LIFE AFTER STEEL

Christmas Party 2010

2010-12-05T08:52:00.003-05:00

Another fun night for former NSC employees during the 2010 Christmas Party.Double click on the picture to enlarge.More pictures to be posted later.

Toronto Santa Claus Parade

2010-11-24T20:41:00.005-05:00

The Toronto Santa Claus parade started in 1905 when a single float carrying Santa Claus arrived at Toronto Union Station and made its way to the downtown Eaton's department store where Santa shook hands with Timothy Eaton.Last Sunday's parade (the 105th) had more than 25 floats;Playstation's "Little Big Planet"25 marching bands ;including our ownPhilippine Heritage Band who has been part ofthe

Fall 2010

2010-10-03T18:45:00.003-04:00

No spring nor summer beauty hath such graceAs I have seen in one autumnal face.~ John Donne

Summer Picnic 2010

2010-08-15T12:15:00.002-04:00

Click here to view more photos taken during the 2010 Summer Picnic.

Toronto by the Lake

2010-08-09T00:10:00.002-04:00

Beloved city at night.

The PATH

2010-06-16T00:10:00.000-04:00

According to Guinness World Records, PATH is the largest underground shopping complex in the world with 371,600 m² of retail space. PATH is a 27-kilometre (17 mi) network of pedestrian tunnels beneath the office towers of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Here's what's connected in the PATH : More than 50 buildings or office towers Twenty parking garages,Five subway stations, Two major department

Vanity Plates

2010-06-09T00:10:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite distraction on the road are vanity plates. Here's a few I have seen and snapped.The last one's my favorite. . . Cat's Meow means something considered to be outstanding. For another post on Vanity Plates click here.

Point Pelee National Park

2010-06-04T00:10:00.003-04:00

Entrance to the park, one of the 5 Canadian national parks in Ontario.When you reach this point at Point Pelee, this means you are in the 42nd parallel and in the same latitude as Rome and Barcelona. A few meters from this point and we were standing on the southernmost part of Canada.The marsh boardwalks seen from the viewing station.

CATS !

2010-06-02T00:10:00.001-04:00

From Stephen Lundin, the author of Fish! comes another management book with an animal title which deals with innovation. Some ideas from the book are :Cats are always prepared, since innovation favours a prepared mind.Cats create an innovation-friendly environment.Cats know innovation is not normal. We need routine but we also need to break out of routine to innovate.Cats enjoy social

The Michigan Affair

2010-05-31T00:10:00.002-04:00

Photos taken from a recent get together of former NSC colleagues in Michigan.

Canadian Tulip Festival

2010-05-17T00:10:00.002-04:00

Road Signs to Ottawa

2010-05-10T00:10:00.002-04:00

Lights

2010-05-05T00:10:00.000-04:00

Kleinburgh, Ontario Six Degress Club, Toronto Scarborough Guild Inn, Scarborough

Canada, eh? Part 2

2010-05-03T00:10:00.001-04:00

TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN NEW BRUNSWICK1. One way or another, the government gets 98% of your income.2. You're poor, but not as poor as the Newfies.3. No one ever blames anything on New Brunswick .4. Everybody has a grandfather who runs a lighthouse.TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN NOVA SCOTIA1. Everyone can play the fiddle. The ones who can't, think they can.2. You can pretend to have Scottish heritage as an

Scarborough Guild Inn

2010-04-30T00:10:00.002-04:00

Scarborough Guild Inn has been described as eccentric.Where else can you find 90 acres of forest, gardens, lawns and woodland trails mixed with various architectural elements and sculpture from demolished buildings scattered in its ground?Just one of the many places to discover in Scarborough.

Chairs

2010-04-28T00:10:00.001-04:00

Casa Loma, Toronto

2010-04-26T00:10:00.000-04:00

It is a such a pity that Casa Loma is seldom suggested as a tourist destination for any of our guests. The place is a beauty to behold, constructed as a neo-romantic castle with 98 rooms and costing $3.5 million to complete in 1911 - it is a dream home.Due to its unique architectural character in Toronto, Casa Loma has been a popular location for movies and TV. It has served as a location for

High Park, Toronto

2010-04-22T00:10:00.006-04:00

If you have not been to High Park, now is one of the best times to go as the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom.But before you head out, be ready. Be very ready with the long car line-ups; absence of parking space; and even the chance of being ticketed for illegal parking. You will be competing with 1200 other people or more with cameras of varying lenses and types, babies in strollers, friends

