Part 1. For SS Memberswho are 65 and are not yet pensioners

SSS has recently amended their policy such that any SSS member who has reached 65 and has not yet qualified for a pension must signify their intention to continue paying to qualify for a pension by accomplishing a new form called Application for Voluntary Payment of Contributions for Members Aged 65 years old or over.

It is imperative that these members now submit the properly filled-up form to any SSS branch on or before end-of-business-day of Monday 1 July 2013.

 See below for the image of the form.  This form is from SSS.

Click here to download the form.

Wedding's something borrowed, something new ......

 Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

if you've thought about weddings, you would have come across this phrase
the thought behind them is wonderful, and click bellow to read it

i thought it might have been logical for the Scot to think about the silver in the shoe,
and not just any shoe BUT the left shoe for optimum effect

Click here for yahoo's answer ..... to something borrowed

The SSS Educational Loan

The SSS-Public Affairs and Special Events Division gave me this copy of the Educational Loan poster herein duly posted for your  perusal  and information.

*** changes ***
Effective 5 April there have been changes to the poster below, i saw the official orders only copy only yesterday, 16 April 2012.  The changes are:

Required Number of Contributions:
At least 12 posted monthly contributions, with at least 1 monthly contribution within the last  3 months prior to the date of loan application, instead of as below requiring at least 36 posted and 3 monthly contributions within the 12 month period.  Also, in the relaxed rules, SSS allows members  the pay the missing 1 contribution and to present proof of payment to qualify.  Very easy terms.

as a comment, i hope members who avail of this loan remember to pay the SSS at some point so that others may be able to also avail of similar benefits in the future

Required Monthly Salary:
Maximum salary is now 25,000 instead of 15,000 and member must provide proof of salary thru payslip of pay envelop.

Maximum Loanable Amount
Has increased to 20,000 as against 15,000 in the poster below; and 10,000 as against 7,500 below.

HTT's Friday post on Manila Standard

He leads off the discussion by way of the April 9 holiday.  This holiday used to be called the fall of Bataan, and this has been changed to Araw ng Kagitingan....

My father was in the PMA, and if i may say so, quite the handsome fella.  Women "crushed" over him.... my uncle, Mapagtapat or Tito Ping was in the PMA too and he said, time-and-time again, that my Dad was more handsome than him.  anyways, i think the statement true but yes, both of them were in Bataan.  And they both were in the Death March.  From both their stories, Tito Ping fell ill - so my Dad couldnt escape as he had to take care  of his brother, Capaz  - and the Death March.  How thin Dad was in his pics then.

Dad wasnt talkative, but war is hell indeed.

HTT segues the discussion of the war then into the war of poverty now.  then as now,  war is hell....
read his points.

Click here for HTT's post on surrendering=the-war-against-poverty


rights. tell me, do you know your rightss?

What would you like as a member?

Suppose you are a GSIS member and it is the anniversary of GSIS?
What would you like to get from GSIS? hmmmm. what about a cash award?

From Philhealth?  No, i dont want anything from PhilHealth.
I would rather be well and not have to use any benefit....
or maybe a free regular laboratory test?

From Pag-ibig?  maybe a cash gift also

From SSS?  maybe also a cash gift?

what do you think?  any wishes?

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all of you

I spent the Holy Week resting my back since it was ache-y.
I went to Sampaloc, Manila last Good Friday for healing
and and i very glad to say that i was able to go to Mass Easter Sunday -
i was  a tad worried i might not be able to go because of the heat but i made it.
nice one.

It is terribly terribly hot here in Manila.

Remembering Erpats

Today is the birthday of my Dad, or as Kuys and his friends and brods coined it, Erpats from the Latin word Pater, meaning Father. i miss my Dad.  he wasnt given to much words, but he was deeply caring man.  his word was his honor, and he taught us that honor was one of the most important things a person owns.

Dad graduated from the Philippine Military Academy, and as they say, he was muy pogi (very handsome) and girls were very attracted to him.  (well, my mom was gorgeous so Dad went loco over her)

He was very disciplined, and had, as they say, a mole near the sole of his foot - an indication that he loved to travel.  Oh he did.  He traveled a lot.  Part of the travel was during his army days.  And when he retired, and had gone to the USA (being there helped his asthma) he traveled a lot, too. he didnt drive, but since he was a senior, he had a discounted RTD bus pass and went to all the beaches ... i think, in California.

i only hit a few beaches there .... Long Beach, Venice Beach, and Huntington Beach, to name a few but he went to a lot of beaches and even did some fishing.  i would have wanted to try fishing  but we couldnt find common down time to go fishing....

he loved to tease my mom, who was a bit pikon - perhaps the easiest English translation is .... not teasable?  but he was very very supportive, in all my endeavors.  one of the things he taught me is to finish things that i start.  he said to leave nothing pending.  one might not finish things at once, but once started, must be finished.  i still honor this teaching to this day.

Dad was a strong person, usually quite quiet, and had a wonderful control of his temper.  His kids, that is, us - the family - will always remember his words of wisdom that he imparted to us

Less talk, less error.  No talk, no error.

perhaps not original, but definitely true.  What he really meant was, you just dont blurt out what you think, it has to go through a thinking process, an evaluation, you might say.

Especially true when one is angry, and apt to say things that might be later wished unsaid, but what is said, cannot be unsaid.  Said things are like blossoms in the air, when good ... and stink bombs when not.

