data has been loaded. Document such to have reference in the future.


5. Volume of Data
The volume of data should more or less be consistent. If a fact file contains 3M records on a daily basis, then it shouldn’t fall too low, eg 100k records. For additional info, data volume is tracked for several other purposes. This is usually checked in SIT.

a. One is for tracking performance: comparing ETL processing time against different IFS files having different data volume.

b. Another purpose is for is tracking compression (in comparison to aggregated tables), this is to check whether compression targets are met or not. If targets are not met, then there is a need to revisit design. Some columns might not be suitable to be part of the group by clause.

Possible course of action:
If IFS file suddenly has too low rowcount, it has to be informed to client to check from their source. This might need IFS regen from M1.


6. Other Common IFS Issues:
• Duplicates - same entry of exactly same records are sent twice.

• Default values. Default values as indicated in IFS specs are not followed. There are also cases where agreed values are Y or N, but in actual IFS, it is showing null values, X values, etc.

• Missing footer record. ETL program from M1 side has to be completed, and thus trailer record will be populated.

• Column length too long.

• Missing or Additional column in IFS

• Extra spaces for data some columns in IFS, special characters.

• Invalid filename

Data Checks (1 of 2)

Sharing some techniques. I drafted this one time when I was asked to do some 'knowledge sharing'. It's actually just common sense and some room for imagination to cater for 'intelligent assumptions'. :)

Scenario: Amounts do not tally.

1) Open the report in UAT instance. If specific account number or cust is given, search for that number. Replicate the issue for those accounts/CIFs raised, you can bring in other fields into the report (eg Sector Code, Sub Product Type, etc) if you need more information.

2) Check how the amount is calculated. The amount field can be an OLAP variable, look for the specific table.column in ETL that is used and do the calculation manually. If it’s a direct fetch from EDW, then query the database.

3) Next is to query the source itself. If it’s a lookup field from another instance, then look for specific join conditions in actual ETL mapping. If let’s say all your amounts are null but in Raw has value, then something is wrong in EDW. Either it’s an ETL lookup issue related to data, or requirement itself is wrong.

Eg: Issues:
- All debit fields are null because debit stream lookup to VBM in ETL in incorrect
- Some FD Credit balances are not matching and consistently lower in OLAP than in Raw, because VBM lookup in ETL has a component for renewal counters, and this field appears differently in VBM and GFDR and has to be padded with 0.

4) It could also happen that for some of the accounts match, some do not match, and there is no data format (trimming, padding) issue or ETL lookup error. This would mean that some of the filters (in either ETL side or OLAP side) are not proper

Eg: We had issues wherein we actually have to modify the filters, upon investigation that something is consistently wrong in our side. Sample issues:
BO: add filter to include Accounts Closed within Current Month. Remove filter on Receipt Status is Closed
ETL: remove filter on sub product type = GT.
Net, it can happen that requirement itself is incorrect. There are times when we cannot fully rely on what is stated in signed off mapping specs/report specs.

5) Another way is the comparison of total number of accounts. In this project, we normally go by account. Get the total number of accounts in OLAP vs the total number of accounts in Raw.
- It can happen that there are MISSING accounts from Raw but in EDW we take them in.
- Or the other way around, there are EXTRA accounts from Raw but in EDW we don’t have. With this, then you have to extract the accounts that are missing/extra, justify why it is or it is not there in EDW. Then do analysis and find a pattern where possible.

Apples and Oranges

Here goes a simple sample for a datawarehousing project from a bank. (note that this is just simple current accounts and fixed deposits, we're not even talking about equities, derivatives, bonds or forex).


In a dwh project, usually there will be some existing reports from old system to be compared against a new EDW. EDW will consist of ETL (processing source data and implementation of all data transformation) and OLAP (reporting layer where further filters and metrics can be applied). With this, data accuracy will be challenged and it's troublesome to find which part exactly has data gone wrong. Sometimes numbers can be critical, especially in banks. These numbers appearing in the report are read by Marketing or Sales people for their forecast, or even CEOs. A cent lost has to be digged out.


In layman's terms: my edw has 20 apples (15 are apple pies, 5 are apple muffins) and 30 oranges (10 are orange pies, 20 are orange muffins). Existing report shows 30 apples and 30 oranges. Somewhere data has gone wrong, it maybe during tagging of pies and muffins or it maybe there is a certain formula for classifying what is a valid apple and a valid orange. Literally comparing apples to oranges. (I hope it gives a better idea now) :D Depends on the type of project, if numbers dont tally, normally it can NOT go into production until the culprit is found. Or sometimes maybe the existing report is actually wrong. Or sometimes the business requirements are not correctly captured. Endless possibilities.


I'm actually not a SQL expert. I can only do simple queries and subqueries, not the too fancy ones. Think about it, it's quite fun to do those intersect, union to extract the correct data that you need in order to find the culprit.

2008 Last Glimpses

I feel an urge to write a year-end entry for all the blessings the past year. 2008 is a crazy and memorable year for me. Never imagined that my life in SG would be like this.

Work
It was only in 2008 that I can finally say to myself that I establish the confidence in what I'm doing. Previously working in a pampered environment, it's like I was working on a superficial and macro-level, touching just the surface. Now I got to witness a project from requirements gathering down to development, SIT, UAT and production cut-over. I was there from start to end, from higher level to knitty-gritty details. I became part of 2 major challenging projects that really push me to think beyond. I saw my manager defending for my ratings with the country manager, and I really felt moved as it was the first time I saw a person speaking on my behalf for what I deserve. Unfortunately I didnt get the monetary compensation for that due to recession (hehe bad timing!). Still, there are things in this world that a higher paycheck can't buy. We'll see, cant really say, I still have to have a back-up plan if things go wrong, which might be soon.

