1. Nokia cell phone evolution

I remember the time when I was in grade school I asked my parents for a cell phone as a gift for my graduation they gave me the Nokia 3310 unit, I remember I was one of the first among our campus to have that kind of mobile phone. Now who among us uses the unit? Sadly, the Nokia trend rapidly shifts on and on. From the bulky Nokia 5110, 3210, 3310, 8210, 8310 and the rest is history. Shifting models from greenish screen LCDs and colored LCDs to touch screen technology. No doubt that Nokia is the number 1 trendy mobile phone maker. But who would have thought that the leading maker of trendy mobile phone has started making rubber boots and tires then evolved the business in making wires and cables and now, mobile phones.

2. Nintendo Gameboy advancement

This is what every kid of 90s (here in our country) dreamed to have. The big, hulking and greenish screened handheld gaming console tremendously made a massive success throughout the world. Playing Tetris and Doctor Mario all day? How about Sailor Moon and Pacman? Now here comes the Gameboy color. Great thing that there’s worm light and magnifying glasses made customized for this unit so gaming would be more ease.  Make way for Gameboy Advance, the first unit to have an added LEFT and RIGHT button at the topmost part of the handheld. How about Gameboy Advance SP? The first unit to have an internal front-light goodbye wormlight. Plus it has an internal rechargeable battery. Gameboy Micro, the smallest handheld gaming console made by Nintendo. The sleek and fashionable (the exterior or faceplates can be changed and there are various designs to choose from) unit also supports GBA cartridges. Now the Gameboy DS, DS lite and DSi no wondered equally compete Sony’s PSP. The handheld that have-it-all, camera, touch screen, Wi-Fi surfing and more.

3. Home Entertainment: Gaming Consoles

I wasn’t born during the peak time when Atari was born. But my mom said that it was far the greatest video gaming console that time. I was used on playing the ever famous Nintendo Family Computer. There are various cartridges to play with like Super Mario Brothers, Street Fighter, Mortal Combat, Contra, Ice Climber and many more. I had like 3 of this gaming console (It wasn’t that durable so it is somewhat disposable). Now there came Sega, Dreamcast, GameCube and the most famous up to this date, Sony PlayStation. Now, gaming is much more fun than ever. Do you remember the revolutionary indeed Dance Dance Revolution? Now, Xbox is born interacting with many other players and who would ever forget the best selling game Halo 2? Now the successor of these last two consoles are fairly successful as the first one, I am talking about the Sony PlayStation2 which is nowadays competing well enough in the market, Sony PlayStation2 Slim and the latest Sony PlayStation 3 and lastly, Xbox 360. Nintendo Wii also principally competes with PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This is by far my most favorite among the gaming consoles that was ever created. Wireless and real-life interaction on the game is a big plus. How about you, what’s your favorite console?

4. Every moments captured

I’m sure no Millennial Generation baby can still remember the Camera obscura or the darkened chamber box that used to capture black and white still images. So I’d start the recall from the past in a camera wherein we use the roll film. I still remember the time when we had out of town getaway or a big family affair we never forget to bring these. Afterwards, we go to the nearby developing studio to see the results and yes we are so excited but then after seeing the pictures we are somewhat dismayed because that is not what we exactly pictured in our mind. But as time go by, Polaroid produces a camera that can develop the images right after you capture the pictures. But admit it Polaroid films are just to expensive during those times and none of the elders would allow their child to bring the device alone. Now let me hail the inventors of Digital camera or what we are fond calling digicams. Capturing images are easier, you can see it on the bigger LCD screen and review the captured photos right after, thanks to your memory cards. As time goes, many technologies merged their capabilities to make life easier. Now, make way to the camera phones. Well, here in the country the first one to make it to the market is again from Nokia, the Nokia 7650. Can you imagine how great technology has grown?