HTT's 22 March post

Ah, pensions.
i dont know enough of the clergy rules to know if all those in the clergy, priests, brothers, and nuns have social security.  i do know that some of them pay social security out of the parish collection, and this is of course known by the parish council.  i dont know what happens for the secular order.  The pope, of course, belongs to the monastic order, and is of course provided with a pension. 

Do you read Robert Ludlum?  You might remember Matt Damon portraying Jason Bourne. Ludlum wrote about the pope in The Road to Gandolfo.  BUT i digress.

HTT talks about the calvary of getting your benefits, especially pensions in this time of ACOP.  Surely there must be an easier way - like GSIS, or perhaps SSS utilizing the barangay - this may not be easy also.

Perhaps it is time for a fresh look at procedures and an even fresher look at the front line personnel - those who directly transact with members.... Perhaps.  Members do not always complain to SSS.  They grin and bear it.

but read HTT's words, not just my meandering comments ...

Manila Standard - 2013/03/22- A Certain tenderness in pension administration

quote from Goodread's selection

i happen to agree ... scintillating minds sparkle in conversations involving mind play.
fascinating, Spock would say....

Surely only boring people went in for conversations consisting of questions and answers. The art of true conversation consisted in the play of minds. 


Ved Mehta
March 21, 1934: Born in Lahore when it was still under British rule, writer Ved Mehta made his way to the U.S. and became a New Yorker staffer. Happy 79th birthday

Quote - Goodreads selection

All happiness depends on courage and work.


Honoré de Balzac
March 19, 1842: French writer Honoré de Balzac was always up for a get-rich-quick scheme. Hoping to drum up some buzz for his latest play, he spread a rumor that it was sold out. It opened 171 years ago today, to an empty theater.

Quote as rec by Goodreads

My friend and doctor has always said, no food is taboo, but remember, everything in moderation.
Besides even the Bible has intimated that Jesus died for us that we may have life, and have it abundantly -
having fun is part of God's plan for His people.  But as you all know, this is clean fun.

Fun like splashing water in a pool or by the sea, or having contests - cerebral or otherwise.

I have never been convinced there's anything inherently wrong in having fun.

George Plimpton
March 18, 1927: A contender for the title of Most Interesting Man in the World, writer George Plimpton wrestled Sirhan Sirhan to the ground when Robert Kennedy was assassinated and once got into the ring with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. He was born 86 years ago today.

a New Pope

Catholics, like yours truly, have a new leader
it feels good
i hope the prophecies arent ........ right, after all, prayer changes things.


Have a good weekend folks.

Goodreads quote for Tuesday 12 March 2013

You're alive only once, as far as we know, and what could be worse than getting to the end of your life and realizing you hadn't lived it?

Edward Albee

Click on Edward Albee for the complete Goodreads thought

March Birthdays

March 6       - John Anthony F. Ongchangco
                      Benita S. Padilla, MD - Sayans classmate and nephro doc
March 10     - Jonas O. Ongchangco
March 11     - Ernie Uson - STI friend
March 13     - Eriene Lao - STI friend

Hope your birthdays are/were wonderful.
               

Saying goodbye to Edwin del Valle

*

Edwin del Valle of the Social Security System, lately assigned off-SSS, passed away Sunday morning, the 10th of  March 2013.  He was young, but i do not know  his exact age. 

I last saw him at the Trellis restaurant located at the corner of Matalino and Kalayaan. 
He looked okay, but was very thin. It was an accidental meeting, a friend and I were having lunch, and while chatting and eating an appetizer, we were also looking around, and we simultaneously saw him.  We both sent off a little wave, as we had no chance to talk - they left earlier than we did.  And that was my last view of him.

Edwin was a nice guy, and he had depth.
those who know me will know what i mean.

He is with his Creator. Do remember him with joy.

Everyone makes a mistake

I was going over some computations made in a bill issued by someone in SSS.

As with any computation, i always seek to determine the rationale behind it.

For example, if there is a penalty charge, what is the penalty charge for, and what was the basis for the penalty.  why the bill? ah, well - the computation had to do with contributions made vs. contributions due, 2 things that are NOT the same - and, when the contributions were made, and when they were due.  see, prior to 1998 (that is, prior to  the implementation of RA 8282), SSS charged penalties for contributions made by SEs (self-employed) .

and well, the review had to do with a retirement application.. my doctor (but not my nephro doc) is already 72.

why was i reviewing the computation?  well, okay, so my doctor didnt understand and wanted me to explain.
so to be able to explain, i had to understand.....

based on what i know, and i did check, i think there were some errors.

i just wanted to let everyone know that there is nothing wrong with asking people to explain their computations.  everyone makes a mistake.  the person i asked was not angry, as yes, everyone makes a mistake.

so SSS members, when you are being charged with something you dont understand, ASK.
but do not be angry, okay.

everyone makes a mistake.   even you. even SSS. and sure, even me.
that is why it is imperative that one ASKS.

an Easter thought

Early Easter thoughts.
Easter. A time for transformation, or, to use a favorite word i found in Calvin and Hobbes, transmogrification.

A slow process, this time of change, and the picture says it all for me.