Back to School
I managed to squeeze in 2 marketing modules from NUS ext. I never really imagined that I'd be going back to school. It was fun putting your focus on something OUTSIDE work, and to realize that your brain is still functioning properly. Research, writing papers, preparing for presentation and exams - all these things seemed so far away and I'm glad I was able to do it again. My creativity skills were challenged. Though tiring to juggle work and studies, it was a rewarding experience.

Leisure Courses Overload
Checking my records, I enrolled in 7 short courses (8 sessions each) and 3 workshops (just 1 session each). Wheew dont know what was in my head. Beat that :p. There's always something to do, something to learn. I am becoming a jack of all trades. (and a master of none!) So hard to remember if you don't practice.

Resto Cooking
Seafood Cooking
*Rice Dumpling Making Workshop
*Mooncake Making Workshop
*Baking Workshop

Pilates
Social Dance
French
Korean
Guzheng

I think I had already posted a blog entry for some. I'd do some backfill for those I havent when I have the time.


Concerts
I watched 11 concerts in 2008 :p With or without companion, rain or shine, nothing stops what my heart desires.


I Keep Coming Back
Recalling my vacation trips, I realized I was in Manila for 5 times last year :p (Jan, July, Sept, Oct, Dec). Thanks to everyone who made my 2008 special.

2007 is all about adjustment. 2008 is like exploration to me, a 2nd childhood perhaps :p. And as 2009 sets in, I'd make sure it's a different me. A stronger, wiser and more beautiful me. Dare me. (That's the spirit!)

I have an assertive female ex-colleague who once told me, 'Some things come with with maturity, come with age'. Now I slowly understand what that means (I hope).

Let me end the blog with a picture, a nice sunset in Bkk. I like it because it exudes life's simplicity. Simple joys from watching sunrise or sunset. Simple me without any make-up or porma get-up. Free of cares and just simply enjoying what life has to offer. And that's just the essence of it. Let go and let God. Cheers 2009:)

Housekeeping: Portable Vacuum Cleaner

I bought this powerful tool last month. If you live alone, this is really a must-have item for your bedroom, especially if you are too lazy to sweep your floor everyday. The sucking power is actually not that strong, but good enough to pick up falling hair and dirt in the floor, like your typical car vacuum. This one can actually suck liquid too though I never tried. The hood is light enough to be 'portable'.

Now, every night when I'm not tired, I would turn this thing on and do a quick round in my bedroom, takes just about 2 minutes max I guess. I like my floor tidy and hair-free. Mine is from Moulinex and it costs 60sgd.

The down side is, this runs in rechargeable batteries (NiMH), therefore I would expect its life to be diminishing over time. I hope every rechargeable item will come in Lithium batts in the future.

Herbs and Spices

In SG whenever I have something that's troubling me, I know I can always count on him. He is my friend in college. He just left SG last month for US to take his Masteral, that's why I felt like scribbling something in memory of him. (hehehe lol he is still alive and kicking)

In my first month, I did not ask for money but he offered to lend his credit card. I always remember a good deed.

When I was yelled by the maid of the ex-hausmate (well everyone of us used to be a victim of that once in a while), I was so upset that I didnt wanna go home, I went to his place to have dinner to flush away all the angsts.

For career talks, he is the man. He sort of, i think, at least doubled his salary by jumping into 3 jobs in 1 year.

He is one of the two people from college who always believe that I can surely do well if only I opted to pursue masteral studies. Nobody now would believe I used to be intelligent. Haha.

When I was worried that we will be sent off the house, the people I talked to just gave me kinda-retarded answers, by throwing back the question to me. He's the only one who gave valid arguments that if we were sent off, there is some net loss and opportunity cost between the owner and agent. Only after that was I relieved.

For chismisan, bashing, bastusan jokes, anything under the sun talks, our wavelengths meet most of the time.

And even up to the last week before he left, I again asked for a favor. That was the time when I was rushing to sell my stocks. The HR folks wouldnt accept my 'Authority to Sell' form because she wanted a scanned image affixed with my signature. I dont have access to scanner as I was in client site. I called my sisters to 'forge' my signature and send back a scanned copy to me, unfortunately their email system was down. I realized a lot of my close friends in SG have left and I dont have much people to entrust this big responsibility. Then I remember him again. Luckily he wasn't busy since those were his last few days in office. I told him clearly, 'I need you to forge my signature, scan it and send it back to me, dont worry it's with my consent'. Hahaha what an odd request. He kept on laughing and asking me, 'are you sure, i dont wanna be jailed' haha. And that's it, done deal, sold.

Now I started to feel that I am not a newbie here anymore. All those I'm closed with who came before me has gone somewhere else: to Au, to Mla, to Samar, and now this one to US. I'm now one of the oldest (in terms of tenure, not age I have to specify hehe). I dont have a 'master' to guide me if needed.

I'm gonna miss having someone who is always reliable.

And oh. I have to add. He is GAY by the way, the most effeminate, smartest, conservative, one hell of a hot gay. hahaha. He has more boys kwento to share than me. And oh my skin has improved after he shared with me his beauty tips (no kidding!). Else I wont be blogging about him. I'm not planning yet to feature any straight guy in my blog, no topics that might sort of blackmail or jeopardize my name. haha :)

Not all gays are flirts, trash. They probably are guys with an additional pinch of herbs and spices. Some do have substance and are driven go-getters. And for that, I applaud them.

Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncake Galore

September 14 is the exact day for Mid-Autumn Festival. One month before this, all malls have been teeming with so much mooncake bazaars. A typical normal plain mooncake costs around twice of Ph's price. The more famous brands are those from SG hotels or imports from HK/TW and my, these are really exaggerately priced. One pc can buy you one box (of 4) in Ph!

The new craze these recent years in Oriental countries is the Snow Skin mooncake. It took TW/HK/SG by storm as everyone seems to be going gaga over this refrigerated, flavored, colored, not-your-typical-traditional-ovenbaked mooncake. The more popular flavors are green tea, taro/yam, strawberry, pandan, durian, coffee, chocolate, banana. I have attended a mooncake workshop, sharing some pix of green tea snow skin mooncake.



During my last September trip back home, I had so many of these mooncakes. I got 4 boxes (1box=4pcs) for my family and a friend asked me a favor to take home 2 more boxes. My goodness, it was really one heck of a big &^%!. 6 boxes weigh around 5kg and i have another handcarry bag of 6kg. I felt like my fingers were disconnecting from my hand, my arms were disconnecting from my shoulder.

The Biggest Drama (Part 2)

Just when I thought I had enough...

Last Jan when I went back to SG and vomited all over the lavatory of the the plane, I thought that was already the worst thing that could ever happen to me, or to any OFW for that matter.

I was wrong then.

Sept08, I purposedly went home to attend my nephew's first bday and Christening. After the party, I got another invite for a bday party of my friend's bf. From New Manila (kiddie party venue), it took like 1hrs+ drive to reach Megamall that Sunday. The weather's hot and I dont know why it seems like I got dizzy from the heavy traffic jam and bumpy roads (which I am supposed to be used to as I spent 25years of my life in such!). Food intake wise, probably it was not a good move to have two buffet meals on a hot day (which I am supposed to be used to again before!). After the 2nd party, again some more 2hrs+ traffic jam on the way home, aggravated by banggaan somewhere in recto. I dont know, it's just that all the elements were not working well.

I reached home so tired and decided to take a nap. I did feel better after the nap and even watched some TV series that night before going to sleep.

1am I was awakened by chills. I was starting to shiver. I had fever at 39deg. The druggie in me went to the kitchen and gulped Biogesic and again continued my sleep. Monday morning I woke up and started having LBM. Fever was still there. I was literally almost sleeping the whole day, if not for my mom waking me up to take medicine. She accompanied me to see a doctor. I got one shot to speed up fever recovery. I told the doctor I have a flight the next day. He said he would suggest 'idextrose' na lng because that it is the fastest. I chickened out, I haven't been confined in a hospital, not even had dextrose drip. The closest that I got was to donate blood, and it was a morbid experience. I am not really used to these needle thingie. Then the doctor said okay I still have a one day, worse comes to worst, I should just rush there Tues Morning for dextrose before my supposed Tues evening flight.

I went home hoping the medicine would be enough to keep me going. My mom was asking me to book another flight and said it's on her. (Deep inside ayoko na... how many times do I have to miss a flight whether intentional or unintentional.. it's just so lousy if I keep on missing flights!) And it's also so hassle to file for leaves again. And my sister and bro-in-law were taking the same week's Wed flight to go to SG. I prefer to go ahead of them to clean my room. Whooah I dont like messing all the plans, but my health was not cooperating. :(

Come Tuesday, I still got non-stop LBM whenever I attempted food intake, my fever did disappear though with the shot. Okay that's it I cant drag it any longer. My mom took me back to the doctor to take whatever dextrose+liquid medicine that I need to be infused. It was quite scary to see the doctor pinching the needlehead into my hand (the back of my palm). It wasnt painful though and I did not see any blood dripping out (I initially thought it will be slightly bloodly). I remembered there were two bottles and it took 2hours to finish the whole thing.

Everything was smooth afterwards. I managed to survive. LBM subsided the next day.

The only good that this has brought me - I probably shed off some weight. Back in Mla, a lot of ppl were saying I became fat. Blame it on the pigging out in Davao. And now the 'detoxification' has eased up the burning process to some extent hehe. Other than that, this was really a grrrh experience. Someone asked me a question whether gusto ko pa ba umuwi... the answer is still YES! haha.



P.S. Somehow the whole thing got me thinking. Have I been away for too long that my body started resisting the negative forces/inconveniences (exag ha, I beg to disagree!!!!). I'm afraid of being sick and far away, alone. Baka matuluyan ako nito.. Does anyone really care if something bad happens to me.. whether I go back for good or not.. hehe see how twisted and dramatic pag may sakit. Anyway, health is wealth. Without health, everything is useless.

Clueless and Puzzled Creature

It's really funny whenever I remember the 'amazing gift' na pinasuyo sa akin to bring back home last July. It was from a guy in SG who is courting my friend in Manila. Pardon me but up to this point, I still cant figure out the logic behind. :p Anyway it's my first time to be a bridge, let's just wait and see if this one's a happy ending.

Profile of the girl: She used to be my bestfriend and suddenly we lost touch after high school. Earlier this year, she greeted me in friendster saying she was surprised that I have changed a lot based from my pictures. And that started our frequent chatting. She's a simple girl who studied in CEU and currently works in a bank. I know she really wanted to have a bf but seems like she hasnt found one that's fit for her as she related. Dinalaw ko cya last July and I was glad that our closeness is still there despite the time and distance factors.