Pittsburgh, PA

2010-04-21T00:10:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh is known as "The City of Bridges" and I could not agree more. In just one afternoon of going around the city, I lost count of the number of bridges we crossed and did not cross. It is the second largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, and about 8 hours drive from Toronto.In 2007, Forbes magazine named Pittsburgh the 10th cleanest city, and in 2008 Forbes listed Pittsburgh as the

Reflections

2010-04-19T00:10:00.006-04:00

Sometimes, there are two sides to every photo. Specially when you are near water.Don't let your eyes deceive you - the next 2 photos are just reflections - not the real thing.Photos taken at the Toronto Botanical Garden. More photos of reflections here.

Toronto's Rock

2010-04-16T20:02:00.001-04:00

This is Yorkville's Rock - right in the middle of Toronto's priciest shopping district. A rock more than a billion years old, weighing 650 tonnes, containing no precious mineral or metal, and costing $300,000.The rock was moved from Gravenhurst, Muskoka by 20 flatbed trailers with each of the 135 pieces carefully labeled so the whole jigsaw could be reassembled. This was part of the 1991 Toronto

Trivia - Ambassador Bridge

2010-02-25T00:10:00.002-05:00

For those who have been crossing the Ambassador bridge from Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan - do you know who owns the bridge? Neither United States or Canada.The Ambassador Bridge - is the only privately owned border crossing between the US and Canada. This bridge is owned by Manuel “Matty” Moroun, 2009 Forbes Magazine's 321 richest man in America, and stakeholder of Universal Truckload

Ice Fest Toronto 2010

2010-02-24T00:10:00.002-05:00

HOPE

2010-02-21T00:10:00.000-05:00

HOPEThe dream of those who wake.

Changes

2010-02-12T13:11:00.007-05:00

There came a timewhen the risk to remain tight in the budwas more painful than the riskit took to blossom. ~ Anais NinAnd Life after Steel will bephotos, writings and then some...

TTC is Turmoil, Topsy-turviness and Chaos

2010-02-11T00:10:00.002-05:00

The TTC is part of my Life After Steel. For the non-Torontonians, TTC is the Toronto Transit Commission, operator of buses, streetcars, subways and surface rail transit for the Greater Toronto Area.But right now, TTC is more like Turmoil, Topsy-turviness and Chaos.Late last year, TTC was the subject of rider dissatisfaction when they rationed selling of tokens. Reason was to prevent hoarding of

Canada, eh? Part 1

2010-02-08T00:10:00.000-05:00

This was passed on to me as a lesson in Canadian Living. Read on. . .TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN SASKATCHEWAN1. You never run out of wheat.2. Your province is really easy to draw.3. You can watch the dog run away from home for hours.4. People will assume you live on a farm.5. Daylight savings time? So who needs that!TOP REASONS TO LIVE IN MANITOBA1. You wake up one morning to find that you suddenly

Winter in Collingwood

2010-02-01T00:10:00.001-05:00

Collingwood is around 2 hours drive from Toronto and better known for the Blue Mountain Ski Resort. Whether you ski or not - the place is worth a visit during winter.More photos here.

Extreme Cold Weather Alert

2010-01-11T00:10:00.001-05:00

Toronto was on an Extreme Cold Weather Alert for the weekend. But as "Canadians" - that only means one thing - time to hit the snow slopes!We tried snow tubing at the Lakeridge Resort. Snow tubing is a popular family activity which everyone can do, requires no special and expensive equipment, and no special skills needed. Just sit on the tube and have fun!First, you pay for tickets, walk to the

Determination

2010-01-04T00:10:00.002-05:00

ut viam inveniam aut faciam.We will either find a way, or make one.- HannibalThis Latin proverb is most commonly attributed to Hannibal (a politician, statesman and military commander of ancient Carthage) in response to his generals who had declared it impossible to cross the Alps with elephants.This post is more for me than for any other. With the New Year comes resolutions to change and renewed

Peace to all

2009-12-24T06:52:00.001-05:00

May Peace be your gift at Christmasand your blessing all year through!

Canadians, eh?