Click here for an imaginative Easter picture

The SSS Gallery

Did you know that SSS has a Gallery - and this features various artists
So if you are looking for art, try dropping by the SSS Gallery

the SSS Gallery can be found on the 2nd floor of the Main Building of the Social Security System
East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
There is a current exhibit until Holy Week.
At this very moment, i cant remember the artist.
Will update this post as soon as i remember........

do you need directions to SSS?  No?  okay.

a real 150-Carat diamond ring

 it is the ring to end all engagement rings.  the cost? a paltry 70MUS$.  *coughs*

and the entire ring is carved from a diamond, not a diamond stone and metal

beats the diamond Richard Burton (+)  gave  Elizabeth Taylor (+)

click here to see the world's best and most expensive diamond ring

Food Trip at Maginhawa - Quezon

my friends like eating out.  actually, who doesnt?
they met me at a place called Quezon.  and this place is also along Maginhawa .....
more or less near Bayantel.

i love the stuff you can eat there, plus, what you can take home - products from Quezon actually.

i liked the dried tapa.  Just the thing for breakfast.  only. dont overdo it.

What? Wicked people dont read?

i just had to share this.  i was going over my list of wicked people - that is, the truly wicked, or the now turned wicked and i find that indeed, they have lost their time for reading.  So, think about the people you know - at least those you find wicked, and well, do they still have time for reading?

i thought about the quote, maybe it is because people who have no time to read also have no time to reflect - on their actions - and without an examination of the things we've done, well .... we would have the tendency to backslide ... and think ... it is such a little sin.  unfortunately, there is no such thing as a little sin.

remember, even what we say .... but that quote is for another day.  *smile*

you will live longer. 

Wicked people never have time for reading. 
It's one of the reasons for their wickedness. 


Lemony Snicket
February 28, 1970: A most unfortunate day. Novelist Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, was once born in the benighted city of San Francisco and is now a dismal 43 years old.

a 3d pen - for all you who love to doodle

would you want to own a 3d doodle pen?

click on the link below for details.  

if i remember right,  Neil Gaiman also mentioned the kickstarter campaign, for an artist who wanted to animate his short story "The Price".  i think. if memory serves.  i have had 3 full-on unconscious surgeries, which i am told ... affect memories...  whatever.  you can check Neil's blog.

i wasnt able to contribute then, but the project was a success!

here's a chance to help kickstart a project.  who knows ... maybe one day you will have a project to kickstart..  the Colossal page also brings you to the Kickstart site.  it doesnt have to a big amount, but it does have to be in $$$$$$$

Click here all ye doodlers Colossal.com/2013/02/the-worlds-first-3d-printing-pen-that-lets-you-draw-sculptures-in-real-time/?src=footer

just sharing the page

colorful birds.  this is part of the reason many people enjoy bird-watching.

i remember my first glimpse of a blue jay strutting his stuff in the parking lot of the Huntington Museum in California. i was out on a date with a gentleman, who perhaps, was not into as much art as i was. i will always remember him when i look at the daybook souvenir he got me.  he must be married now with kids.  still, it was a very interesting day.  the blue jay was wonderful.  it may be a common bird in the USA, but it was hardly common to me, being a Filipina mostly here in MetroManila, Philippines

Click here to view 11-of-the-coolest-birds-you-have-ever-seen

Goodreads quote for Wednesday, 27 February

Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad. 


Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
 
February 27, 1807: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s greatest achievement? Becoming the first American writer to earn a living from royalties! He was born 205 years ago today.

When A Knight comes to the rescue

a truly lovely romantic ... think Arthurian legend .... picture

please click here for a look see at a scene :) from Camelot

Kasambahay

looking for a kasambahay?

i was. but thinking of all the paperwork i had to do, i had to rethink having one.
instead, i'm just looking for company.  maybe i'll have that when my friend Y or my friend Tam visits.

too much paperwork. imagine, you'd have to do the paperwork for sss, philhealth, and pag-ibig ... for someone who might stay just a month. and wont or cant even do the job properly. or worst, might rob you blind. and someone who gives less than satisfaction.

too much work having a kasambahay.  not to mention the cost. not just in terms of $, but something more costly - time and effort.

so no. not anymore.  we will see though.

Lauding Quezon City and other cities banning plastic bags

lookit all the germs in the article below.  yucccch!
plastic is forever.  read'em and weep,

the only thing i worry about using those paper bags are the trees they are felling to make into paper. but that's another post, for another day.


Click here to read the germ-ridden-consequences-of-plastic-bag-bans

Renewable Energy

The Philippines is a tropical country, with lots of sunshine - and let us face it - the country is extremely hot these days.  With climate change, the situation has only exacerbated.  Temps are climbing higher.  Why cant we harness our weather and parlay it into cheaper, okay, less expensive power?  Why cant the government - say through agencies like SSS or GSIS offer loans so that the regular houseowner can afford to install solar power.  

we can put the solar cells on our roofs, and use the energy those generate for our home use.  Any excess can be sold to the power company.  there is a location in Japan (i cant find my bookmark in my pc!) that has implemented this strategy.  Very symbiotic. a win-win.

in a study we made, no - not an extensive one - since most of the Sakonits have regular job hours and cant pursue all of our ideals, we figured the major cost lies in the generator .... to store the energy generated by the sun.  the solar cells by themselves is not that expensive.

well, of course the power company would have less income, right?  is this what is stopping support for solar? betch by golly wow, it better NOT be.  we have to stop depending on fossil fuels.  

am i shouting uselessly to the world? better than be silent and allow chaos to take over without a fight.

then, we'd have a worst case .... and we arent skilled yet with terraforming like in StarTrek

Click here to read 3-conservative-friendly-reasons-to-support-solar

Reaction to HTT's post last Friday

A long time ago, perhaps not in this blog, i had mentioned that unless individuals were investment-inclined,  they dont bother to really provide for their future, except perhaps to purchase an insurance policy - the just-in-case-scenario of the event of death.   However, it is not always just death that may bring disaster to a family.  Loss of income due to contingencies of many flavors have a higher probability of occurring.  Accidents may disable a person, thereby causing him to lose a major source of his  income.