5. Music Trip Way Back

We all love music don’t we? It doesn’t matter if it’s metal, pop, ballad, classic, techno, hippie, rhythm and blues and even if we live here in the Philippines we still do adapt and love the J-pop or even K-pop music. Radio with cassette tape players is cool way back then. I remember I even had to ask my mom for a Walkman bought in Hong Kong before. But, CDs are later introduced and every kid wants the good ol’ Discman. Boy band days, who didn’t join the bandwagon? Now, centennial year came in and we say hello to big MP3 players and downloaded every music that we wanted (During those times I remember saving up my money for a prepaid card of Dial-up internet provider). Now various designs came, from the big and bulky up to stylish, slimmest and smallest.

Then, we had the black and white TV, there came the antenna for better viewing, the colored TV eventually came with cable service providers. Now a lot of homes are using HDTVs. We had the best OS before and that’s during the reign of Windows 98, now who would want to downgrade and use that again if we had XP that offers plug and play? If we had sleek and sexier feel of Vista? And now that 2010 came, everybody can’t wait to have a copy of the much awaited Windows 7.

Well, if I ever enumerate all the advancements of certain gadgets and software we’ll never run out of it. There’s this famous saying from Charles H. Duell: “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” This literally proved him wrong. There are still more years to come and yet to wait. But, forecast for gadgets and software are always welcome.  So, what’s your idea for the next advancement?

Do you remember the days when you spend the whole time in front of your consoles and playing Super Mario Brothers? You missed your snacks and meals because you are about to go to the next level or you are deciding what warp zone you’ll choose to play. You aren’t going to sleep because there’s no save features during the Nintendo Family Computer days.

Have you ever practice all day just to hit that turtle in Level 3-1 for hundred lives? Do you know where are all the 1UP are hidden? Ever beaten Koopa? Well, for me Super Mario hits the crowd simply because everyone wants to play the part of the hero saving Princess Peach, Toad and Kings of different kingdoms. But, one good thing here about Super Mario is that he never get tired of saving all of them even if his life is at risk (yeah, I am not literally speaking though because he is a freaking video game character).

What if the politicians grew up playing Super Mario? Will they be able to think of saving many people and the whole country? Many children grow up looking up to their childhood superheroes. We all know that after each stage all that Super Mario would get is a single, “Thank You Mario But Our Princess Is in Another Castle”. Does he get mad? No. Does he ask for anything in return? No.

Let’s pretend that our politicians here in the country grew up addicted on playing Super Mario. They will never ask something in return. They will help many people and the country as a whole. This may also mean that nobody among these politicians will ever wish for wealth and reward in return. These politicians will whole heartedly serve the people even if it put them into risk. It is all because they know the meaning of being a “PUBLIC SERVANT”- serving people and not people serving them.

If only they grew up playing the part of Super Mario. Now, let’s do the reality check here. Most of the politicians nowadays somehow idolized Bowser (he is commonly known as Koopa, especially in Japan). They took the part of being greedy and they do not even fulfill the promises that their platforms they proposed.

Super Mario is not just an Italian plumber for Mushroom Kingdom, for the players and fans he is a hero. This is something that all of us is probably be wishing, that all of our politicians grew up playing this video game, Super Mario Brothers.

Park City is the place to live, visit and establish business. I’ll give you ten more reasons why.

10. Ease of access to all areas

It only takes around 30-45 minutes to go between Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and other attractions.

9. Top tourist destination

With wide variety of recreation, Park City offers a place where you can have your fitness opportunity with state-of-the-art equipments, relaxing pools and saunas, world class tennis courts, golf course and many other amenities like spas, child care and of course restaurants.

8. Skiing!

There are a lot of ski resorts in Park City to choose from, so if you decide to go with your family, here are the top choices: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons.

7. Multi-surface

It’s always important that you can enjoy both home market and bedroom community. You’d like a versatile town won’t you?

6. Park City may very well be the fastest growing region in the U.S.

Park City’s economy is lively. The area never gets a break from establishing different kinds of businesses. If you’re looking for a place to start your own you might be looking for Park City real estate.

5. A Self-motivated Metro Market

This place is one of the fastest growing metropolitan in the US. It seizes every opportunity – small or big. That’s why Park City was known to develop a good metro market.