2009-12-17T00:10:00.000-05:00

Sharing this bit of trivia about how rare we Canadians are.The Official Canadian Temperature Conversion Chart50° Fahrenheit (10° C)· Californians shiver uncontrollably.· Canadians plant gardens.35° Fahrenheit (1.6° C)· Italian Cars won't start· Canadians drive with the windows down32° Fahrenheit (0° C)· American water freezes· Canadian water gets thicker.0° Fahrenheit (-17.9° C)· New York City

Last Night Was A Good Night

2009-12-06T12:09:00.016-05:00

(Double click on photo to enlarge)Dear former NSC colleagues,Am still high from the 8th NSCanada Christmas party, and it was a blast! I’d like to say it was one of the best (if not the best) so far.For the second time, the party was coordinated by the West side group. As you know organizing these NSCanada parties is a huge task. Dilibaya lalim, but the combined efforts of Lulut and Manny Magoncia

Perchance to Dream

2009-11-09T00:10:00.003-05:00

Once again I am putting this blog on hiatus The time to relax mostis when you don't have time for it.- Sydney J. Harris - to rest, perchance to dream.

Free for All Fridays - F for the season of Fall

2009-11-06T00:10:00.004-05:00

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence So beautiful yet so short. . .

Free fo All Fridays - E

2009-10-30T00:10:00.002-04:00

E for the English language!If there is one thing we are thankful to the Americans, it was forcing the English language on us. Now, wherever the Pinoy goes, he blends. What made me think about this was my recent experiences at the TIFF.1) During the Q and A after the showing of the Filipino film, Dining Sana Kita - a Caucasian asked"In the movie, the characters spoke English and switched back and

Say It Again

2009-10-27T00:10:00.001-04:00

In the GTA, listen well or have someone say it again. Here’s why:You don't say "Yong-ge" when referring to Yonge – the world’s longest street. You say “Young”.Grosvenor – the street and family name is not “Gros-ve-nor”, it is pronounced “Gruvs-nor”, or "Grov-nor".Don't ever say you are in "Pa-pe" subway station. Pape is pronounced "Payp".Etobicoke – is not "E-to-bi-cok", to get it right say "

Sunrise at Ajax, Ontario

2009-10-26T00:10:00.000-04:00

Ajax is commonly considered part of the Greater Toronto Area, in the eastern part of the Golden Horseshoe region.Ajax has grown considerably since the 1980s. What was once a small town mostly surrounded by agricultural areas has increasingly become a bedroom community to Toronto and its environs. Many residents commute to work in Toronto or other municipalities in Durham Region.Population :

Free for All Fridays - D

2009-10-23T00:10:00.002-04:00

D is for DrawingDo you know how to draw? I don't.Even my stick people are not good, thus I always appreciate people who can.Like some Toronto street artists.Draws portraits in chalk and on the sidewalk too!Do you know who he is drawing?

Flu Season

2009-10-20T00:10:00.001-04:00

It is the Flu season again and it might be a good idea to know the difference between the common cold and H1N1 Flu Symptom.Fever Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the H1N1 flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.Coughing A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. A

Free for All Fridays - C

2009-10-16T00:10:00.001-04:00

C - for the CN TowerIt is impossible to miss this Toronto icon. Featured in postcards, vacation snapshots, and almost always part of a tourists' itinerary.The CN tower was part of a joint venture between CBC and Canadian National (CN) to build a series of building across the bottom of the city. CBC withdrew from the deal, but CN went ahead causing so much interest even before the tower was

Thanksgiving

2009-10-13T00:12:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Canada's Thanksgiving Day. "If the only prayer youever say in yourentire life is thank you,it will be enough." ~ Meister Eckhardt.* * *p.s. Yes, we have the first choice on the turkey. My American friend who celebrates Thanksgiving on November yet counters this however by saying "they have the fatter turkey".

Free Fridays - B as in Banana

2009-10-09T00:10:00.004-04:00

Maggie (an officemate from Ghana) : How come everytime I offer you a banana, you don't accept it?Me : Because I am Filipino. I have already eaten my banana allocation for this lifetime.Maggie : What do you mean?Me : Your bananas here are so boring. Back home - we eat bananas raw, we have them mashed, fried, boiled, grilled, sugar coated. Name it, we have done it to the poor banana.Me (continuing)

Phishing!

2009-10-06T00:10:00.005-04:00

Part of my job is to facilitate requests for phone software training for any of our staff.I requested one a few days ago and received an e-mail from Bell advising me that there were missing information in my request and directed me to a link. I clicked on the link and got stuck because the site required Bell Account information. Gut feel told me there was something wrong so I called Help Desk.

