Epilogue by tradeport

Early this morning we received an email from onlineguy.

It contained a forwarding address in Palawan (where the MacBook Pro should be sent) and details to access his blog.

This is what we gathered...

As you all saw, the bet-turned-saga took a bit of a weird turn toward the end. The threats, the attempted break-ins and so on. So we did a bit of investigating. We talked to a few of his neightbors, questioned the security guard, and even tried
to locate the friends.

Apparently the friends are in hot water. One is wanted for vandalism, attempted arson and reckless endangerment. Another went off to join a religious cult in the mountains. While the third was seen at the airport. Strangely what gave him away was a paper bag he was carrying.

onlineguy, for his part, is en route to Palawan. He wants to open a bee farm somewhere around Puerto Princesa using the proceeds of the bet. And there are reports that he found love online. She is said to join him on his new venture. The bee farm was a lifelong dream of onlineguy.

(You may email him at mr_online_guy@yahoo.com)

The end

Day Thirty: OMG! They set fire to the place

I don't know where it is coming froem I can only smell the smoek and what is going underneath my dooor. am now in bathroom.

can only capture a small portion of it. hope

Day Thirty: Knock knock

Who's there?

Someone was incessantly knocking on my door. Who could it be? No one is at the peephole. Damn can't even ask my neighbors if they see any suspicious fellows in the hallway. Who could it be kaya? Like we don't know. Plus am not anti-multo. Am more worried about real live peeps than dead ones. The live ones can do you more harm.

Day Thirty: Tick tock

Am now just waiting for the time to pass. It is taking forever. Am also now checking everything I will buy last minute.

1. Digital SLR with lenses!
2. Sound system
3. Home theater
4. Clothes
5. Collector stuff (c/o ebay and paypal!)...I am into old toys.
6. Books
7. Sporting equipment plus home gym
8. New Diving gear
9. DVD collections na orig
10.Fender stratocaster (orig)

OMG I can bid on iPhones sa eBay!

Any other suggestions?

My plan is to purposely buy all come 10 or 11 o' clock to play safe!

Don't get mad get even!

Retailers must love me now.

Day Thirty: A note to note

And it reads: 'This is your last warning"

Now I am pissed off. They were obviously not liking how this is turning out and they are doing all they can to spook me. But hey - Bring it on!

Just because I am trapped like a rat here doesn't mean I have to cower to their threats.

C'mon. Let's do this, guys. Show me what you've got!

Day Thirty: A 3rd threat

Was pacing aimlessly in the dining area when I heard a knock and found this 3rd note had been slipped under the door.

Day Thirty: Never too late to start

Breakfast of champions. Online acquired grub.

Anyway it is the last day hence the last breakfast. Always remember to take the most important meal of the day. It will prepare you for whatever comes your way!

Day Thirty: Just need to make it through the day

Last night. More like early morning was difficult since there were some other attempted break-ins. I had to catch what little snooze time in-between the attempts.

I created a little alarm system where I tied some cans to the door knob. It would create a bit of a noise whenever the knob was turned. After some attempts they realized I was on the alert. Am sure I found that idea in the inner recesses of my mind from some old movie I had seen.

What made it all the more comical was the fact that I slept next to a frying pan. Somewhat like those old stereotypical cartoon characters. Unfortunately I had no rolling pin. Now that I think of it who does?

Day Twenty Nine: Vigilance

I couldn't go out to chase the would be "invaders" so I am checking the peephole every so often to see if the "cinderella of crime" would collect the slipper.

OMG! What more are they planning?

Day Twenty Nine: Home invasion

I was startled by someone who was trying to break-in. They were trying to pick the lock so I ran to the door and shouted "Who is it!" That must've scared them as I heard scurrying out to the elevators. And what was left behind...

Day Twenty Nine: All quiet

Have now been playing games and am strategically at my front door. It is quiet. Now unless they enter from the window (which is extremely difficult unless they were spidermen) I should have the main entrance covered. Should I move the bed here too? May be a good idea.