Hence, i have been antsy about PERA, but no more... i think i may just fall under the not-eligible due to the long wait.  *hay*  the wheels of justice grind very slow indeed!

anyway, ofws have been romanced into paying their contributions as well as paying into a flexi-account.  How nice, and yet, as HTT points out, very few OFWs actually do that note and i dont understand why.

click below to read how advantaged and fully privileged these OFWs are .....
HTT's post on The Manila Standard Today /2013/02/22/ the-plight-of-migrant-workers/

10 ways to live longer

i give you this link Click here to see the 10-ways-to-live-forever

that is, if you want to live forever...

,,,,, i was looking for laughing ... but i guess it fell under the "Get it On", so not just about sex, but perhaps things that release serotonins or endorphins.

but hey, this website is a great place to find some laughter  if you are on the net, wacky things are great for laughter, and laughter is one of best things in this world
Click here for a broccoli house
Click here for a Gummy-bear-skin-rug
and here for a Rice-krispyhenge, so similar to stonehenge where magic is said to flow

and to see the rest of his pictures on Flicker ----
 Follow his series on Flicker - i love the nude beach scene...........click here and enjoy

Laugh.  Read Waterson's Calvin and Hobbes. Guaranteed a laugh
He recently released his entire collection - 3 books.  wonderful book indeed!

Dark and Light

This photograph is a rare juxtaposition of Dark and Light. 
A quick peek at the photograph which was allowed by the site to be downloaded.
White Swans and Dark Ducks, Pristine Snow and  Dark Waters.
A study in contrasts.  Man is much like this photograph, dark and light, and the many nuances of betwixt -  may the light in a man's soul prevail, always.  Sana.

A Man Feeding Swans in the Snow

Polish photographer Marcin Ryczek
 

Click here for Colossal's a-man-feeding-swans-in-the-snow

Carlos A. Arellano has passed away

He was fondly called Chuckie by his intimates and though i did not know him as much as i would have wanted, the little i know has shown him to be a warm and charming man, a true patron of the arts.  Condolences to his family and loved ones, and to all the friends he made.

He was the President and Chairman of the Commission during his tenure at the Social Security System, at the time of President Joseph Estrada.

he passed away yesterday, 20 February 2013
and cremation was last night.

necrological services are scheduled for tomorrow night, 7 pm 22 February 2013
Christ the King, Green Meadows, Quezon City

i dont think i can attend, as my leg is aching, but i will pray for the eternal repose of his soul
he is with his Creator.

for more info about CAA, click here to visit his site, then click contact to get to other choices

Goodreads quote for Wednesday

one of my favorites, Dylan Thomas.

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.


Dylan Thomas

February 20, 1950: Welsh poet Dylan Thomas arrived in New York 63 years ago today, where he began an American speaking tour that cemented his reputation as a literary genius and epic imbiber.

The SSS ACOP ad

did you see the SSS ACOP Ad?
well, if you didnt, here it is reproduced ......
do check the info in the box - if 80 and above, or incapacitated -
you do need the barangay certificate though
YOU NEED NOT GO TO SSS OR THE BANK!!!!

 i finally got a colored version ---- here it is.  i am including it because it may be a little clearer than the black-and-white version below it

Navigating through this blog

i wish to remind readers of this blog that if they want to see all related posts of the same or similar topic to please click on a tag or label.

these will sequence all posts of a similar topic

Htt's post on Manila Standard .... deterioration into a Ponzi scheme?

when i was studying actuarial math in the University of the Philippines at Diliman, i learnt that insurance companies are required to have their chief actuary, not the chief accountant, sign the Financial Statement.  the reason for that is very simple, only an actuary can vouch for its reserve as the accountant is NOT qualified to do that.  Even the CFO supposedly cannot, since he does not understand about reserves.  reserves form a large chunk of an insurance company's assets ---- which the company is supposed to invest properly.

same thing for SSS, however - as HTT points, SSS is a pay-as-you-go system and he puts that succinctly when he says that current benefits are paid for by current contributions.

this system of going after the marginalized sector, is great for universal coverage, but rather poor fiscal responsibility ... so, do the needs of some outweigh the responsible others?

Click here for the full article in the manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/15/straightway-deterioration-into-a-ponzi-scheme

Colossal - Wire Trees

thought i'd post on the same day ....really pretty

Colossal's Wire-trees-by-kevin-iris

Colossal - Imitating Life - Miniature Wire Bonsai

Remember Malcolm in Jurassic Park - he says life will find a way. 
thusly, he says, life is awesome and unpredictable, and fights for survival.

a much more predictable, and less work perhaps is this artwork by Ken To
no need for water nor sunlight,  it is unchanging and has a frozen beauty all its own
this is the sort of plant i can have in my bedroom :)

Click here for Colossal's selection of miniature-wire-bonsai-trees-by-ken-to

Colossal art - tiny villages

this is a wonderful collection of the art of Takanori Aiba

do take the time to view it ----

colossal's bonsai-tree-houses-by-takanori-aiba

You can pay SSS even if you are now a GSIS member

Yesterday, i was having a bone scan and somehow we got to talk about SSS - well, i normally ask if people are still paying for their SSS.  So the doc (?) - he was doing the scan told me he was now a GSIS member - since he is working for NKTI. However, he told me he used to work for the private sector, and that he had contributions paid in SSS

i told him he could continue to pay for his SSS contributions, and i told him to pay for the current maximum, which would cost him only one expensive lunch - 1,560.00.  And it was successful. He will start paying his SSS contributions.

i told him that SSS pensions are guaranteed by the Philippine government and for as long as there stands a Philippine government, the SSS stands.  Not a bad guarantee ......