So anyway I got to know this guy from her. Seriously, bilib din ako sa tiyaga because this guy was literally sending sms to her everyday, calling her, online chats and lasted for already 4+ months. Whew for a guy to pursue someover overseas and engaging in posible long distance relationships, it must be real diligence and I respect him for that matter. We got to chit chat sometimes over ym. He was asking me for ideas what gifts to give. I told him looking at her friendster page, it was quite obvious as it was clearly stated that she likes accesories, 'anything kikay' I said. Then he told me he was planning to buy Body Shop products. My goodness, I dont know what he is thinking, there are so many Body Shop outlets in Manila, why bother, and I dont want to bring liters of lotions in my luggage! I said think of something unique that is only available in SG. I even gave him clues, if you find it difficult to buy accesories for women, well maybe just buy small bags, or perhaps kikay blouses.

'Pano kung hindi magustuhan' he said.
'Hindi yan.. or kung gusto mo buy one each of what I mentioned, khit sa tiangge lng, hndi naman kelangan mamahalin lahat. Cguro may magugustuhan naman cya khit isa lng dun'
'Naku bka magulat yon, sabihin bkit ang galante naman nito, hindi ko pa naman sinasagot'
I was like ha? Deep inside I was thinking what harm is there na magulat???
Then he continued,
'Hindi pa rin eh, hndi naman sa mayabang ako, what if naging kami, tpos mag-expect na lagi big-time ako magregalo. Mahirap yun ganon'

I was dumbfounded. What ??###!!@#. Here again is one guy who is worrying about what chicken dish to cook before the eggs are even hatched. And I dont see the logic behind giving gifts and being pressured what gifts to buy the next time to supercede the previous delight level. Isnt it giving gifts is a voluntary act? I give people gifts because I want to and probably because I care, not because I am forced to. Maybe it's a good trait that a guy has a clear grasp of future planning, however it's also because of this too much thinking left and right that stops them from progressing? That's it. He could have my vote, but he just blew it all away hehe. Anyway I dont intend to share this part with my friend, I dont want to be a factor para mabasted itong guy, because as a 3rd party, I can still see some goodness in this guy.

Anyway, when we met up, he has this nice silver box with a nice silver ribbon and placed in a dainty violet tiny bag. It looks perfect to me. I started teasing him 'hey teka ano ba laman nito. Naprepressure ako, bka pag nawala ko, hndi ko toh kayang bayaran'. (I was thinking it might be some watch? or maybe some accesory or jewelry, that was the impression actually of the size of the box and packaging). He just kept on smiling and saying secret secret. Later I was already serious, ano ba talaga laman, of course I dont want to bring any liquid or anything that might prohibit me from entering the plane right, at least give me a general idea. Deep inside I have the feeling somehow I have the right to know kasi pina-hassle mo na nga ako magdala. I asked once, twice, thrice, ayaw pa rin sagutin, tawa lng cya nang tawa. FINE. It's hard to talking to you. I gave up. :p

When I met up with my friend in Manila, of course she was really surprised that I brought her a gift from this guy back in SG. Girl talk chismisan, I simply told her 'hey buksan mo naman, I want to know what is it'. Medyo kilig pa cya when opening. So what was the big fuss all about. My goodness, it was several small pieces of puzzle packed in a tranparent plastic bag. The suspense didnt reach the climax part and drop down dead in a nano second..! I can't explain what my friend's expression was, and I had to be very careful to mind mine coz I dont want to upset her by laughing hard. Then I asked her, mahilig ka ba sa puzzle? Hindi. Cya mahilig ba? Hindi rin. Then I became speechless, I dont know what to say. Cge buuin mo na sa bahay. :p Then I changed the topic. The next day the girl called and told me she asked her kuya to form the puzzle which has something written like 'you're special to me'. The intent of the guy was that she extracts the message to the last piece. Poor thing, it didn't serve the purpose then.

Okay the intent was probably unique and has some substance in it. But then again, it's barking at the wrong tree. Hayy it's complicated! :p

Loser Moment and Most Memorable Flight

I would never forget this day, July 12 08. My supposed flight back to Philippines was from Jetstar, a promo fare which I booked back in February. Initial flight sched is 7:50am. After a few weeks, Jetstar sent a notice that it has been changed to 6:30am. Probably had I known it earlier, I wouldnt have booked the flight.

Starting end of May till July, I was working one day every weekend. D*mn, I was so tired, the project was in tough times and cutover had been delayed for several times. The people in the project didnt like the idea that I was leaving for vacation, 'bad timing' my manager said.

Add to it that I did stick to my crazy decision to attend classes every Fridays and Saturdays and finishing the marketing projects. I wasnt supposed to take the exam because I didnt enroll the whole course, but I opted to and filed a request to take it because I'd be interested to know how I measure. So there goes more pressure to review my notes.

Few weeks before the flight, I accidentally deleted all the calendar reminders in my SG fon (probably hit some wrong buttons while turning off my morning alarms). I was too anxious to retrieve my reminders and birthday alerts, I thought of opening my Ph fone to make a copy. As I was in a hurry, my PH fon got locked due to incorrect keying of pin code. I don't even know how to contact my sundo in NAIA. I dont have an updated back-up of my PH sim. I cant remember exactly where I placed the PUK code

The issues with the changing tenants of the house surfaced too when the annoying family decided to leave. I should be happy because my nightmares are coming to an end, an answered prayer indeed. However things were not as smooth as expected initially, a hausmate wanted to bring an additional tenant after the headcount was already finalized, in which I didnt like because I am sick and tired of too much noise from too many people living in the same house and too many people using the shared bathroom. Because of too much thinking on the matter how to talk to her to drop that option, I got myself some serious oil burns while cooking, some even bubbled and left marks on my hand, my mom is worried that whenever she calls me now, she'd ask if the marks have disappeared :( Aside from those, I had to literally nag the replacing tenants for employment passes, the agent was nagging me for additional agent's fee, the house owner sounded like I owe him a big favor for not changing the contract despite the tenant change. Hell, this was really too much. Nobody has any idea how STRESSED I was and people might think I was worrying too much. Really bad timing, when it rains, it does pour. Well, a lot of those things are avoidable if I choose the easy way out, and my life would be much simpler. BURNOUT.