Free Fridays - A is for Alabama

2009-10-02T00:10:00.004-04:00

Alabama (Mobile) is 20 driving hours from Toronto and Ajax; 15 hours from Michigan. Alabama is also the Life After Steel for a colleague who we visited in 2008.Beautiful memories of Alabama included. . .Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Mobile,side trip to historic New Orleans,and of course, the food, reminiscing and laughter.Free for all Fridays - A for AlabamaWhat is Free for All Friday?

Photography. . .Kodachrome

2009-09-29T00:10:00.004-04:00

Remember when photography was such a big thing for NSC employees? Although an expensive hobby, some NSC employees did get into it. I'm not sure if those hobbyist used Kodachrome during that time and if they can relate to this piece of news.* * *In June 22 2009, Kodak announced to retire KODACHROME Film, concluding its 74-year run.This is the famous photo by well-known professional photographer

Filipinos?

2009-09-25T00:10:00.003-04:00

Hubby and I had a few hours to spare one sunny afternoon and decided to go to Scarborough Bluffs.While we were struggling to pay for parking (machine only accepts card, not cash) - somebody called us from behind saying "No, No, take your card out!".Me (to myself) : Oh, my gosh -- just our luck -- here is a nut case.The guy then said "Filipinos?", and of course I can only say "yeah".He said "I

Goodbye Summer . . . Hello Fall

2009-09-22T00:10:00.007-04:00

Goodbye summer . . .hike trails, camping and parksHello cooler air and colorful leaves...Welcome Fall !

Missing Links

2009-08-18T00:10:00.006-04:00

Link to Summer Picnic Photos now under Links of Steel.* * * * * * In spite Life After Steel's inactivity, there are still a few readers who browse the blog regularly.If you are one of them. . . below are links to posts (originally posted in This Randomness) which might be of interest.* Summer Reads* The Picnic* The Welcome* Staycation* How Do You TIFF?* Penetanguishene, Ontario*

Summer Vacation

2009-07-10T00:10:00.000-04:00

Deep summer is when lazinessfinds respectability.~Sam KeenAnd with this photo I say,Life After Steel will be on a vacation mode.* * *The blabber and the chatter still continues in This Randomness .

What's Up Toronto

2009-07-07T00:10:00.002-04:00

Bored in Toronto? Rarely.With all the activities the city has to offer, the real challenge is really choosing or finding the time. If you live nearby, try any of the following :Music - June to SeptemberFree concerts at the Music Garden every Thursdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4pm. This activity runs from June to September and features different instruments and music genre in every show. Scanning

Summer of Long Ago

2009-07-03T00:10:00.000-04:00

Summer officially begun last Sunday - June 21, 2009. It reminded me of the photo below taken one summer of long ago.I don't remember who took this photo, where this was taken, for what beach event, or even the common bond between these ladies. All I know is that all of them have left Iligan already. Memories and summer.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-06-30T00:10:00.004-04:00

Canada is 142 years old tomorrow! Here are some Canadian trivia :Canada is the world's second largest country by total area (9,984,670 Km2), next only to Russia, or the size of the Philippines 33x!To travel from Newfoundland to the Yukon Territory would mean crossing six time zones. From east to west the time zones are Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time, Central Time Zone,

The Sport of Stacking Plastic

2009-06-26T00:10:00.005-04:00

I've never heard of this sport until . . .Steven Purugganan is the boy in this McDonald commercial. This 11-year old Filipino-American is currently the two-time Sport Stacking World champion. At the 2009 World Sport Stacking Championship held in Denver, Colorado, he successfully defended his world champion title and broke three world records. He now holds all five world records in sport stacking

Bad Times for T dot

2009-06-24T00:10:00.001-04:00

Bad times, bad moments - for T dot (slang for Toronto).The recent labour disruption of city employees is causing several headaches, top of which is the stoppage of garbage collection. Toronto is known for its cleanliness -- but in a while it will cease to be. Timing is not so good either as the strike is happening during these warm, humid days when everything just rots so easily. I hate to think

Six Degrees of Separation

2009-06-23T00:10:00.005-04:00

Six degrees of separation (also referred to as the "Human Web") in simple terms refers to the idea that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. We are bound to everyone on this planet by a trail of six people. This theory was popularized in a play written by John Guare.I had a recent six degrees of separation experience lately. My brother in law wrote to me about his

NUTS

2009-06-19T00:10:00.003-04:00

Do you have NUTS? That Nagging Unfinished Task Stress?NUTS can make our body older and can mess up our life. Death rates from heart diseases are higher in cultures where people walk faster, live by the clock and can't seem to leave some things undone.Experts recommend taking at least 10 minutes to list down things that you:need to do, want to do, and can do comfortably. Then, do only the things