Day Twenty Nine: Am entertained by the most inane games

Has anyone seen mcvideogame.com? Basically the SIM city type. What would you call that format? Strategy game? Anyway am so hooked on it. Wonder how many kids as well. Should be part of going after the youth market everyone says the fastfoods go after.

Well it got this old kid as well.

Day Twenty Nine: What to shop for?

Am doing last minute shopping for items to stiff my so-called "friends". And to answer some questions, it looks doubtful we will all be in speaking terms agaion in this lifetime. LOL.

One YM buddy suggested I buy a car. Ebay perhaps? What else can I buy so I can have them charged to the "L-O-S-E-R-S" at the end of this all? Suggestions and where would I get them?

Day Twenty Nine: The last stretch

Okay. So inspite of last nights "power" incident I awoke to a wonderful day. Yet I keep thinking what will they have up their sleeve? You can never tell since they are bound to ramp up the onslaught. They aren't going to be too happy if they lose.

Day Twenty Eight: And to make matters worse

I splinter myself and have to extract it using a knife and spoon. No tweezers lying around. It isn't as if I pluck my eyebrows or armpits.

OUCH!

Well hope that when I get out of this on one piece (and hopefully win) I will get a complete first aid kit. Maybe that will be the first thing I order when I get that MacBook Pro care of (wink wink) tradeport.com.ph. See how I mentioned you guys so don't forget your offer.

Day Twenty Eight: And then this happens afterwards

Luckily the building has reinstated power. They said someone tripped the breakers. "Accidentally" they claimed. I was crippled and kept from my online activity. It was in the dark for hours as sunset hit. Hearing all sorts of noise in the hallway. Laughter that drove me crazy too. Was it them? Must be. The building guy knocked and said it was "weird" since the breakers wouldn't have any reason to trip. And they couldn't just switch back on. Like a sudden intentional short was keeping them from doing so they said.

Don't you hate it when you don't have power but you look out the window and the neighbors have power. I thought the problem would last overnight. Even for a couple of days.

Day Twenty Eight: This was the second threat

Essentially it reads: "Stop now if you value your life"

Day Twenty Eight: What I did today

Well I spent most of my day prepping for tomorrow and did lots of last minute shopping online. Remember that is part of the plan since if I win the other party would pay for all purchases.

I also exercised a bit since I noticed 30 days or virtual activity takes its toll. Had some game time. Browsed a bit and YMed with the crew. It seemed like an ordinary day until this came at around 3pm.

Day Twenty Eight: Woke up tired

Weird how you can have a deep sleep and still come out of it tired. Knackered. Maybe too much in my mind. Just a couple more days yet it feels like forever. The loons trying to sabotage don't help either. Well prepping for a couple of days with some possible excitement.

I still can't get over their threat.

Day Twenty Eight: Will sleep a bit

Am tired from being up and alert the entire day. Will change my sleeping sched tomorrow so the other party will not predict my pattern. Will try to catch a bit of shut eye and get up early. Just in case.

Day Twenty Eight: This is what the letter read

In case you can't read it, the note says: "Leave now if you know what is good 4 you."

Day Twenty Eight: And I saw this!

I investigate what it is all about and find a letter had been slipped under my door!

And not just any kind of letter. OMG!

Day Twenty Eight: Was just in the shower

Then suddenly I hear a loud knocking on the door. Why don't they use the doorbell? So I rush out to see what it is.

Day Twenty Seven: The internet can spawn so much hate

It may seem like a heavy subject but I jumped into a thread in PeX and it appears as if there is a culture of hate that permeates through the internet as well. It is democratic after all. I only wonder if it will be used as the breeding ground of the next fuehrer? Luckily we have more intelligent people out there. I am more afraid for those that are easily dragged into a culture of hate. All you need are a few fanatics to make trouble for the majority.

http://pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305640&page=2

Day Twenty Seven: Stress

Well I thought it would be easy sailing towards the end but I have been pacing back and forth. You get kindda antsy when you are about to finish something but as we all know..."can't count the chickens before they hatch." Patience is an overrated virtue.

