The DJ who's not a DeeJay

After 5 years of organ lessons at the early age of 14, I self-studied how to use a computer to arrange songs. My first submission of original songs I composed were instrumentals, which were first published as part of Sound Canvas Users Group (SCUG) Archives Volume 11 in 1995.

2009 pictorial for my blog

I always wanted to have my own CD, so I selected and compiled songs from my archive and included them in what I call my first (and only) self-released album entitled "JayDJ: The Personal Collection."

If I was asked as a teenager if I wanted to work for the government, I would've immediately said, "Not a chance."

Received my 10th award while in Singapore

For those who aren't familiar, Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines. Growing up, it was the language spoken by my parents and relatives. I, however, only knew basic words in Tagalog. So moving to the Philippines forced me to understand and speak the language. It wasn't easy, as I was enrolled in school as a fourth grader with a Tagalog learning level that of a kindergarten student. 

My mom is my hero. 

One moment I'll never forget is when I was 4 years old and we were crossing the street. Suddenly, a huge car wasn't stopping, even if the stoplight was red for the car. Due to the driver's excessive speed, the car's brakes failed to bring it to a complete stop, causing any remaining momentum to collide with us. While we both rolled on the street's concrete, my mom shielded me, somehow preventing any injuries. We were both rushed to the hospital afterwards, and luckily, we only sustained a few bruises. It was a traumatic experience, but having my mom never leave me, even to the point of taking the impact, showed me how much she would protect me with her life. After that, we didn't have any life-threatening experiences, but if I did, I would want my mom to have been with me to care for me.

I lost my mom to cancer in 2018, and I remember her every day since then. A big part of who I am today is because of my mom. Thank you for raising me with all your love and care.

 

 

During the pandemic, we made use of the limited space on our 22nd-floor balcony and started to plant. We tried different fruit and vegetable plants. I wanted to try growing an ornamental plant. After carefully selecting which one would most likely grow and look nice, we decided on planting sunflowers. 

We initially had three, but the other two did not survive past a few weeks. The one remaining sunflower, though, did flourish and grow to about 3 feet tall. Caring for it and watering it every morning paid off. After it reached its maximum height, it started to blossom. 

It made every morning exciting to see how the sunflower's petals would unfold. I was also surprised at how big the flower is. I wasn't able to grow a sunflower again, but I'm glad I've successfully gotten to grow one. 

My next challenge would probably be trying to grow a bunch of sunflowers together.

I received my driver's license while still in college. When I was 17, I obtained a student license and a driver's license shortly thereafter. I was fortunate because my parents occasionally let me borrow the family automobile to drive to school. We had a Ford Mustang, so driving to school in a sports car seemed cool.

"Fast forward" to now, and with over 30 years of driving experience, I've driven five different cars, logged thousands of kilometers, and have only been arrested for a traffic offense twice

I've also been fortunate to dodge a couple accidents, one of which was a little bump into a bend. I'm also glad I don't have any road rage. Being patient and calm is quite beneficial while driving.

Looking forward to getting more mileage out of my driving skills and thankful that I'm safe.

Among the things I am grateful for, I didn't need to do anything or work hard for this one. I thank my parents, particularly my mom, from whom I inherited her curly locks. 

I grew my hair long a few times just to see where the curls would go. I found out that it spirals the longer it grows.  Having wavy hair also helps cover those spots where hair isn't as abundant as before.

the longer the hair, the wavier it gets

I know that friends have remembered me for my hair, so I treat it as part of my uniqueness.

For now, I will continue to treasure the wavy hair, and I hope there will still be some left to comb and twirl in the years to come.

4. BEGIN CODE

One of the skills I that really helped me in several aspects is that I know computer programming. Nowadays, it's called coding, but back then, you needed to learn computer languages to program.

I'm thankful that my Computer Science degree in college is forward compatible with new skillsets needed today. I may not be creating programs, games, or apps, but the analytical skills, computer logic, and mindset of how a computer works has been useful in different fields. Also, being introduced to AI (Artificial Intelligence) 30 years ago surely helps now that it's mainstream. It sure helps talking to a computer easier knowing how they think and process data.

played key roles in organizing hackathons, such as Tech Canp.