Luminato 2009

2009-06-16T00:10:00.002-04:00

Toronto is a city that never fails to amaze. For 10 days (June 5-14) Luminato took over the city. Luminato - Toronto's Festival of Arts and Creativity showcased creative expressions in music, dance, theatre, film, literature, visual arts and lectures. Some events (mostly lectures, plays, film) required paid tickets, while others can be experienced for free.Armed with an open mind, a good pair of

Strange Ways

2009-06-12T12:10:00.003-04:00

We miss our native land -- and maybe that's why we do corny, funny, strange things to make up for it. Things like :1) Getting updated on the latest Pinoy entertainment news. It is okay to be updated on current events, but during Pinoy parties – I found out most are updated even with entertainment news. Yes, even the men. Ask them about the latest on the Hayden Kho – Katrina Halili video scam and

Open Doors Toronto

2009-06-09T00:10:00.005-04:00

One reason why I like Toronto are the numerous activities available for almost nothing. May 23-24 was the 10th Doors Open Toronto. For 2 days, 175 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and/or social significance open their doors to the public for free.To enjoy the 175 buildings is not meant to be completed in just 2 days. You are lucky if you can even get to see 2-3 in a day. But then,

KA-Baranggay

2009-06-05T00:10:00.002-04:00

Life away from the native land is made easier and lighter in the company of friends. Get togethers on the weekend make weeks and months go so quickly turning spring into summer in a flash. The latest "tapok-tapok" (as we call it), was made special because of a generous kabaranggay who gave the ladies T-shirts.It was a tempting photo opportunity.Kapamilya. Kapuso. Kabarkada.Kapatid. Kaibigan.

A Winner at the 62nd Cannes

2009-06-02T00:10:00.010-04:00

As a Filipino I am proud of Brilliante "Dante" Mendoza, the first Filipino to win as Best Director in a Full Length in the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. The award was for his movie “Kinatay” (Butchered). By the title alone, this sure is gory. Again, I say I am proud of him – besting other well known directors like Ang Lee, Pedro Almodovar, Jane Campion and Quentin Tarantino.However, this is where

New York : Secrets

2009-05-29T00:10:00.002-04:00

For us Filipinos, New York is the ultimate symbol of the USA. You have not been to North America if you have not been to the Big Apple.However, the city which is like no other is quite overwhelming. This post is not for those who have made NYC their home now, but this is for those who wish to see or experience this wonderful city in a different way.* * *To tour the city, don't rely on your shoes

Casa Loma, Toronto

2009-05-26T00:10:00.001-04:00

It is a such a pity that Casa Loma is seldom suggested as a tourist destination for any of our Toronto guests. The place is a beauty to behold, constructed as a neo-romantic castle with 98 rooms and costing $3.5 million to complete in 1911 - it is a dream home.Due to its unique architectural character, Casa Loma has been a popular location for movies and TV. For example, it has served as a

Signs of Spring

2009-05-22T00:10:00.004-04:00

Road maintenance in every corner.Waiting in line for the coveted patio seats.Dandelions everywhere.

10 Things I Miss in Iligan

2009-05-19T00:10:00.000-04:00

A lot of things may have changed in Iligan, but I was in a reminiscing mood lately and thought about some of the places/things I still remember (and now miss) in Iligan.Timoga - the all time no. 1 place to miss;Barbeque Inn - despite the mosquitos, the size of the meat serving, and the dimness of the place;Old House - cakes to die for;Ma. Cristina Hotel - where everything happens : conventions,

Ottawa Tulip Festival

2009-05-15T00:10:00.008-04:00

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the fourth largest municipality in the country and second largest in Ontario. It is home to several former NSC employees and is a 4 hour drive from Toronto. The place is also accessible by Via Rail, the Greyhound bus, or even by plane.Aside from those facts however, Ottawa is also known for The Canadian Tulip Festival.Although Canada's Tulip Festival started in

What's Eating You

2009-05-12T00:10:00.009-04:00

Canadians have some peculiar eating habits. Here’s a few:Have bagel and soup for lunch. Bagel is the Canadian version of the pandesal. It is like a week old doughnut. Round, with a hole in the middle and tough. It takes a while to like this bread, but once you get hooked – it is bagel in the morning (and lunch). Bagel and soup is supposed to fill you up until dinner.If soup and bagel is not for