Going back, July 12 morning I had my alarm set at 4am. The same morning I finished packing my things at 2am. I was so tired that I dozed off again and hoping to wake up after another 10 minutes. The next time I opened my eyes, it was already 515am. Big sh*t, I was hurrying like hell, taking a bath, booking a cab. I arrived airport probably around 5:55am, still hoping that I'd be okay. Jetstar was firm, they do shut the check-in gate 50minutes before take-off time. My voice was shaking as with my whole body, no matter how I pleaded to consider taking me in since the flight hasnt taken off yet, it's of no avail. I'm dead, shoot me. I felt like crying. It took some time before the idea sank in to me. Yes I have to MOVE ON, and find the next available flight. I cannot afford to delay another day because my Davao flight was scheduled the next day July 13. If I don't get myself home the same day, I'd be suffering more losses.

I was in panic, making phone calls at 630am. I called my family back home to cancel my sundo, they were worried because they know I'm not the kind of person who would be missing out essential things like catching a flight. I already got the rates from SQ and PAL from airport booth, booking a same day flight at the airport is the craziest rate you'll ever have for an SG-MLA trip. I called several friends to help me checked the online rates but only two picked up and they told me online booking for the same day is no longer available after checking the websites. I dont have any choice, I booked PAL for the same day flight. That one-way SG-MLA trip was even more expensive than my December round-trip fare (holiday season rates are already at least twice of regular). Had I woke up 30minutes earlier, I wont be in such big mess and credit card damages.

I managed to arrive Manila the same day, the rest of the days were well-spent, no qualms. Just that I dont feel like talking about this stupid thing to anyone because I think I'd be getting more laughs than emphaty :p. I just wanna forget the bad things. I then remembered my good friend who used to have a suitor overseas who wakes her up every morning (probably via skype). For that matter, yeah I suddenly felt a surge of envy.

Anyway, some things you just have to learn the hard way. Wee hours of the morning flights? Hmm forget it, unless I have reliable wake up calls.

Pitstop for May

Good Riddance
And I say Adios with a big grin. Finally the nightmare will be over soon. Goodbye annoying creatures. I hope decent housemates will be coming in June/July. And I finally wont have the tuyo smell in the house. In case we manage to get all female housemates, whew I can walk around the house again without wearing hmm hmm haha like what I used to back in my home in Manila. Next thing is I hope nobody subscribes to TFC or does TV marathon day and night. And that would be a house that I'll be looking forward to come home to. Well yeah there's no home concept for OFW, it's just a house and will always be. The heck, as long as my own room is cozy, I don't give a d*mn. :p

Fast
Funny how this people in the office makes 'loko' to me. 'Whew Leslie is fast', I've heard several times from my teammates. The good thing I or we inherited from service management in my previous company is the 'think fast, work fast' syndrome. Hindi pwedeng kukupad-kupad. Sure this month's going quite fast too. Fast because I have so much work. I don't have much time to think. Good logic, the busier you are, the less time you have, the less you think, the less you worry. Makes sense right?

Hello NUS
I finally submitted my credentials for assessment to NUS (Natl Univ of SG). Well actually it's just a short 1-month course, not a long-term MBA thing. Just last May 15, I got the notice that I am in! :p Excited to be a student again! but of course I'm again killing myself cause this is also the most crucial/ busiest time of the project. I'll be juggling my time like crazy. I still have some worries on it, I havent enrolled yet, maybe next week I really have to finalize all. For the heck of just trying a top univ in Asia, cge lng. :)

Leisure Classes
Last Sat is my last guzheng class. Unfortunately I didnt learn as much because I dont have something to practice at home. That ancient wooden instrument would cost me a 800-1k sgd, which I think is too much for an absurd hobby? :p Another thing I'm sad I didnt manage to take a picture while playing it inside the class. My classmates are a young girl probably 10years old, a matrona, a strange-dressing Shanghaiese woman with so much burloloy. I dont have a prospect to give me a cam shot, nahiya ako :p. Just recently I can hear the same familiar sounds of guzheng played from a neighbor's house, gusto ko ng igate-crash para manghiram hehe.

I'm also glad that probably because of my somewhat eager and strange passion for attending these classes, I have influenced two close friends to take leisure classes. One friend took a French course, and my kumare signed up for yoga. See I'm a good influence? :p Thanks to my housemate who passed on this passion to me, and now I am doing the same passing the passion to a few others.


Uwi Syndrome
Yes I do miss home. I wanna go home and have a long vacation. I wanna go to places I havent been to, Circles, Embassy, etc. Thought it seems like circumstances are giving me reasons to go home frequently end of this year. (which I'm not sure is a good thing or not, cause I'll be overspending on air tickets and pasalubong!) Aside from July, I already booked one for my pamangkin's binyag on Sept. Another wedding is coming up on Oct which I havent booked yet. Whew, I sometimes feel like asking 'magtatampo ka ba kung ndi kita uuwian, kawalan ba kung wala ako sa okasyon?' hihi. Honestly I'm not really used to the idea of going home too frequent for just mere 'occasions'. Probably I'm not really a party person.