Selection of a New Pope

Are you curious as to how a new pope is selected?
Most Catholics already have a smattering of knowledge about the Conclave and how the candidates are evaluated and culled.  my irreverent friend says there is no difference between voting off someone in the survivor show.

well, there is one procedure that is never questioned.  an Act of God always takes precedence over any voting.

i remember The Swiss Alpine Tales, a book i won in grade school in the San Beda Frolics.  my brothers and male cousins were Bedans, and we girls were in the College of the Holy Spirit, formerly called Holy Ghost College, hence the nick "Holy Mamaw".

wait for the story.  in that book, a young male was sent 3x away by his rich Dad to learn something -
he learnt 3 things, one for each trip away: how the frogs talk, how the wolves (or dogs, i am not quite sure now - i read the book ages ago) talk, and how the birds talk.

finally fed up with his son for learning useless things, or so the father said, he sent his son away.  the son found his way to a tower guarded by wolves.  they would hurt/kill anyone who attempted to stay in the tower, but since he could understand them, he found a way to disarm them and rid them of the treasure they guarded setting him free.

he continued his way to Rome and heard the frogs croaking in the night.  he was sad to hear what the frogs had to say.  the frogs said that the Pope had died and a new Pope was being selected that very night.  they also prophesied who was going to be Pope.

i guess if you want to hear about accurate prophecies, you might to learn frog talk.

however, undeterred, he proceeded to Rome.

When he reached Rome and had gotten in sight of the Conclave, two doves immediately alighted on his shoulder.  the Cardinals saw this and asked him questions.  he simply said whatever the doves said.  and so he became pope.  i forgot which pope he was supposed to be.

incidentally, if you want to be the Pope, you might want to learn bird talk.  just a joke, of course.

i wish i could look at the book when i get home but the library was painted and i havent gotten around to fixing things again.  it is hard when you are the only person who can do it, you see.

anyway, here's the link to the twin hearts prophecy which talks about a supernatural selection.


Click here for the Twin Hearts prophecy

Happy Hearts today

Happy V!

i wish to share this poem with all of you,
it tells us to take the time to watch the grass grow and smell that extraordinary smell of freshly mowed grass

strangely enough i first read it in one of those romance novels i read before i sleep
it goes

What is this life, if full of care

we have no time to stand and stare.

the full text of the poem is reproduced here - but you can click below for the website

Leisure
by William Henry Davies

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.


Click here for the website poem by William Henry Davies

Goodreads quote

What's the good of living if you don't try a few things?

Charles M. Schulz

February 13, 2000: A day after creator Charles M. Schulz died, newspapers ran the last original “Peanuts” strip. Charlie Brown never got to kick the football. Good grief. 

****************

One of my favorite comic strips, Peanuts.  Charles . Schulz was a very prolific writer.  He gave us many words of wisdom via Peanuts.  One of my favorites .... has Snoopy saying "Curse you, Red Baron!"

... to say many things i could not personally say, i would imagine Snoopy saying them, and i would have the face of the Red Baron i wanted it directed to in my head.

 

Why is the SSS processing even slower than usual?

a friend of mine rhetorically asked this question.  we are both SSS members, after all - although i havent filed for any benefits lately...

the answer is probably related to IT - there must have been a change in processing, manual or otherwise. why blame IT?  that's the role of IT - to speed things without sacrificing data integrity and security. remember,  IT is not just about computerized systems.  Computerized systems are doomed to fail without the appropriate manual procedures in place. IT must also consider the business before it changes anything.  So if the processing is slower, it must be an IT thing.  Now, maybe it is for the safety so dont get angry.

Remember if you have a complaint - bring it up to the right persons.

Sure i know.  i have many years in IT, doing things correctly and accurately, and have managed to keep in touch.  Many of my friends are in IT, though seriously, a lot of my Sayans batchmates are in the medical profession.

The Pope resigns

as if we didnt have troubles enough, it was shocking to hear about the resignation of the Pope

and to top it all there are prophecies galore
a long time ago, before Pope Benedict in fact,
someone told me that the next pope will be the Anti-Christ
i went ho-hum because i thought that this would take ages

everyone now knows about Bishop Malachy

here is an excerpt:

St. Malachy, bishop of Armagh in the 12th Century, predicted that the current pope -- although he was not specifically identified as Pope Benedict XVI -- would be the second-to-last pontiff before the end of the world.

Click here to read the full article 

some other prophecy, from the Twin Hearts group
Click here if you are interested in prophecies of this sort

and Remember the fabulous triple-six
and what it means.....

scary, isnt it.  i do encourage everyone to pray to God
although God may be getting more than a little angry with His people
it seems we - His people - arent heeding His words

Colossal's Mad Architecture, anyone

please look at these mad structures, remind of you any government office?
let me know what government office, if any ......

Click here for Colossal's jim-kazanjian mad architecture

yesterday. 10 February 2013

Thanksgiving lunch for my 5th Anniversary,  Twas the fiesta at the Parish, and Twas Chinese New Year
The Year of the Water Snake

i was charging the batteries of my camera so i wasnt able to get a picture of everyone... yeah. silly timing.
anyway, aside from the people in the 3 shots here - Ging went solo as Paulie was tired & Justine was a-studying, Aris Balisi and family were there, Batchmates Atty. Paeng & family and Nephro Benita.

other Officemates were simply not able to come, and other Sakonits were not able to join.