Emergency Preparedness

2009-05-08T00:15:00.002-04:00

When emergencies happen, how ready are you? May 3-9, 2009 is Emergency Preparedness Week.Being prepared for an emergency includes the preparation of an emergency survival kit. An emergency survival kit contains all of the basic items you need to remain comfortable for at least three days immediately after or during an emergency.It is important the contents of your emergency survival kit are kept

Pinoy Pacquaio Party

2009-05-04T00:10:00.005-04:00

(Life After Steel is scheduled Tuesdays and Fridays, but this Pinoy party is an exception.)A Pacquaio fight is always a good excuse for a Pinoy party, unless you are a hermit and have completely absolved any human connection.Scenes below were repeated in most Filipino homes last Saturday night here in Canada.As everyone knows, the boxing match lasted only 5 mins and 59 secs -- but for most

What's Up, Canada?

2009-05-01T00:10:00.003-04:00

In the midst of this recession, I am posting links to news and statistics about Canada and Ontario. For whatever purpose it may serve.A.) JOBSGetting foreign credentials and work experience certified in Canada isn't just a headache for brain-surgeon cabbies. A new study says immigrants in skilled trades, such as electricians and plumbers, also hit a brick wall when it comes to getting licensed

Pinoy Party - Part 2

2009-04-28T00:15:00.003-04:00

How can you tell you are in a Pinoy Party?You're an hour late and there's still nobody there!Kids "mano" all Tito and Tita. (Yes, even in Canada)Women are still doing the line dance to "Todo Todo".Someone is singing "Peelings" or "My Wey" in the Videoke.And the most interesting topics arebrought up 5 minutes before goodbye time.

What's in a Call Sign?

2009-04-24T00:10:00.009-04:00

Before e-mails, cellphones, Facebook, and every other new communication gadget/media now – there was the VHF (very high frequency) radio. That was the tool to have and must have in communication specially for the FYEP guys. To be “officially” issued one was cool. Then comes your chosen call sign that will identify you in the airwaves.Some of the call signs I remember were :Braullo – sounds like a

Pinoy Party

2009-04-21T00:15:00.003-04:00

Tell-tale signs you are in a Pinoy party:You can't get through the door becausethere's a pile of shoes blocking the way. There’s enough food to feed the Philippines .Someone is always snapping away pictures.

Well Done !

2009-04-17T00:15:00.011-04:00

Toronto is home to the largest Filipino community in Canada. Meeting other Filipinos is no longer novelty, it is just an ordinary day-to-day encounter.However, I still am on the look-out for news that involve Filipinos – specially on the better side of the news.Two things caught my attention recently :Years of Championing Caregiver's Cause Pays OffOn April 2, 2009 - The Toronto Star had Pura

Lucky Raccoon

2009-04-14T00:15:00.003-04:00

Spring time in Toronto also means raccoon time.Raccoons are medium-sized mammals native to North America. Although raccons original habitats are deciduous and mixed forests, they have adapted living in urban areas. Raccoon families can be fun to watch, but they also create problems with property owners and residents. These raccoons carry rabies and can cause enormous repair costs by their

Hapag ng Pag-asa

2009-04-09T00:15:00.002-04:00

"Hapag ng Pag-asa", the table of hopeby Joey A. Velasco.A meaningful Holy week to all readers.Write-up about this painting can be found here.

Grimsby, Ontario

2009-04-06T00:15:00.008-04:00

Former NSC employees are scattered in different cities, towns and municipalities in Ontario. Grimsby is one of these places.Grimsby - "The gateway to Niagara" is a town of 25,000 located at the western end of Lake Ontario. It is an easy 30 minutes from Niagara Falls and around an hour from Toronto. With a number of wineries and distilleries, Grimsby now serves as the starting point for touring

Yesterday's Technology

2009-04-03T00:15:00.006-04:00

Today we easily complain "my computer is so slow". But how slow?Remember those NSC days when... Minutes of meeting were carbon copied for distribution? (with the last copy almost unreadable) Graphs for management presentations were manually colored? (on overtime) The typewriter was the "word processor"? Documents for Manila were sent through travellers? Communication to Head Office

Phishing, Smishing, Vishing

2009-04-01T00:15:00.005-04:00

With all the hype on this April Fool virus "Conficker" - time to know the names of some social engineering tactics . (Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information).Phishing: attempts to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity typically by