Day Twenty Seven: The ritual

No day would be complete with something as mundane as this. Yet it is a reality that I have to face. Hope the "friends" don't pull a fast one while I am engaged in this.

Day Twenty Seven: Will have to catch some ZZZZs

Can't stay up much longer. Will take a short nap.

Day Twenty Six: BRB

Need to prep for potential threats.

Day Twenty Six: Will there be a forced eviction night?

Well they do have it in PBB. Hope not here. LOL. Should I hide in the closet the rest of the time and lock it?

Should I remain awake for the next four or so days. Or sleep in 5 minute intervals.

Should I tie myself to a pillar?

Should I...

Day Twenty Six: Paranoia?

Sometimes shuffling outside and even a light flicker makes my mind race wondering whether or not the other party is up to some sort of trickery. In fact I lost my internet connection earlier and was thinking OMG. They didn't. Luckily it is back up so it was just a minor glitch. What is happening to me?

Day Twenty Six: Be prepared

Yup. In preparation for any onslaught one must always be at one's best. Grooming nothwithstanding.

These are little things but remember details can spell a disaster or a victory.

Day Twenty Six: Ramblings

A YM buddy asked if they could cut water. Power. Internet.

Well there is a prime motivator that may make them resort to things. That would be losing the bet.

Another YM bud suggested I booby trap the door. Maybe the windows as well. Wonder with what though.

Day Twenty Six: What is next up their sleeve?

How will they attempt to flush me out?

Think seige of yore. They would cut supplies. catapult disease-ridden festering corpses over the ramparts. And a host of other disgusting things. Did someone say battering ram? Anyway, let us see. Sometimes as much as we advance we remain the same.

Day Twenty Five: Status report

It appears to be quiet for now. Am alert as to what the other party will do. They must be relishing this or planning out something.

Trying to second guess is difficult. Am in a predicament where they can "see" me through this but I can't "see" what is in their minds.

So I cannot quite use this blog to express certain "opinions".

Yet I can note down what they do.

Day Twenty Five: Your opinion is needed here

I have been chatting on YM with some. Mentioned that I would not put it beneath the other party involved in the bet to actually try to break-in and drag me out of my apartment.

Laundry girl says it is against the bet since it will be done under duress.

quote: "and remind your friends on your blog that any attempts at coercion or otherwise putting you under duress (grave threats etc) would forfeit the bet in your favor
because that would be in violation of your contract
signed, sealed and witnessed naman yung contract mo, di ba?

e di yun
any attempt to coerce you or threaten you or even bodily pull you out of the unit is going to invalidate the bet
you automatically win."

What do you think? If they drag me out and claim I did so on my own volition or threaten me out. What happens? Because they could get the security guard as a witness. And what if he says I walked out on my own accord.

Sadly, I have nothing to barricade the door with and can only rely on the locks.

Day Twenty Five: An evening with me

Ever wonder how I spend my nights? Well wonder no more. Have captured a typical night on vid for your viewing pleasure.

Day Twenty Five: Oh oh

When I woke up this morning I heard this strange rustling sound outside the door. I thought someone was trying to break-in. I thought that it wasn't going to happen since there was a lock at the door. Remember the padlock the friends put there at the beginning of the bet? Well it was my cordon sanitaire from the rest of the world.

Then I was suddenly caught by surprise. The door opened slightly.

"No way," I thought to myself. It must be cabin fever or something playing tricks on me. So I walk over to investigate. It was slightly open. Oh my god. They had taken the lock off. It was a signal from them I suppose. Or a trick to tempt me to walk out the door and check.

I knew that if I stepped out the door the bet would have been lost.

So I shut the door and locked it.

They have started.

Day Twenty Four: Will it be smooth sailing 'til the end?

Not wanting to jinx anything but I am one of those peeps that believe in not counting your chickens until they are hatched. Now we are so close to the end what can go wrong. Should I be overconfident?