Here are my ex-STI friends, siblings Yammy & Choodze, and Sampaloc friends, siblings Israel & Efren.

Choodze and Yam on either side

Israel & Efren on either side, me in my gladiator braces

Aragorn's Verse

have you heard this before

Aragorn's verse as written by JRR Tolkien in the Lord of the Rings, specifically, the Fellowship of the Ring.  He was known as Strider then, a Ranger.  If you play ADD or WoW, then you know the capabilities of a Ranger.  Just a reminder that all too often what we see is NOT what we get.

here's the quote

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king

HTT's post on Hiring the Retired, Manila Standard Today 08 Feb 2013

very interesting post of HTT today.
he gets no arguments from me

may i urge you to read it

the title reflects his discussion

Click here for the full post of HTT on hiring-the-retired

Inquirer News: Still on Kasambahay SSS contribution payments

Paying the Househelper SSS Contributions

Have you read the Inquirer News dated 2 February 2013?

if you are paying your Kasambahay less than 5,000 pesos monthly, you must fully pay the SSS contributions.
hmmmm.  the existing law is 7.07% is shouldered by the employer and 3.33% is shouldered by the employee. well, not for household helpers earning below 5,000.

just thought i'd pass the info to you.

Meet the members of the Social Security Commission

Just in case the names arent clear, here they are:

Juan B. Santos,  Chair

Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr.,  President and CEO, Vice-Chair

Rosalinda D. Baldoz,  Ex-Officio Member as Secretary of Labor and Employment

Diana B. Pardo-Aguilar,  Private Sector
Daniel L. Edralin,  Workers Group
Marianita O. Mendoza,  Women's Sector
Ibarra A. Malonzo
Bienvenido E. Laguesma
Eliza Bettina R. Antonio

Goodreads quote for Saturday 2 Feb 2013

The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image.


Thomas Merton

Conversely, be yourself.  Do not mold yourself to be the image your loved one has for you.


Saturday was Candelaria.  Went to mass and had candles blessed.
Since it was Saturday, the mass was the anticipated one for Sunday.

SSS Pension Increase as approved by the house... and senate

supposedly this is how it goes

1,200 ----> 1,700 ----> 1,200 is the minimum pension as of now for those with 10 years CYS
2,400 ----> 3,400 ---->  2,400 is the pension for those with 20 years CYS

and SSS is supposed to equitably adjust everyone else upon implementation.  i dont know exact date

those who got their 18-month advanced pension should have some adjustments as well ...

good news for pensioners.

ADDENDUM:
there are no implementing rules and regulations yet

The Disabled or Persons with Disability

There is, of course, the Magna Carta for the Disabled....

Reading the provisions, it seems that the disabled person himself does NOT have any tax incentive.  People who either live with him get him for a dependent, but he himself does not get a single extra tax incentive for whatever earnings he can manage.

Some disabled persons can work, and can be gainfully employed.  However, he will be taxed like a normal person.  There seems to be something wrong with that.

Calling P-Noy or the BIR or Ralph Recto - perhaps they can look into the matter?

i want this!

This is a wonderful elephant collection,,,,,

Click here for the COMPLETE-COLLECTION-12-ELEPHANTS-HAMILTON-COLLECTION-PEANUT-PALS-OF-THE-MONTH-/321063796740?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac0e4c004

but it is expensive, isnt it... but very lovely

but you know, i wonder, what happens to my collection when i go on to the next existence....
i have to find a collector someone ..... to bequeath them. someone who will appreciate them

Kasambahay bill has been signed into law.

read it and think about its ramifications

Click here --- to view the Kasambahay bill

a friend said that housing can be deducted.  No. not at all.
and medical ..... i wonder really what that entails.....

also, one must pay the SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-ibig contributions that every employer pays.
ooops. not exactly every employer, since SSS runs after non-paying employers, remember......

i was reading the PDI today.  as i am subscribed to the digital edition ...  i cannot link the page i was reading. The columnist, whose name escapes me at the moment, said that while he lauds the bill as a good start,  he was also saying that many people will no longer be having househelp.  they can no longer afford it.  So, what happens ...... to people who need work..... will they be able to find takers?

Colossal's art - The-woodWork-of-cha-jong-rye

Why cant we treat work like this ......

Click here to see the marriage of art and patience

Goodreads quote

Goodreads Quote of the Day for Wednesday

Child, child, do you not see? For each of us comes a time when we must be more than what we are.

 
Lloyd Alexander
The Newbery Medal winner was born on this day in 1924.

Has this time arrived for you?  Once?  Several times?
Those of you who have seen this time come, not just once, but several times, have been chosen.
I hope you have risen to the times.

Those of us who have been LESS more times than what we are - must have failed more times than that.
It is time to be at least what we are if we cannot yet be more than what we are.


at the end of the day, we must be able to say
i have fought the good fight, and i have won the day.

do you go to the SSS website or SSS facebook?

if you do, what do you like about it?  or what do you dislike about it

my friends and i were discussing the merits - and yes, the demerits of websites of government institutions ....

some complain about the snail-breaking speed of some of the websites
some complain about the dearth of information
some complain about confusion in navigating through the site

so what about SSS?  GSIS? PhilHealth?

