On Airport Security Measures

This was only the second time that I had ever went to the airport to ride a plane to Manila. The first time was (I remember vaguely) when I went to Manila as a toddler to attend the funeral of my beloved grandmother (mother’s side). That time even when I was a toddler, I could still remember that very tight security measures were not that implemented then.

Presently, well it’s a completely different story. I had to remove my shoes, belt, cellphone, coins, etc and I felt like my privacy was invaded. I understand why the coins and metallic objects are needed to be removed (this is so I could pass the metal detector without any beep) but the shoes? My mom did inform me that checking the shoes was also required as some people place drugs, weapons, and other illegal contrabands in their shoes’s sole. Ok case closed, but why do we have to be checked twice? Before entering the airport lobby and before checking in at the departure area? Mind you the Cagayan de Oro airport is very small so the second detector would be just a few steps away. Why the very tight security anyway? But at least they are trying and giving much effort to secure our safety so I quite understand and leaving my comfort zone for our own good is quite acceptable to me…

Genuine Microsoft XP

I was quite happy with my self that I was able to reap the fruits of my labor (Php 15,000 or $357)! And what do I get my self with some of my money? A Genuine Microsoft XP Operating Software for my lappy!

Some people would look at me in wonder for my decision but it makes sense really. If the Custom Officer notices that my laptop has a counterfeit operating software then they have all the right to confiscate my laptop and boy I sure don't want that to happen!

Anyway I wanted to get a Windows Vista Starter Pack which is only Php 2000 or $47 here in the Philippines but everywhere I go they only had a Windows XP so I've decided to buy a Windows XP Home for Php 4000 or $95. Windows XP may not have the beautiful designs of Vista but at least my lappy will run faster... I should have bought a Vista when I had the chance or I should have waited until we went back to Makati but maybe God has a plan with this all (oh man my defense mechanism: rationalizing!).

Anyway I'm happy with my Windows XP Home and my laptop is running quite fast really. I just wished that Microsoft didn't have to make this ugly sticker to certify that my laptop is installed with a Genuine Microsoft Software:

David Archuleta! You're still my Idol!

I know that this topic is already old and that American Idol has ended and everything but even if David Archuleta did not get the crown as the next American Idol for 2008 he is still a star for me and I am still his fan no matter what!

I will be looking forward for his albums! I really loved his rendition of Chris Brown's "With You". I am not sad that he didn't win because I know that he had already proved that he is a star.

BF Homes Duplex Apartment For Rent

Just yesterday, my Tita, my brother and I went to her other house in BF Homes - Mariposa, Las Piñas to check it out since my Tita is planning to have it rented. We also went there to check up on her employee who was 9 months pregnant and supposedly over due but I'll reserve that for another post.

So I was tasked to take pictures and post ads on the internet for her Apartment. I went to check out the said apartment and I have to say that it is a great looking apartment and the price she set for it was very reasonable.

Here are the descriptions of the said apartment/duplex:

• Location: BF Homes - Mariposa, Las Piñas, Manila
• Type: 2-Storey Duplex Apartment
• It has two bedrooms each with it's own bathroom and each with built-in cabinets
• There is another bathroom at the ground floor (so that's a total of 3 bathrooms)
• The apartment has perimeter walls and gates and the windows have bars
• It has it's own parking space inside the lot.
• It has a terrace with a great view.
• It has a laundry area.

For more info please visit the blog that I've made for it:

http://bfhomesduplexforrent.blogspot.com/

David Vetter - The Boy in the Bubble

This is David Vetter and he is well known as The Boy in the Bubble. You would see here in this picture his innocence and his youth... but all of that is slowly going to fade away...

You see David was born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) meaning he has no immune system. The common cold could kill him and therefore he must continue to live in a sterile germ-free environment, a bubble free of germs.

David was a happy and kind boy but as he matured and grew his emotions became more mature for a young boy. He wasn't a teenager yet but he was already becoming to have these dark moods and he wanted to be alone because he felt that he had no where else to go... he was going to die... there was no need to continue on living...

He was trapped in a cage as he saw his childhood friends and family members growing up and leaving him to explore the world and live their own lives. David was actually built a space suit so that he could explore the world around him. But he was always terrified to leave his bubble because if he was exposed even a tiny bit with a leak in his space suit he could die.

My heart was totally crushed as this young boy faced so much hardship but he remained strong and made it up to the age of 12. But sadly even though his doctors tried to save him, he still died after a bone marrow transplantation. The operation was a success but they weren't able to detect that the bone marrow harbored inactive viruses that caused a tumor which in turn caused massive hemorrhaging in David's intestines...

Seeing David suffer for so long emotionally for so long was heart wrenching... I am thankful that with our technology today 90% of newborns with SCID are successfully treated and doesn't have to live a life in isolation.

When David died, it was the first and last time that his mother was able to touch him...