4. Low unemployment

Park City has continuous productivity and strong economy. It is one of the best tourist attractions when it comes to Ski resorts that are why employment continues to rise up.

3. 2002 Winter Olympics

Way back in 2002, Park City hosted the first Winter Olympics and the rest is history in ski tourism. If the place is good enough for the Winter Olympics, then it’s good enough for everybody.

2. Good weather and climate

Park City has moderate weather than other ski sites. This town has snow which is best for skiing and dry summer which is perfectly cozy.

1.  Best values for houses

Apparently, houses here cost lower than other towns in the United States. You can get the best deals here since it not only offers a great place to live in but also a place for recreation. Many tourist have gladly decided to call Park City home.

Park City also offers lodging and makes a perfect tourist attraction for you and your family’s recreation time. But, here’s the best advice I can give you about Park City, Utah houses: avail one while you can.

Numerous tragic incidents happened these past few months. Many people lost track on coping up with their daily lives. This initially happened when typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng devastated the country. A lot of people lost their shelter and worst – loved ones. There are several saddening stories about these incidents. Can you just imagine surviving these catastrophes alone? There are survivors who lost the rest of his family. How would you celebrate the Christmas Day alone? Where would you celebrate it if you don’t have a place to call home?

The Maguindanao massacre is indeed the worst thing that happened in the history of elections. I don’t really get it. How could someone do it just for power, position and of course, MONEY. It’s really annoying that there are greedy people who already have everything that a filthy rich man could have but still aiming for more. Fifty seven people died in this very inhumane massacre. For the people who lost their husband, brother, sister and friend, how could you spend the Holidays without your love ones who died in this very tragic occurrence? How could you be happy if you are not yet over grieving?

We Filipinos are very family oriented. We like to have our holidays spent with our love ones. Especially during birthdays, anniversaries and other festive events, we never miss to spend this with them. But, what Filipinos usually prepare the most for event is Christmas Day. It is very difficult for the people  who underwent these tragic incidents to celebrate joyous events. However, there is still hope for those people suffered these circumstances.

Christmas day is the time for giving and loving as what most of the people say. But the reason why we celebrate this very special day is because this is the time our savior Jesus Christ was born. It is the very time we should be more selfless. Being selfless is not thinking of one’s personal satisfaction and being much more concerned on other people’s welfare. Making other people happy and touching one’s life is one of the best way we could extend our love.

Ideally, we should share what we have for those people who have less. Many others are busy preparing for what menu to serve, what dress to buy, the latest shoes on town, the best gadget to avail and many other material things that everybody listed on their Christmas wish list. Now, it’s time to reminisce and think of what an individual should do during this day. In spite of everything, it is never too late to share, love and be loved.

This is the time we should start feeding our souls.

* I leave this article untitled for a tribute of silence for those people who died in these tragic incidents. May the people who were deserted find peace in their hearts and be able to find hope and still have meaning to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

]]> http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/why-is-this-%e2%80%98untitled%e2%80%99/feed/ 0 halietep Christmas http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/argumentum-ad-numerum-will-you-follow/ http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/argumentum-ad-numerum-will-you-follow/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:25:33 +0000 halietep http://halietep.wordpress.com/?p=49 ]]> Bandwagon effect is the observation that people often do and believe things because many other people do and believe the same things.

People habitually tend to have this mentality of “If many believe so, it is so”. People follow the majority of the crowd without having their own judgment on a certain thing or product. Here are some of the cases that there really is a bandwagon effect in some of us but let me stress out I’m not pointing to a certain person or the likes.

Here we go. Social pages status let us express what we want to say and what we feel. Plus, it is a good outlet of stress relief and so are the movies. Who wouldn’t like to watch the latest movie in the cinemas? The irony here is that though we didn’t really like the movie, we write good reviews about it in our social pages saying it is really nice, great, etc. It’s because this is what most of the crowd go crazy over.

Another case is there are really lots of books eventually coming into the big screen. There are people who don’t like reading books especially those that caters fiction and extremely thick by pages. Now when the movie is on they became instant readers just because it is what the crowd read. Again, there is nothing wrong with it. The thing is do we really have to wait for a movie just to captivate our attention?  There are thousands of good books out there waiting for us to read and appreciate them.