No Reservations - The Philippines

2009-03-27T00:15:00.007-04:00

Missing Pinoy food? Watch this film clip of Anthony Bourdain's show "No Reservations" and you will crave for more.Backgrounder:Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is an ongoing American travel and food show on the Travel Channel; it also airs on the Discovery Travel & Living channel around the world. The show featured the Philippines last Feb 16, 2009. There are 5 parts to the series, and this

WHAT’S IN A NAME ? - Part 9

2009-03-25T00:15:00.001-04:00

Every morning when the alarm clock goes on, you have to interrupt your LUGTU. Never mind the pleasant DAMGO. Take a shower, using your preferred CHABON, so nobody can say you are dehin GOLEZ. Don’t forget the morning routine at the BAYNO, CORBITA or the ELIADORA. Before you go to work, you have to do your ANDRES-and-BIHIS act to deal with your JACKY or SARDONCILLO (for men) or ESBRA (for ladies)

Canuck Speak

2009-03-23T00:15:00.000-04:00

From where I came from, English was different. The following words/terms I heard only in Captain Canuck's world.Canuck – A Canadian. If someone calls you that, it is okay. This term was once used as an insult ; but is now a proud label.No Standing Anytime. This can be found in bus stops. Taken literally, how are we supposed to wait for the bus then? Back in our country, we say "No Loittering" –

One Cool Star - Mr. Isidro Bitoon

2009-03-20T08:49:00.005-04:00

My apologies, I have decided to move posting of Canuck Speak to give way for this rather late tribute.* * *I have often wondered what ever happened to my former manager, Mr. Isidro Bitoon. In fact, I have a post of the good times we had as part of the FYEP Cold Mill Civil Works Team in my drafts for several weeks already.It came as a bit of a shock then to read (from Ning) that Mr. Bitoon had

The Speed of Trust - Stephen Covey

2009-03-18T00:15:00.004-04:00

Once in a while, I come across books that makes me reminisce those old NSC days. I am sure if NSC were alive today, the book 'The Speed of Trust" would be talked about by the management and supervisory circles or even make a good training material.The Speed of Trust is a book by Stephen M.R. Covey, son of Stephen R. Covey who wrote the best-selling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective

6-12 Months Immigration Program to Canada

2009-03-16T00:15:00.006-04:00

In November 28, 2008 Minister Jason Kenney of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Highlights include :1) Shorter waiting time for applicants of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Decision can be received within 6-12 months.2) Effectivity is retroactive for applications submitted on or after February 27, 2008. Yes, 2008.3) The

Pinoy to be Proud of

2009-03-13T00:15:00.006-04:00

I believe that for every 1 misguided Pinoy there must be 999 good others. Here's one we can definitely be proud of:Juana Tejada, 39: Nanny inspired reforms for caregivers var imageL= '/images/0b/b8/dfb51e0347bda7be8a6b3ac54e0e.jpeg' if(imageL

WHAT’S IN A NAME ? - Part 8

2009-03-11T00:30:00.002-04:00

FOOTNOTE: This is an unfinished draft by RSN, MQV, JIN, RJR, RGC, JYS, TLM assisted by VMB. It was initially attempted in 1986, redrafted in 1992, updated in 1996, and redrafted again in 2002 and 2003. After several on-and-off attempts, the writers concluded that because of its inherent creative nature, this feature article can never be truly finalized by them. It is therefore expected that every

Comments on Previous Posts - from Texas

2009-03-09T00:15:00.001-04:00

Giving space to the comments of former colleague Dutch, on 2 posts.Nursing, Anyone? ( 1/07/2009)Comment :Bong, duha na ta. If I had consulted a guidance counselor in my early years in college, I would probably have taken up Nursing and wouldn't be too worried about job security.Compare Nursing with IT careers.With IT, versions change every 3 years or so by leaps and bounds, on some cases,

Surviving Recession

2009-03-06T00:30:00.004-05:00

How do we survive a recession?The media is flooded with news about the worsening economy. Job losses: possible, real, expected. But we are Pinoys first before being Canadians remember? We are survivors. Take this :When we arrived here we put down the titles of Engineer, Manager, Accountant. We did not mind becoming inventory clerks, workers in factories, grocery stockers, and fast food servers.

Proud to be Pinoy?