Got this Quote today, its Tuesday in the USA

Goodreads Quote of the Day for Tuesday

Be reverent before the dawning day. Do not think of what will be in a year, or in ten years. Think of to-day.

Romain Rolland
The Nobel laureate was born on this day in 1866.

Reminders for SSS payments

Loans are paid on or before the 10th of the following month.  Otherwise it will be in default.

Deadline for payment of Contributions depends on the last digit of the SSS Number.

Remember, if you applied for loan condonation that ended last 30 September 2012,
YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE IN DEFAULT...

Colossal Art - Citiscapes

when i first saw them i initially thought NY, but not when i saw the "firelit" one.....

Click here to see the citiscapes

HTT's 25 Jan 2013 post - On PhilHealth

HTT's post is regarding a healthy PhilHealth for .... obviously healthier Pinoys
Who can disagree with healthier Pinoys?

Part of the reason i couldnt disagree with the Repro Bill and the Sin Tax, no matter how high they pegged the Sin Tax..... was because this two (2) bills could help Pinoys have better health.

HT talks about the power of  PhilHealth to increase contributions without bothering the Senate, unlike SSS -
and believe you me that SSS needs to have contributions increased to have better pensions.  But we are not talking about SSS I cant help it though, having spent many years in the private sector ...

When i had my KT, it wasnt covered by PhilHealth in the same amount as it is now.  So swallow the increase and go for better protection.

Clck here for HTT's Manila Standard post on a Healthy PhlHealth

btw, if you need to see PhilHealth's website Click here

Colossal's Shadows of the Soul

my title not theirs. Fascinating look for a Monday

Click here to see Colossal's "Shadows of the soul" - my title not theirs

Did you apply for loan condonation that ended last Sept 2012?

good if you were able to catch the deadline for the loan condonation.

this is to remind those who availed that defaulting on the loan for 2 months has its consequences, 2 of them major:
1. your entire loan becomes due and demandable
2. permanent suspension of your loan privileges

there are other consequences - but these 2 are rather tough

so DO NOT default on your monthly amortization.  you do not want to lose your member loan privileges.


this is also to remind you that if you are a registered online member, the Statement of Account that you will see does not accurately reflect that the loan is already due and demandable right after 2 months non-payment

comment if you have questions

Are you an SSS Member already?

you are.  good.

no matter how rich you are, always good to have money tucked away that is tax free, and seconded by the government (guaranteed by the government), and easy enough to manage.

you arent?  why not?

if you are a government employee, then that's okay.  you'll have a gsis pension that's most likely bigger than the SSS pension.

however, if you are a doctor of medicine, a physician, then you definitely have a private practice - that's where the big bucks are, right?  then, you can be an SSS member as a self-employed individual.  besides, you've probably been already bir-mapped.  then, hey be a member. SSS has made it very easy. 

if you are a government employee, but work at a second job in the private sector, then most likely you are an SSS member, but at a much lower MSC (monthly salary credit).  you can increase your MSC by paying voluntarily until your MSC is at maximum. SSS has since changed his ruling. it used to be that employment was primary.  now, it is additive. remember to check the postings.  enroll in the online inquiry.

Or perhaps, you are a government employee but have a small sideline.  For example, you crochet and sell your pieces in .... sulit or ebay  or simply to your friends. you can opt to be a member.  apply under the expanded membership.

will post on expanded membership soon.

The Face of Evil

have you ever seen the face of evil?  have you ever visualized it?
no?  well...

the face of evil exists for me. he is a person.  he carries a name. i know his face.
Evil is as evil does - and he is indeed evil.  he plants the seeds of evil in the hearts of good men, and waters and watches the evil grow.  yes.  he is a very evil person.

only a very evil person is capable of destroying or overriding the good in another.
you can call him the spawn of Satan.

he steals from people who trusted him, and calls them stupid because they trusted
he rifles through other people's belongings stealthily to get whatever he can.
he makes other people evil - he teaches them that what he does is okay,

he steals equipment from his office, and rationalizes it by saying it has been part of the cost
in today's tough economy, no office can afford to lose chairs. 

he gets things without permission from the owner.

he steals from the poor, getting rations donated for himself.
he wants to live grandly, and steals, and steals so he can achieve it.

one day he will get his comeuppance and i can only wait and see.

his name.  one day i will release his name.

Goodreads quote for the day

Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.


Edith Wharton
The author of The Age of Innocence was born on this day in 1862.

take time to watch the grass grow........
and breathe the smell of freshly cut grass

edgar huang sarte - short bio

Edgar Huang Sarte. 

this is what he had told me over the years we had been friends.  if anything here is in error, then he must have been funnin' me about those items. 

born in Polangui, Albay.  Yes, he's a Bicolano.  Polangui is place for seminarians.  he was a seminarian....or so he said. i cannot remember his school days, but one of his good friends is the father of one of my good friends

and so i know how he spent the night before his wedding.  *grins*
but i wont talk about that

He was in sales at IBM, and of the management guys i know said he could sell ice to an Eskimo.  Oh yes, Ed had the gift of gab. It helped that he was very charming.  i only saw him fidget once - when he was meeting with one of the upper management guys.

i thought he was one of those rare gentlemen who could recite poetry.  i cannot remember the title of the poem he recited to one of my best friends, but it was about daffodils swaying in the wind.  i suppose i could google it to find the title, but i would like to remember - eventually.