I know I'm not the best, but it only takes a solid grasp of the fundamentals of programming to understand a lot of what is happening in the world of tech today.

Here's a quick list of things I've programmed/coded before:

1. a virus 

2. an anti-virus

3. a game

4. dozens of websites

5. automated processing

6. audit trails

7. content generator

8. content scrapper

9. content management system (CMS)

10. poetry simulator / lyrics generator

Who knows? May be I'll come up with some big idea soon.

END CODE

 3.  Almost became a black belter in Tae-Kwon-Do.

During summer break in my third year of high school, my parents enrolled me in a summer class of Tae-Kwon-Do at the Virramall gym in Greenhills. I was lucky to be under the tutelage of Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong, the founder of the Philippine Taekwondo Association.

It was fun and I made new friends in the two months of training. But it ended short right after our promotion when we all underwent the proficiency tests. We all got promoted from white belt to yellow belt, some mostly low tier yellow, and some, including me, were lucky to get promoted to high yellow belt status. I also got to witness the beginnings of Monsour Del Rosario, Stephen Fernandez, and gymnast Bea Lucero, where we shared the same training area and taught by Mr. Hong.

When school resumed, I had a choice to continue my Tae-Kwon-Do training on top of my studies or stop. I wanted to continue so I had to bring my Tae-Kwon-Do uniform with me three times a week to school and take a 1 hour commute to my dojo. I continued my training for almost a year and got promoted from yellow, to blue, to red, to brown.  

Being one belt away from being a black belter, I did have my reservations about taking the promotion. And at this stage, I also had to prioritize my studies much more as I was graduating. So I opted to stop training and never did reach the last set of tests as the final promotion to black belt.

Do I have any regrets? It would have been a nice title and achievement to add to my skills but I'm just happy I've reached the brown belt status. The discipline I gained from learning this martial art has proven to be very valuable in different aspects of my life.  Knowledge of self-defense is a bonus.

Chah-ryut, Joon-bee.

Context: 
On May 5, 2024, I started a list of things for which I am grateful. It could be a talent, an event, or a memory that helped shape who I am or had an impact on my life. One blog entry, one item, one day. The items will be in random order but they will all be things that have influenced me in a small or huge manner.

Today, I will start a list of things for which I am grateful. It could be a talent, an event, or a memory that helped shape who I am or had an impact on my life.

One blog entry, one item, one day. The items will be in random order but they will all be things that have influenced me in a small or huge manner.

Domain Dreams: My 20+ Year Journey Investing in Digital Property

Back in 2001, the internet was a wild west, and domain names were like gold nuggets. I, starry-eyed and optimistic, dove in headfirst, and at one time owned over 20 domain names. Two decades later, the landscape has changed dramatically, and my digital property portfolio is a mixed bag. I computed a total of over USD $4,000. for all my domain purchases since I started buying, So, was it worth it? Let's explore the world of investing in digital property, with a dose of real-life experience thrown in.

The Allure of Digital Real Estate:

In the early days, domains felt like prime real estate in the virtual world. They offered branding potential, website-building possibilities, and even a touch of speculative thrill. I envisioned catchy names becoming valuable assets, generating income through rentals or sales.

The Reality Check:

Fast forward to today, and the picture is less rosy. Some of my domains remained unused, victims of changing trends or niche markets that never materialized. Others have seen modest value appreciation, but nothing life-changing. The initial excitement has given way to a more pragmatic understanding of the market.

Lessons Learned:

Do your research: Don't just buy domains based on whims or trends. Research the keywords, market demand, and potential uses. Remember, a domain is only valuable if you're gonna use it or someone wants it.

Focus on quality, not quantity: It's better to have a few high-potential domains than a graveyard of irrelevant ones. Invest in names that are brandable, memorable, and relevant to a specific niche.

Be patient: Building value in a domain takes time and effort. Don't expect overnight riches. Think of it as a long-term investment, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Explore alternative uses: Don't limit yourself to selling or renting. Consider using your domains for building websites, creating content, or even developing online businesses.