Why is it that when we get overconfident we tend to not see what sometimes is not the unforseen? Is it an issue of pride? Any idea?

Am I being paranoid? Will the "friends" who are betting against me resort to underhanded tactics? Or is that too much for me too assume? More than mere pride there is a lot riding on this for both parties. I have not disclosed much of the bet but let us say it will help the winner (which is hopefully me) not just settle so much but also launch a dream.

They have been unusually quiet of late. And over the course of this week I have already started to purchase "items" online that are more of luxuries that I wanted to have. Stuff that aren't merely for survival but to enjoy. Because as you know part my strategy is to max out my card before the end by buying stuff. Because should I win (notice I didn't say when) I would be able to have them pay for it.

Just so you know all the agreements are in writing and signed and witnessed as well. Can never be too sure this day and age. Gone is the era of the Gentleman's agreement.

Day Twenty Four: Doing time

As a tribute to Paris Hilton who did her time, MOG submits to you his sexy time.



Remember the internet is all about this sort of thing.

Day Twenty Four: We'll always have Paris

You think about it and it seems like the internet was created for a Paris. It is the medium where she was propelled to stardom and the very thing she thrives on. You could say she is the best endorser we have right now for the web's viral power.

Sometimes I think about how strange and pleasant it is that the internet is a community by itself. One that is filled with unique netizens. Peeps who are drawn together when they would never have been in the "real" world. Amazing.

Playing the game second life it makes me think. Is the internet a second world?

Day Twenty Three: What I did this morning

A healthy body begins with a healthy mind. Make sure that even when you are online you get a blood flowing ritual. Not the kind where you sacrifice goats mind you. This is tai-chi online guy style.



No tai-chi masters were harmed in creating this film. Yet many will be offended. LOL

Cool to find free background music from the internet too!

Day Twenty Three: We are experiencing technical difficulties

Apologies to all since it is due to technical difficulties I am unable to post much lately. I wonder if it also due to the fact that my mac is weighed down by the vids. Will dump some to create space. Hope it provides a fix. Am hoping it isn't actual hardware problems.

Day Twenty Three: So close yet...

So far not so good. Aside from the server conking out on me every so often now even my mac is not holding up to the stress. I have had to take the batt out unplug it and basically re start over and over. It has been a bitch. (Wonder why female dogs are considered derogatory language. What did they do to deserve that?). Anyway I emailed the mac support team and they asked for the serial number of the computer. It appears that is actually a series that should have been recalled in the States due to logic board problems. Damn. Same issue as the other iBook I had. And why don't they make them easy to recall here in the bush?

I hope this mac won't let me down. If this mac dies during the remaining days of the bet I am royally screwed. Any band aid solutions will be most welcome.

Why is it that when you are so confident you are going to win...(won't complete that since I may jinx the outcome)

Day Twenty Two: Monday Blues

Boy had to make sure I am capturing my day to day activities for you readers out there. This is a typical Monday morning. Hard start but we do need to get the week going.



Remember if it weren't for Mondays though we wouldn't have Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Btw, had to upload again. There was a glitch in the earlier upload and lost the title card.

Day Twenty One: Dancing MOG

Hey all. Uploading a vid of how I spend my Saturday nights while everyone is out on the town. Can't miss on the action can I.

Day Twenty One: Good night

Okay will go to sleep rather than err and eavesdrop on my neighbors.

Day Twenty One: Is it really eavesdropping?

For example, if you had a neighbor that was just naturally loud and you had chanced upon hearing things while it was all silent in your apartment, does that constitute eavesdropping?

Now if I intentionally placed a glass against the wall and listened that would be blatant eavesdropping.

Yet somehow you get drawn to what you hear. Is it in our nature to be voyeurs? To look and listen and watch while others aren't aware we are?

Now if it were karaoke night and all of the singers were never going to be stars even if they belted like they thought they were divas I would just plug my ears.