He was one of the founders of SRI, Systems Resources Inc. - and one of their offices was at Rada, in Makati.  He became one of the consultants at Anscor Insurance Brokers, Inc. where Antonio R-Infante was President.  That's where i met him.  i made many friends at SRI, and Ricky (+) was one of them.  He made a very good programmer at the time, and i used to call him Rikki-tikki-tavi, from Kipling's mongoose.

Since he needed IT people, he established Systems Technology Institute (STI) with Gus Lagman and Herman Gamboa.  and the rest, they say - is history. 

the stint at AIB was to be the start of a long friendship .... that ended only in his death.....
he was cremated at dawn (or early morning if you prefer to be less poetic) on my birthday of that year.....2003

Complaints about delays in SSS Claims Processing

if you have complaints about the delays in the processing of your claims, please be recognized -
comment on this post of this blog - and do describe your claim -
and i will see if there are enough of you who are dissatisfied  .............

stand up and be recognized.  change can only start with enough of you ...

Colossal art: Chandelier of bright beauty .....

and made of Gummy bears....
it is very beautiful

Click here for Colossal's chandelier-made-from-3000-gummy-bears-by-kevin-champeny

i am still working on the post on SSS membership ....

Guest Behavior

who is a guest?

a guest may be defined as:
someone who is given hospitality
someone who is invited for social activities for someone else's home/office/club
someone who stays with the householder for free, such as a relative

Filipinos often open their households to their relatives
some of these relatives offer a bit of money so as to be a burden to the household
but, more often that not - what is more important is the behavior of these guests

As guests, one does not put the food in the front of the ref such that the householder's food/things are relegated to the back.  that is poor guest behavior.  also the same thing is true for significant others.  one arranges personal stuff in common areas - such as the ref

Also, guests are responsible for cleaning their rooms - especially is the guest is staying for longer than 3 days.  Guests are expected to clean-up after themselves - unless the household is chock-full of househelp, if not, guests are supposed to be self-reliant.  Guests do NOT mess up their rooms.

do you have a relative who was so discourteous that when the householder leaves in the morning, the bathroom is clean and upon the householder's return, the bathroom stinks -
what kind of guest behavior is that?  I call it discourteous and rude behavior

Guests who destroy things of the householder, if accidentally, should immediately tell the householder, and apologize.  He or she should also offer to replace the item.  No?  then that guest doesnt have manners, does he?

Remember, guests may = relatives.  Are you that kind of relative who sponges and steals things from the householder?  then shame on you, mr./ms. guest - your parents need to tell a few things if they are still alive
if they are dead, then you must change on your own - as you will be persona-non-grata some day.

Art - using dice

art.  view a piece of art whenever you can.  here's one

click this to see Colossal's dice-sculptures-by-tony-cragg/

Goodreads quote

Life is not so idiotically mathematical that only the big eat the small; it is just as common for a bee to kill a lion or at least to drive it mad.


August Strindberg
The Swedish dramatist was born on this day in 1849.

a reminder to all those big 'uns.
you are not so big that you cannot be toppled
you are not so powerful that you cannot be deposed
you are not so rich that you cannot be reached

My Zodiac sign is Capricorn - the goat; Read yours!

Chris Angel showed how this worked on one of his shows, but it was still kind of surprising. Once you have opened this e-mail, there is no turning back. Below are true descriptions of zodiac signs. Read your sign and then forward it on, with your zodiac sign on the subject line. This is the real deal, try ignoring or changing it and the first thing you'll notice is having a horrible day, starting tomorrow morning - and it only gets worse from there. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid.. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times.. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want. 20 years of good luck if you forward. The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality...... Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional... Can be a bit rebellious.... Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out.... Eccentric personality. 11 years of luck if you forward. PISCES ARIES The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don 't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful. 8 years of good luck if you forward. The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19) Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous... Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered..) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic. 16 years of good luck if you forward. TAURUS GEMINI The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive.. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers.. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally... Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.... 12 years of good Luck if you forward. The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20) Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty... Lively, energetic. Adaptable butneeds to express themselves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally. 5 years of bad luck if you do not forward. CANCER LEO The Protector (June 21 - July 22) Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person.. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic. 16 years of bad luck if you do not forward. The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22) Very organized.. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries.. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted.. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy... Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos... Attractive. 13 years of bad luck if you do not forward..... VIRGO LIBRA The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Dominant In relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word.. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy.. Often shy. Pessimistic... 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward. The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - O ct 22) Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind . Have own unique appeal.. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful... Flirtatious Give in too easily. Procrastinators.. Very gullible. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward. SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser.. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative... Romantic. Passionate and Emotional. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward. The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Good-natured optimist... Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome).Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing.. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient..... Fun to be around.. Having lots of friends.. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules... Sometimes hypocritical.. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted... beautiful inside and out...   Send away!!~ Ready, set, go!   1-3 people= 1 minute of luck 4-7 people= 1 hour of luck 8-12 people = 1 day of luck 13-17 People = 1 week of luck 18-22 people = 1 month of luck 23-27 people = 3 Months of luck 28-32 people = 7 months of luck 33-37 people = 1 year of luck ______________________________________________________________________  i think this will reach more people if i blog about this!

Monday celebration - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.


Martin Luther King Jr.
In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Reaction on HTT's 18 Jan 2013 Manila Standard column

i encourage readers of my blog to particularly read this post of Horace Templo.  He explains the different laws that messed-up, confused, and hassled the pensions then, and now.  makes for a good historical basis (and the FUs that occurred then, and now).  There should be a way of having similar pensions, or at least livable pensions.

Click here to read HTT's column on ManilaStandard on "Leveling-the-pension-playing-field"