Is it Worth It?

Investing in digital property can be rewarding, but it's not for everyone. It requires careful research, a long-term perspective, and a willingness to adapt. If you're passionate about the online world and have a knack for spotting valuable names, it could be a worthwhile venture. However, remember, it's not a guaranteed path to riches.

My Final Thoughts:

The domains that were the most valuable to me were the ones I actively used to build websites because they added branding, value, and searchability on the net. I still buy domains with initial concepts and ideas in mind but don't always follow through on these projects. Sometimes, I do the research and deliberation after buying. It's always a risk but a calculated one if you know how to valuate your domains and your website.

My journey with domain investing has been a learning experience. While I haven't struck gold, I've gained valuable knowledge and a deeper understanding of the digital landscape. If you're considering investing in digital property, approach it with caution, do your research, and be prepared for the long haul. Remember, the most valuable asset you have is your time and expertise. Use them wisely to navigate the ever-evolving world of online real estate.

Do you have any experience with investing in digital property? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!

I've been having a lot of thoughts, insights, opinions, and realizations and haven't been diligently adding them to my blog. I've been a bit preoccupied with a lot of stuff left and right, but I do think it's a missed opportunity if I don't get to share my thoughts with the world.

It may be something I have just learned but known to the public or an opinion that could be a subject for discussion and insights.

Using YouTube as my preferred search engine has also sparked my curiosity in multiple directions.

So what's my thought for the day? That's my thought. And I will think about it more by writing about it.

I hope you join me and my interests. Maybe some of them are yours too!

Writing mode: on.

The theme for this year's World Tourism Day is "Tourism and Green Investments," emphasizing the need for greater and better-targeted investments for people, planet, and prosperity.

In celebration of World Tourism Day, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to catch up with my travel blogger friends and revisit their blogs.

Wendy from whywendywrites.com

I reconnected with my former colleague, Wendy Ng, who is passionate about travel and tourism. We worked as part of a Public Affairs team, but I was pleasantly surprised when I learned then that she is also a travel writer who has been writing about travel since 2013.

Wendy believes that knowing more allows us to travel better, so she writes to provide useful information to travelers and to promote appreciation and understanding of the places they visit, as well as the local communities and their stories.

Wendy's publications and guides have also appeared in a variety of media, including Tripadvisor, Klook, Skyscanner, Tripzilla, and others I personally use for reviews and suggestions. She has also worked with the Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore, the Japan National Tourism Organization, and the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau, and she has published various travel guides for Japan and Taiwan.

Knowing Wendy's vast travel experience, I asked her what advice she could give to other travelers like me, and what her message is for World Tourism Day.

I can't say I'm celebrating an anniversary as it's not something I'd like to celebrate. But it's been just about a year since I experienced COVID-19 and acknowledging it is an understatement.

Having experienced COVID at a time when the pandemic wasn't able to assure you of getting well or having nothing to worry about is something that I will remember for my lifetime. 

(Read my personal accounts of having COVID in 2022 here)

Health and wellness monitoring didn't stop after getting well from COVID. The side effect I experienced was having asthma which is something I never had in the past. I guess now I know what it feels like and have learned how to control or avoid it. 

Fast forward to today in a world where a lot of health protocols have been suspended and are optional. It's good to look toward a new normal that doesn't involve fear of acquiring it. But I am well aware that the battle for complete eradication of the virus is not yet totally won. Staying safe is still something me and my family observe with additional precautions. It is my hope that the people who we interact and engage with face to face are also responsible for their respective health and wellness.

I think COVID-19 has managed to make everyone be more aware of their health and take extra measures to ensure they don't have the virus. On the other hand, there are some who think they are invincible, and immune, and have let their guard down just because fewer people are getting it. I pray for all of my loved ones to be safe from sickness and for doctors and scientists to continue discovering ways to eradicate this virus.

In the meantime, stay safe everyone, and don't keep your guard down.

 

We've been decluttering since we merged all our stuff from 3 different places. You'll find out that duplicates of things per household will pile up and take up space. We've covered a lot of ground, especially with clothes and books. We're now on to decors and the one thing that we found we have a lot of are picture frames.