2009-03-04T00:15:00.004-05:00

I am - sometimes. But . . .1) Several times I have been approached by "kababayans" while entering grocery stores. They have a board showing pictures of Filipino children and they start with "kabayan, tulong naman para sa mga bata sa atin". I am tempted to smile at them, but I did that once and she got closer pressing me for "tulong sa mga bata" with all her narration of how these needy kids need

The Toronto Public Library

2009-03-02T00:15:00.003-05:00

One thing I truly admire in Toronto is the The Toronto Public Library (TPL). The TPL is the largest public library system in Canada, with 99 branches and more than 11 million items to borrow or use in the library. What amazes me?Items to borrow – books (hardbound, bookbound, large print), magazines (of every topic), videos, DVDs, music CDs, audio books (in CDs or cassettes). And mind you, it is

Reactions from Vietnam

2009-02-27T00:15:00.004-05:00

I am posting here Dannie's reaction/comment on 2 older posts as some of you might miss them.1) On post titled My Steel Life - Nov. 27, 2008Comment :Nono,I had a look at your other blog in "steelconnect". Unfortunately, there was no mention of any details on your visit with the other steel plant (presumably Phu My Flat Steel) near BlueScope Steel which Antit Macatol and yours truly worked.Anyway,

Reaction to "Memoirs ni Manoy" by R Palisbo

2009-02-25T00:30:00.003-05:00

I agree with Manoy EVC, bad experiences in seeking job or promotion (Job Opportunities) kung hindi ka kasali sa bata-bata system, kanding at iba pa pag may peyista, B-day sa mga bossing. It happened to me during my younger days. My exposure to Steelrolling/Process Control in Flat products.Thanks to my mentors RQ Silao & Dennis Valera. My career path in the early years was very challenging, I was

Memoirs ni Manoy by EVCabrera - Part 5 of 5

2009-02-23T00:30:00.002-05:00

LIFE AFTER NSCSometime in 1996 together with Mario Putong, we unexpectedly met Messrs JB Laraya and RS Narciso in Floro Cement Corporation in Lugait, Misamis Oriental. We had a very short kumustahan and the one statement said that day was “Boy, Mar, Sayang ang pinaghirapan natin.” That was the last time I met our two big bosses. In October of 1996 I was able to meet with PCB and we lunched

A Tribute to a Friend and a Brother - by ES Aspiras

2009-02-20T00:30:00.004-05:00

My apologies for rescheduling "Part 5 of Memoirs ni Manoy" to Monday. Today, I am giving way for a tribute to a dear departed friend - Jed Malayang.* * * * * *How can one forget the friendship and the goodness of a person ?I came to know him sometime in 1984 during the peak of the EMT hiring. I was a member of Batch 3 and he was Batch 6. We became close to each other and developed a bond. We

Memoirs ni Manoy by EVCabrera - Part 4 of 5

2009-02-19T00:30:00.008-05:00

The NSC Years1980 to 1990: I consider this decade as the best and happiest in NSC history.In the later part of 1980, Mr. Jose Ben Laraya (JBL) took over the management of the National Steel Corporation. We in the lower management were interested and thrilled with the new name JBL. In my first presentation that I made to JBL which was related to power distributions equipment, I was ‘knocked-out’

Memoirs ni Manoy by EVCabrera - Part 3 of 5

2009-02-18T00:30:00.015-05:00

1968: INSTALLATION, CHECK OUT and COMMISSIONING OF COLD MILLIn August, 26 engineers and operators were sent to Japan for training in order to prepare to operate the new Cold Rolling Mills. Mr. Antonio Valera was designated to head the group with Mr. Rectorino S. Bate as his assistant. As far as I can remember the following are the members of the team: Messrs., Jorge Pacaldo, Orly Mendez, Joe

Memoirs ni Manoy by EVCabrera - Part 2 of 5

2009-02-17T00:30:00.009-05:00

The IISMI YearsIt was in 1968 that I joined the workforce of the Iligan Integrated Steel Mills (IISMI) as Electrician Leadman in the installation of the Electrolytic Tinning Line. My team in the initial stage was composed of only 4 including myself. With me was one welder (Ben Mangila), two Electricians (Getutua Santos and Pat Beniga). My field supervisor was Ric Virtudazo and our overall Job

Memoirs ni Manoy by EVCabrera - Part 1 of 5

2009-02-16T00:30:00.009-05:00

The Early YearsI am one of those Filipinos who’s lucky enough to survive the brutal bombings and killings of World War II. I can still remember a Japanese captain named Kiaraki whom I met when I was 3 yrs old. He liked me very much and loved to play with me almost every day when he was in Cebu City. He said my physical appearance always reminded him of his only son left in Japan.When World War