5th Year as Slave
May 15 (or is it 16, cant remember the exact date) marks my 5 year anniv as a corporate slave, an IT slave to be exact. 5 years ago, it was my first day at work, which is actually a teambuilding/offsite event in Cebu. I was like a lost soul (bagong salta), uto-uto, and partly amazed, 'wow this company is so galante'. Maribago Bluewaters Resort, that night the newhires were supposed to perform, and I was asked to cross-dress as a waiter. :p I got a nice SourceOne traveller's bag that I still get to use sometimes. Hmm those were the days. And I hope the 5 years didnt get to add any age marks on my face, sheesh I dont want stress anymore. 5 seems to be a heavy number. People usually ask you how do you see yourself 5 years from now. In college I did answer 'housewife!', and people think I'm crazy hehe. Who says people with good grades cant have a simple life?! In job interviews, I change my answer to 'manager'. Haha looking back, the question itself is silly, you'll never get to plan your life too ahead, too concrete. But somehow you should manage to have a goal that inspires you, that's it. The only constant thing in life is change.

So how I celebrated this 5 years? Alone lang. I tried a new dish, my first time to do salads. :) Be my guest, let's eat.

The First Musical Instrument Class

I once wished that I'd be able to play at least one musical instrument.

Last Saturday, I finally went to sign up for a musical instrument class. As I mentioned many times, I dont fancy the common things ;p. Guess which one I signed up for?

Dan dan dan dan...

Guzheng. :p

It's an old classical musical instrument of Chinese origins. The type of instrument that the typical long-haired leading ladies of 'flying' chinese movies would play. Flying here means lipad-lipad na olden setting, like 'Love of the Condor Heroes' (if i remember the title correctly.

Besides, it's the closest I can get to a piano. Piano courses here are absurdly expensive. Piano was actually my first attempt in 2004, but I stopped after 3 classes. Tinamad gumising nang maaga.

I hope I'd manage to play some basic tunes with this guzheng. Wish me luck. :) and oh probably someone should lend me this 'flying' costume, I want a picture like that taken while playing hehehe.

Cooking Classes (to the next level) :)

Out of curiousity, I enrolled in a formal cooking class. This time it's Chinese Restaurant Cooking class. :p Take note, it's restaurant cooking and not basic home cooking. :p See, I have high hopes and high dreams. haha

Below are some pictures of the instructor chef's masterpieces. Good subject as well for photography, i think my cam loves the food too. :)

Save the Last Dance for Me

My last dance class just ended. That's basically 3 social dances, for cha-cha, disco rock and rock and roll. I dont know how to differentiate, some just look like typical swing steps to me.

Dancing is fun. And what makes it more fun is that I was partnered (again) with the instructor for the whole of last session, as pambawi siguro. (refer to some previous entries). Whoa, it was really overwhelming to dance with an expert. Girls take a back step and follow while guys take the lead - that is the basic point as the instructor explained. Nasa diskarte tlaga ng male partner yan.

For once, I feel graceful. and oh I must admit I was mesmerized for those few minutes. Haha balik crush-crushan blues, typical professor-student crushie thing in school. It lasted for just an hour :p

Extra Challenge: Chinese Poem

I just notice I forgot to post my Chinese masterpiece. I think this would be my first and last attempt to create such a long poem :). It has 28 stanzas, 8 liner each stanza. AND it RHYMES! I finished this last December, got me churning for appropriate words and phrases, what a challenge! And oh, I miss my petix days hehe. :)

Seriously, I really feel good when I learn a skill without having any formal lessons. For me, Mandarin is definitely not something I learned from school. The exposures just accumulated to my present level now. I don't have any special skill to be proud of. If there's one single thing I can do better, let's say more than 50% of the filchi fipinized population, I guess this is it. :p

Sharing my first stanza. :0

風花雪月 眼花遼亂
天長地久 海枯石爤
字字句句 深印心坎
不知不覺 回憶片段

Pitstop for Feb

So many grrh things this week. Kamalasan - when it rains, it pours.

Lost in Telco
This is my second day in the new client site, a telco. After almost 2 months of petix period, they put me into this project (at mukhng susulitin na ang bayad sa kin!). First, the site is very far, I consume 1hour of traveltime one-way. And the annoying thing is the bus that takes me to the business park from Jurong MRT seems to 'cease' operation from 930am onwards everyday grrh. Napapataxi tuloy ako kada nalelate, mahal! Second, this seems to be a 'hot' project, there are three high-profile high-position high-salaried people in this team. And seems like it's automatic that I am the 'assistant' alalay to the diyoses, woah okay lng I dont mind. I'm more worried that it's a make or break for me. Pag magkalat ako d2, patay. Anyway I dont mind, take it as good learning opportunity :p. I've been attending long business requirement meetings, and I have to be the official seksitary taking the minutes of the meeting. Gosh, it's killing me. My attention span is very short, like anything that exceeds one hour seems to send a signal to my brain to yawn. Yawn yawn maghapon humihikab at inaantok.. kakahiya. And I barely understand the telco industry (yet), lost.

SICK (again)
To make the matter worse, probably my health failed me again. I usually eat at home (yeah my own cooking :p) There was a night na tinamad so went to the nearest hawker. The next day I had sore throat. Hindi ko pinansin. Then it rained also, so viola instant cough, runny nose, clogged nose. I am a druggie (I've said that before). I HATE BEING SICK. I drank some western medicine, also bought chinese herbal tea (uso d2).. and this adds more to drowsiness during meetings. Uggh.