This one seems interesting. Looks like a lovers spat. Mr. Man appears to have been caught with his hand in someone else's cookie jar. Okay maybe I should just plug my ears. Or

Day Twenty One: Really quiet

It does appear quiet at weekends. Maybe everyone is out on a gimmick night. Miss that so much. Well just around nine more days anyway.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Day Twenty: Another quiet weekend

The loneliest time in my online life are weekends. These are probably the days everyone is out with family, friends or just simply malling. The simple pleasures. Watching a good flick on the big screen. The sound of laughter. You get my drift.

Don't worry. Am not getting cabin fever. Merely ruminating. At least Paris has her cellmates. An we aren't taking telephone rights. Needless to say having YM and this helps a lot.

Oh and the fever has broken. Whoopee. Hope me and the old computer hold up.

Had vodka last night close to midnight to celebrate being two-thirds of the way. Wow how time doesn't fly. And this weekend it will creep slowly. Good thing is it allows me to contemplate a bit. Nah. Just more gametime.

Day Twenty: Longer lasting?

Hope I last longer than these alkaline batteries. Digi cams really do consume so much power. Have ordered more batts so I can work on these vids. Got an idea I hope you like. Should be interetesting.

Day Twenty: Good night this morning

I can't believe we are now here at day 20. Am a little tired so will retire. Good night and sweet dreams! Stay off the coffee now.

Day Nineteen: Online exercise

Hi all. Here is a test vid. It's the first vid of the onlineguy about the onlineguy. Uploaded it on youtube as well. My name at youtube is pinoyonlineguy. Anyway it is a short subject film of what I call "Laptop Hurdles". Enjoy.



btw I wonder if Hitme64 will allow me to categorize it as running?

Day Nineteen: Making the cut

So here I am taking some vids of myself. Am working at how to cut the vids on my mac as well. Funny how circumstances will actually thrust you into situations where you will have to go above and beyond.

Day Nineteen: Time marches on

And quite slowly too. Yup. Many are saying "you are closer to your 30 days". Me I sit here and actually wait for it to be the 30th day. Notice how the closer you get to it the more you anticipate it and the further it appears. Oh well another excuse to play games. No (slaps self) finish your work requirements.

note: I have trashed some junk in the comp in the hopes that it would help with the issues the mac is fighting.

Day Nineteen: Something new

Hey all. Got an idea from someone yesterday who was chatting on the YM line. Shout outs. Like they do "greetings" to friends out there on the radio.

Anyway, feel free to let me know who you want to greet out there.

First shout out:

Greetings to all of lunar_boy0021's colleagues in their undisclosed advertising agency on the paseo ayala side fo makati. To his teammates remind him that he owes me a drink.

Day Eighteen: On and off

Can only get this dinosuar up every so often. Sometimes the light is on but no one is literally home. Yup the screen sometimes draws a blank. So I reboot. And reboot until I can get the screen up.

Could it be due to continuous use? As in the thing is having a fit because it is overworked?

Hope after I kick it a couple of times it gets back into shape.

Day Eighteen: CRASHED!

@#&*^%$!!!!

The mutha f@%#in mac crashed several times. I hope it isnt the damn logic board conking out on me. It just hanged and froze firefox.

Why does Murphy's Law seem to be prevalent in endeavors like this?

Day Eighteen: Brave new world?

Is it entertainment or prophecy. Could be a bit of both.

**thanks to my YM tech buddy for helping me figure out how to embed - obviously I am blogged challenged. You know what this means? Vid time. Will work on some to post of me here in captivity.

Day Eighteen: Another day in the day in the life of...

Had a long sleep. 12 hours in fact. Having a fever kind of does that for me. Difficulty is trying to focus on work (deadlines don't move remember) that I have to email to my various offline "bosses".

So you still see me here. Yup, I spoke to the "friends" last night and they didn't appear to amused. Hey they gave me a choice right? It is somewhat a "free world" and we can make choices in it.

Well needless to say they said I wasn't going to make it. That I would get sicker and that I would give. Hearing that strengthened my resolve. Funny how people thing they can break your will. In actuality the one who can really break you will is yourself.