The coffee shop photo shoots bandwagon. Well, it is my own jargon and often uses it for people who took numerous photos while sipping one cup of coffee. Well, there’s really nothing wrong with that, I remember someone says “Don’t buy what you need. Buy whatever satisfies you.”. This is also a wake up call, may the image below awaken the unconscious.

Well, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re using your own resources and you work hard earning money. That’s fine. But think twice, the issue here is necessity vs. luxury.

*Photo says: Approximately 80% of the Filipinos are striving hard to make a living out of 110 pesos every day.

Last on my bandwagon effect list is the fashion style with pet as an accessory. Is there any instance you encountered someone walking around in a public place carrying her pets with all as an accessory? I do and there are a lot of them nowadays. Taking care of our pets is not bad after all, but accessorizing pets like tuning up cars is. Let me use the wake up call again for the coffee shop photo shoots bandwagon, we should spend our money well. Think again, do you really need and want it? Or is it just what many people want?

Social pressure is one of the major things that lure oneself to be part of the bandwagon effect.  Mass of people want it, so why can’t you too? It is well appealing to the crowd so why not try it. It is popular so I like it. Now, why not think of what most of the people would benefit including you. You can now discontinue being in the shadow of everyone and break off the copycat behavior. After all, only dead fish goes with the flow.

Note: I have nothing against Twilight Saga lead actors, Starbucks coffee & the coffee shop and the celebrities Paris Hilton and Heart Evangelista.

]]> http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/argumentum-ad-numerum-will-you-follow/feed/ 1 halietep movie book coffee dogs http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/top-five-reasons-why-i-love-the-fort-global-city/ http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/top-five-reasons-why-i-love-the-fort-global-city/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:13:24 +0000 halietep http://halietep.wordpress.com/?p=30 ]]> There are hundred and one reasons why I absolutely love The Fort Global City. From the finest restaurants to cheap treats food stalls. From the hottest bars to lovely hang outs. But let me just list down the top five reasons why I do so.

• #5 – Three-wheeled E3 Vehicle

While everybody else are used to ride the ever famous tricycle (well, at least here at the Philippines), people that work or going from one place to another inside the Global City are using this as one of their transportation aside from The Fort Bus. This vehicle is very convenient for you’ll be able to see them everywhere inside the areas of place. Plus it is really enjoying especially for the first timers. Why? Aside from its multi-colored exterior, the fare is unbelievably economical and the engine is eco-friendly (It is battery operated and does not require fuel.). No wonder the place is very relaxing and  pleasant, maybe because they’re supporting this environment friendly vehicles.

• #4 – S & R Grocery

I am really into eating BIG treats and I love how New York Pizza and Burger offer big and chunky chows. I must say, their pizza, calzone and burgers are the best! I love bottomless drinks and good thing they have it there. For just paying a cup you will be able to have variety of drinks (Imagine filling up your cup with slurpee and fill it up with another flavor after finishing the first one, nice!). The downside is that the grocery requires a membership card so you would be able to get in.

• #3 – Serendra

I am not born with silver spoon in my mouth, yes I do not own a unit nor knows anyone living in there. But, there are lots of things to enjoy at Serendra like the fine dining restos, most especially Conti’s pastries (mmmm…turtle pie!). The fountains are a big plus attraction for everyone.

• #2 – Market! Market!

I am really into dirt-cheap clothes and shoes and a big SALE aficionado. In the past, I am really brand conscious but who wouldn’t adjust their lifestyles during recession days? This is where I usually bought tank tops and vintage tees. Plus, you would be able to find a lot of A&F, Roxy and Hollister overruns, of course at low prices!

• #1 – Bonifacio High Street

Aside from the high range price stores in High Street, one thing that everybody would absolutely love here is the environment. Many photography enthusiasts are going there along with their tripod and handy SLRs. The developers of the place offer different ways of shopping here in High Street. We usually go to malls that are fully air-conditioned, but here in High Street they let you feel like you’re shopping at the same time strolling along the park. Many appreciate the place at night, for it showcases fancy lights. During Christmas season there are figures that lights up (remember the big bear?).