SHOCK
The extension cord in my room got busted. One night it sparked and created a big noise. I can feel the flame which is like 1in away from me (and also my laptop). I was shocked. Good thing houses here have the automatic system for turning off the main fuse switch whenever there are hints of short circuits. The whole house was in blackout, my housemate turned the switch on again to have the electricity back. I was speechless for a moment. Muntik na akong sabugan.


CLASSES
My classes (leisure classes) are weeknights. Given the new location, I am always late :( There's one annoying thing in dance class, my partner (who is shorter than me) always have a hard time turning me around. As in exaggerated, nasasagi yun buhok ko at nasira pati ang clip ko. Minsanan naapakan ako. And worst, ang bigat ng movements nya, nakakahilo. Out of martyrdom and ethics, I never complained (we were asked by instructor to raise complaints if we want to change partners). It was my second to the last class, and finally the dance instructor seemed to notice it at long last.. At ako na ang pinartner nya (hehe o well ibang level at least for once kapartner ko ang instructor)


RIPPED OFF
I had a tooth cavity (again!). And I dont know why I keep on having cavities despite that I brush my teeth at least 3 times a day! (after every meal). Knowing the overpriced dental services (medical in general) in SG, nagkukuripot ako, I was hoping it can wait till my next Manila vacation hehe. The hole's getting bigger so I thought I really should have it fixed before it calls for any tooth canal (which is much more expensive). Saturday I broke my usual routine and woke up early hehe (10am is early :p). Ridiculous dental clinic weekend hours, all dentist clinics near Bishan only have morning 9am-12nn operation hours. Anyway, so arrived at this first clinic, they told me I'm too late for today's appointment because it's full already, I should go back tomorow at 9am. whooat!! I asked for the charge, they told me around 60-80sgd depending on the hole, whether it's big or not. That translates to 1800-2400php. Hmm a 60sgd is enough to buy a handbag or a blouse or a pair of shoes or facial or buffet. Sayang hehe.

Went to the second clinic, good thing they can still accomodate me. The tooth filling service costs me 45sgd here. (around 1400php) Cheap price for SG. But then again spending 1400 for pagpasta? 350php lng charge ng dentist ko sa Manila! hahaha. Again the rule of thumb here in SG 'THOU SHALL NOT CONVERT NOR COMPARE!'


HOUSE
We're again experiencing delaying tactics of the doomed housemate family. I really wonder WHEN will this ever end. Hindi pa rin umaalis. It's really a 'sh*tty' condition living with people who are far beyong the norm, and all these weird habits and personalities. Doomed. D*mned.


I read somewhere that everyone's share of BLESSINGS and UNHAPPINESS is equal. So I hope my blessings will even out this negativities soon.

Just for Laughs: cR0oKeD LoGIC

Loves makes the world go round and crazy
- the world itself is round, there's no other way to go but to follow the cycle, which is round. And people are all crazy whether they admit it or not. So with or without love, the world is round and people are crazy. Just that, an obvious truth. Love can do and should do much better than that.

First impression lasts
- Impressions in general dont last, whether it's the first or the last. Impressions are just foreplay, a prelude. More often than not, impression is just based on some bandwagon effect, people are copycats and tend to copy what his neighbors think. And a person's memory retention is just so bad that impressions are just minutely insignificant in proportion to time. Poor human creatures.

Silent waters run deep
- It might not be its own will to be silent in the first place. It might want to flow with the current but some intangible object is blocking its way, keeping it silent. Well maybe some big stones or icebergs are pulling down its leg. It might not have enough courage to trample over the obstacles, thus staying put in status quo. Just because it's not moving doesn't necessarily mean it's deep. Mere perception. There's always two sides of a coin.

First things first
- First things are not firsts. They get solved the last most of the time. It is human nature that resists the impending should be 'firsts' candidates in the priority list, the important and difficult ones are usually left last or left out, unknowingly or purposedly. Cowardice makes us run away from it, but we tend to fool ourselves that we are organized and focused, trapped in our own make-believe perfect world.

The eyes are the windows of our soul
- Should be 'The soul is the window of our eyes'. It's the soul that sees the real thing. So it sends a message to the nerve of the eye then to the brain cells to interpret it.

What is essential is invisible to the naked eye
- contradicting previous statement. Who cares what you dont see? Tangible and visible things that people care the most like wealth and beauty breed greed into this evil world. Only a few believes otherwise, and hence becomes a minority, an outcast, a paradox. But still, being an exception to the norm doesn't make them lesser of a person.

With great power comes great responsibilities
- So untrue. More and greater responsibility goes to the complacent and industrious worker who just bows to orders and takes in more tasks, in short they are the ants. See those with great power in the real world, they sit at the top, smiling, relaxing, and just play the game by assigning more responsibility to the ants. Hence the evolution of the sugar-coated word called 'delegation' and they continue to enjoy the adoration of their worshippers. There's one thing people of power and influence are pretty good at though. Statement should be 'With great power comes great Scandal'. For more information, refer to Philippine government's Lozada ZTE scam, HK entertainment industry's Edison Chen scandal and office politics - I believe each big company has its own fair share.

Dont judge the book by its cover
- Well a book and a cover are separate entities. Who says the author is always the designer of the book cover? It doesn't happen all the time, I think they hire some graphic artists to do it for them. Let's say the next time you buy an expensive new cool shirt that turns out not to fit you so well upon wearing it in a party, do you want to be criticized that you have an awful body or would you rather just pass the blame on that despicable stupid ugly shirt?