Hope I didnt set myself up for a fall here.

Day Seventeen: Funny how things can change just like that

Imagine that. Earlier today I was at a crossroad. Now it seems that I can make a decision. I will have to explain why I have arrived at my decision at first.

Okay so many are asking what is at stake. Let me put it this way. I am not related to any of the tycoons. Just your ordinary everyday Juan Dela C. One with ordinary life debts to a credit card and an old family loan that hasn't been paid off yet. So the bet will actually help alleviate things for now. Maybe even help me start off a small venture. It isn't really huge but it is a substantial amount. I cannot say exactly how much since this is the internet and the Philippines so security is always an issue.

Now the first sign. You guys have been really supportive. Plus I was threatened with bodily harm by those betting on me if I made them lose (just kidding). Your support has helped me see this through.

And you wouldn't believe it - I got an email from one of the small companies I bought stuff from. No it isn't a huge corporation but an online community. It's called tradeport. They asked me to complete the 30 days. Upon completing the 30 days they would give me a brand new MacBook Pro.

So the decision is GO FOR 30!

Day Seventeen: Decisions to be made

Okay. So here is the dilemma. After an evening of tossing and turning and sweating and turning and tossing and sweating. Well, you get the picture right. Am sure most can empathize with the sweating part. Except for those in Australia, NZ, Chile, South Africa, The Arctic, Antartica, and all those places not having to suffer the furnace like heat here. That compounded with a fever doesn't quite help the situation.

Anyway thanks to the advice of many out there I have been hydrating. I was able to order meds and loads of water. So the fever will hopefully go down.

The prob is today is the day to decide whether to take the offer or not. There are those who offered their support and advice. Thanks for that. Will keep you posted on the development of things. For now a bit of rest.

Day Sixteen: The Acid Test

Dammit. I have no antacid and I am dying from a hyperacidity attack. Consequence of no appetite and not having anticipated.

Arrgh. Luckily one of the YM group is actually a medical practicioner and adviced on milk and crackers. It is slightly subsiding. Gotta ride this out.

Day Sixteen: A weird call

Okay. You know that my friends have actually left a celfone for emergencies. Well just now one of them calls me up. Strange considering they have purposely remained inconspicuously absent through the endeavor. I reckon it was due to the fact that they wanted to keep me bored and longing for company. To make me crack of course.

Now this is why they called. They said they would agree to settle 1/4 of the agreed bet and allow me to just walk out now. They realized that I proved my point? Maybe. They however did say maybe it was too cruel and that I was entitled to a life. Trying to play like they are "good guys"? Concerned about my welfare? Really now.

I can see it a couple of ways. They are afraid I will win and will take a bit of a loss rather than a bigger loss? Or do I take the offer while it is on the table in case I potentially muff it up towards the end?

Could they be afraid since I mentioned I would rack up a huge credit card bill towards the end as I mentioned to you would be my strategy?

The offer stands for the next two days they said. I would need to reply before Day Seventeen midnight.

So should I stand my ground and shoot for more or cut my losses? What do you think?

Your advice would help.

Day Sixteen: A bug's life

Funny how it takes a small microbe to take down the creature that is on top of the food chain. And am not sure where I heard it but its main objective is to kill or be killed. In this case I do feel like I am dying. Head aches as I stare into the screen. Joints are achy breaky. And devoid of appetite. I can tell you that bug is beating me hands down.

I am such a wuss.

Day Fifteen: After tonite...

It will be Day Sixteen. Pilosopo ba? Anyway am still feverish with a slight chill. Had a cup soup kaya it was good. Chicken soup for the captive soul.