Now, I want to hear it from you. What’s your The Fort Global City story?

]]> http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/top-five-reasons-why-i-love-the-fort-global-city/feed/ 4 halietep http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/vox-populi-vox-dei/ http://halietep.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/vox-populi-vox-dei/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:18:09 +0000 halietep http://halietep.wordpress.com/?p=19 ]]>

It seems that everybody is enthralled by the tv ad commercials of the 2010 Presidentiables and the other government positions. Especially, when our favorite actors and actress are included in the ads, campaigning for them. Some indicate that it was paid by some of their friends, private companies and the likes. But what is the truth behind the payment of those high cost tv advertisements?

Early in the morning, when I am preparing myself leaving the house for work I heard in the local news about the debate of two state university students here at the Philippines. One of the Mass Communication students is pointing out that campaign strategies here are not fair especially when it comes to these high cost tv ads. Some of them has limited budget so there is this chances that people might not get to know them better. Above all of the campaign strategies, television is one of the most effective ways. Most of the Filipinos are getting updates through televisions. Second, through the use of the World Wide Web.

I am not against any of these advertisements nor into it. But what I want to emphasize is that no matter how long or short is the duration of the advertisement, people nowadays are wise enough to make their voices count. There is lots of way to make clean election happen. Let’s just pray that the first computerize election here will work as what it should be.

Workaholics are the perfect opposite of gamers. That’s what most of the people say. But when workaholics get down to the world of gaming, that’s something that could go with the saying “The best of both worlds”.

I am not the best gamer when it comes to the good old NES games nor the Wii games. I love playing games but I am just not that good playing it. I always end up as loser. But one sure thing why I love games is the construction behind it.

A friend and I had programmed a variety of games before. From adventure, maze-like and even mind boggler ones. I usually do the designs and interfaces of the game itself and even did animations for some part of the games.

Work really spells F-U-N whenever I am on game development projects. Unfortunately, I am using my own “system” of designing. I don’t use Adobe designing suites before when I did the game designs while many companies did. That’s the main reason why I never pursued the career.

After our first game was done, my view on games changed a lot. Workaholics or creators knew how to appreciate the game more because it takes lots and lots of line of codes and layers of design interface just to build one stage of the game. Can you just imagine if there’s like fifty stages? Gamers on the other hand appreciate the game as for what it offers – entertainment.

But either way, balance of both worlds is what’s essential. Games are made to treat someone’s boredom and as the old proverb says, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

//

A sample of a still image.

Do you ever wonder why people just love to capture every moments of their life with cameras? Well, I do.

They even upload their images all over the World Wide Web. My friends in a particular social networking site for example, are kind of “obsessive” uploading different albums with events and there are like hundreds of pictures in it. Though sometimes, it’s kind of funny that even “drinking coffee” has its own album.

Pictures or still photographs for an enthusiast’s term, reveals a lot of stories. The truth of the matter is still depends on how the photographer and the people who look at give meaning to it.

Right now, I am fascinated taking pictures with still images. Personally, I like my subjects to be motionless, for the fact that still images are good start for people who begin photography as a hobby.

I am using a Sony DSC-N2 digital camera with 10 mega-pixels and Carl-Zeiss lens. A good camera indeed and touch screen feature is really a bonus. High end cameras like this can even fake a DSLR camera shots. It is for the reason that it provides high quality image. In my own term – Crispy! Another good thing is that digital cameras with high mega-pixels are way cheaper than DSLR cameras.

Everything now comes in handy. In the past, people use the camera obscura or a dark chamber box. It is the first camera that looks something like a big box that has a tent-like fabric. Now that makes me thank my era enough. Everything is portable, convenient and user-friendly.

Every moment is precious; we can’t afford to lose the chance of not capturing every single event of our life. But for me, the reason why I just love to capture every moment is because pictures capture the feelings and it will always remain the same way. It won’t change even if the people in it do.