*If the content has offended the originators or believers of the popular sayings, I apologize. These are actually good quotes I myself believe in :). Hey I like Spiderman and Little Prince. Just need some substance to experiment with my first attempt on satirical literary composition. Whew maybe I should start consulting Zafra. If she has Twisted, I think I can start my Crooked :p Main difference is.. I'm not sure mine's gonna sell any. :D. Btw nice image taken from the net, it says it all.

**from the manuscript of a person with a somewhat disturbed state of mind and hungry stomach waiting for uwian. Written on Feb 19, 2008, a few minutes before 6pm in a regular office day. :p

The Scandal

Aint this lady lovely?


Her name is Gillian, a member of a duo called Twinz, a pair of popular singer/actress/teen icon in HK. Also appointed by HK government as ambassadors of goodwill, role models for the youth. She is one of the prettiest faces I've seen among Asian artists (na hindi retokado)

News broked out last week of January, rather a big scandal that has already been featured worldwide including CNN. Racy photos of Edison Chen, a popular HK actor, making out with different HK celebrities (READ: A-list celebrites and NOT starlets), one of which is Gillian --- which really surprises a lot of people, myself included.



Edison Chen's profile - age 28. Raised in Canada. One of the hottest male actors/singers/product endorser/model in HK. Famous enough to open his own clothing line few years back. He stars in Gen-X Cops movie. I used to find him cool. But after knowing he shoots video of all her 20+ gf/flings.. hmm uggh no comment :p

The leakage of the photos is due to Edison having his laptop repaired. My initial reaction is.. what an IDIOT! Doesnt he know that he should delete those files first? Then someone told me that the pictures were actually 'deleted' already from his Recycle Bin. However the technician used some software to retrieve the 'deleted' files from his Macbook and of course wanted to make money by blackmailing. That is really wow, I didnt know such softwares existed! (huli ako sa mga balita hehe) Okay Edison's stupidity forgiven to some extent.. but then 1300 racy photos are already out, posted in internet. I pity them especially the women featured in the scandal.

Different comments surfaced. Some curse them for being so obscene and hypocrites (wholesome innocent image yet sa loob ang kulo)... and a few supporters say they pledge support as they understand artists are also human.

My take:
I don't want to comment whether what they did is wrong or right. Bahala sila kung ano gusto nilang gawin. Just one thing, popular celebrities have 'social responsibility'. People look up to you, waste so much money patronizing your products. It's a fair package - you earn millions, your private life sacrificed. The least you can do is to be careful and live up to the image you are projecting.

Posting Habits

In case you notice, I normally don't mention names online. Especially my family, I don't like sharing their pictures in public. I don't know, maybe it's a sign of security protection. (I just have this mindset na ayoko lng mandamay ng iba)

3 Common Pitfalls: (in my definition)
1) Frequent namedropping
- I find it silly to see labelling pictures (in friendster or the likes) based on names of people appearing in the image. 2 or 3 people should still be fine, but anything more than 5 that doesn't make sense. Does everyone need to know who you are with?

2) Showing your Itinerary
- I usually post things that have happened, not those that are about to happen. I don't think it's a good idea to maintain a public scheduler, unless you are comfortable with that. Also don't agree with showing personal contact details like address and phone#s online. I remember some people complaining that they are being 'stalked' because of their posts.. Aint it stupid? :p

3) Unrotated pictures
- This one is real funny. I occasionally see people posting inverted pictures online. I dont think there's a valid excuse of not knowing how to flip/rotate pictures for any literate person age 28 and below. Come on it's already the PC-age, we all reached the period of using computers, at least in college days.

Sorry, just some harsh observations. :)

Difference of Rich and Poor Countries

I saw this from a blog. I totally agree with what it has to say.

Here's the article

On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:

1. Ethics, as a basic principle.
2. Integrity.
3. Responsibility.
4. Respect to the laws & rules.
5. Respect to the rights of other citizens.
6. Work loving.
7. Strive for savings & investment.
8. Will of super action.
9. Punctuality.
10. and of course...Discipline

In poor countries, only a minority follow these basic principles in their daily life.

We are poor because we lack the correct attitude. We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich & developed societies.


Personal Comments:
The above qualities are actually basic, very SOP things, yet unfortunately some Filipinos fail to comply. If we can only strike an effort to stick to those principles, I guess the world will be a better place to live in. (hehe world peace)

Recently, there's a shocking bill that brought all OFWs in a state of dismay. In short, the bill wanted the following conditions for future OFWs:
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/77354/Warning-aired-vs-new-hiring-policy-for-OFWs

1. repatriation bond of 5000usd from the prospect employer from each OFW
2. all overseas job offers must go through Phil-accredited agencies (POEA, DOLE, etc)
3. an overseas employer can hire up to a max of 5 Filipino direct hires.

What the heck?! This will only cause red tape, less job opportunities and more kurakot money for the Phil govt. And who says only Phil has talents? We will lose to China and India eventually. Oh well I just learned that 13% of Philippines GNP comes from OFW's remittances. The reason why peso is gaining value is just that. So hindi pa pla enough at kelangan makihati pa sa kinikita ng OFW. Oh well, good thing that stupid bill is on hold for now.

Last year when I got here Mar07, my first remittance is at a rate of 1SGD=30.3php. Last Dec07, remittance rate hit a big low of 1SGD=28.14php.

Oh well, that's life.