Picture frames are a great way to display your memories and artwork, but they can also take up a lot of space. Dealing with too many picture frames can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some of these tips to declutter your frames and create a more stylish and organized home.

1. Reduce the size of your frames. If you have a lot of bulky photo frames, you can resize them, add a mat, or use a floating frame to make them smaller. This will give your frames a more modern and streamlined appearance while also saving you room.

2. Clear out your picture frames. Examine your photo frames carefully and select the ones you truly adore. Remove any frames that no longer provide you delight or that do not match your décor. This will allow you to eliminate clutter in your home and make displaying your favorite images easier.

3. Display your frames in a creative way. If you don't want to get rid of any of your picture frames, you can creatively display them. You might use them to make a gallery wall, display them on a bookshelf, or even decorate a coffee table. Mix and match and try out several looks and locations.

Yes! It's called Grey The Tabby Cat! 

Backstory: For the past two years, I've been keenly studying and following YouTube strategies and have learned a lot about strategies, content creation, and managing a channel. I thought it would be a great time to put all my knowledge to good use and prove those theories, strategies, and tips right.

My main YouTube channel, though, is really a personal one that I created way back in 2007. Since I wasn't actively recording video clips then, I was limited to the random video clips I took from my phone or of some place I visited if I brought my digicam with me. A few years later, I did a purge, removing videos that I found irrelevant or not in line with my channel. What was left were mainly music videos of me playing the piano or organ. As much as I enjoy playing music, I knew that recording music videos and posting regularly would take up a lot of time, not to mention the time I needed to practice and rehearse each song.

My channel is still there with all my music performances, but it's more for sharing with friends, and sometimes a few people like the music they hear. And I'm thankful for that. However, posting anything other than music may be counterproductive to its growth.

I created a test channel to learn more without disrupting my main channel. It helped me a lot to experience firsthand how to maximize its use, and I really learned a lot. So I was ready to create a new themed channel and apply all that I had learned. But what other topic should I consider?

I was always fascinated by how many cat videos were on YouTube, but I never thought of creating videos myself. After all, we didn't have a cat.

BUT WAIT!!!

We do have cats that visit us every day. They're feral cats that live in the neighborhood and visit most of the homes on our block, including ours. When we first moved in, we noticed a certain gray cat would roam around, seeming eager to meet the new owners. As a family, we found ourselves talking about the cat over meals, and so I figured that sharing this and our experience with a feral cat would be a nice niche for a YouTube channel. And so Grey The Tabby Cat's YouTube channel was born.

I'm happy to say that to date, there have been 13 episodes. I post once a week (every Friday night or Saturday morning) and upload a few YouTube shorts during the rest of the week.

Ready to binge-watch Grey and learn more about him and his life?

Here's an episode run-down:

1. Intro to Grey / Trailer

2. Where Is Grey’s Sweet Spot?

3. Uncovering The Secrets of the Garden of Grey

4. Grey’s Night Out (From Dusk Till Dawn)

5. How Grey Got His Name (It’s Not What You Think)

6. Grey The Scavenger or Explorer?

7. Did Food Lead Grey Here?

8. The Tale of Grey’s Tail

9. The Grey Heart (Not As Gray As You Think)

10. The Grey Montage / Grey The Model

11. 5 Interesting Facts About Grey You Didn’t Know

12. Look out Grey: There’s a New Tabby In Town

13. Could This Young Tabby Be Grey’s Daughter?

Do say "hello" to Grey the cat in the video comments!

Hope you subscribe and like the videos. 

MEOW!

Toy photography has become a popular hobby among toy collectors. It's a way to show off your collection, and it's also a lot of fun. Taking photos of your toys can be a great way to enhance your joy as a collector.

Taking Photos of Toys For Fun

Toy photography has been around since the early days of film photography, with early enthusiasts using their toys to create scenes and stories. Today, toy photography has evolved into a popular art form, with enthusiasts using creative techniques to capture images of their toys.

Toy photography can be a fun and creative way to enhance your enjoyment of your toy collection. It can also be a great way to meet other like-minded people and share your passion for toys.