Day Fifteen: How to launder in a shower for dummies

And I quote:

"okay, ganito
ihiwalay mo yung mga colored clothes from the whites
tapos babad mo sila in separate pails with a bit of the detergent dissolved in the water...

kahit mga 30 mins lang na babad, tutal di ka naman lumalabas so di masyadong madumi yung damit mo...

tingin ko nga
after 30 mins, pili ka ng isa dun sa mga timba tapos kutawin mo yung tubig para bumula ulit
then take an article of clothing and start handwashing it. siguraduhin mong makukusot mo lahat ng parte nung damit, lalo na yung kwelyo at kili-kili ng mga pang-itaas mo...

at siyempre yung pundilyo ng mga pang-ibaba mo, lalo na yung underwear
repeat the process until all the clothes are washed
tapos banlawan mo habang kinukumuyos mo yung mga damit hanggang mawala yung bula
tapos isampay mo na
may sampayan ka ba? do you have a balcony or something that you can use to dry your clothes?...

ngek di ka pwedeng magsampay sa balcony kung wala kang clothesline, magagalit management pati mga kapitbahay mo
ah, pwede na yun
make sure that you wipe the sampayan before you hang the clothes
otherwise madudumihan lang ulit
alternatively, after squeezing the excess water from the clothes, you can arrange them on hangers and hang them from the sampayan that way
para di ka na mag-plantsa
it works, especially for tshirts."

---from an apartment laundry expert (am too knackered to write now)

Day Fifteen: Anyone want to play doctor?

One of the reasons I have been quiet is aside from chasing deadlines it seems that I have caught a nasty bug. Wonder if it is all this stale air around me? God forbid if it is due to showering with my laundry.

Problem is it makes me feel exhausted. Really drained. And last night I had chills. Funny how my body was shivering given the fact that we are right in the height of global warming. Well it has me pretty sluggish and given the fact that I have no thermometer I have no idea what I am running.

Elvis is that you?

Day Fifteen: Halfway point

And in tune with the mundane nature of this endeavor I will post pics of doing the laundry. This is a technique that has been taught to me by a YM buddy. She said toss all dirty items into my shower and bathe with them. Now I take it that she meant not too actually bathe with them but to have them on the floor as I shower. Talk about hitting two "birds" with one stone. This works when you don't have the benefit of a laundry service or a washing machine or a parent's house to take your laundry to.

to quote a poet of our times "Whooah, we're halfway there, Ohhhh livin' on a prayer. Take my hand and we'll make it I swear."

Day Fourteen: Life's a chore

Well now I am seeing 14 days of procrastination build up. So am engages in a massive clean-up of my "living" area. Now you may call it the "sty". Later it will be THE model apartment. I wish.

Day Fourteen: A bit of my night attire

Wonder what insomniacs "who don't have anything better to do than lock themselves in a room" wear in the middle of the night?

Their fave boxer shorts of course.

Day Fourteen: Finally back on

Must have had a glitch with the server. Was afraid my connection was cut off. Yet after much perseverance luckily I was back online. Good thing it wasn't an unpaid bill issue.

My iBook. This is my window to the world. Also check out my hand shot. Hey my hands are what enable me to communicate with you. They are my voice in cyberworld. They utter my words.

Day Thirteen: Can never be too sure

As many are familiar this is the Pinoy way of saving for a "rainy day". Well after the drought at the apartment I can never be too sure. So I scrounged for whatever water containing device I could get my hands on to make sure I would be prepped.

These also have a dual function. They act as weights for my exercise in captivity program. That is Pinoy ingenuity at work.

Another pic in another post will help show some of my exercise routines.

Day Thirteen: Luck is on my side?

Was fun working out this cam. Am taking pics so we have a visual log of this enterprise. Hopefully 13 shall prove to be the lucky number for this endeavor. Fingers crossed.

Day Twelve: We cam do it!

Hurrah! The digi cam has arrived. Cool. Will spend the greater part of the evening figuring out how this works. Like they aren't idiot friendly. Cooler. It comes with batteries. Whew. Was afraid it wouldn't have any. But i must stock up. These digi cams consume batteries faster than a middle class american sucks in fast food.

Will check if the old philgrocer has the goods. Or maybe the gadget site. Damn. Again lack of foresight. Anyway, will have to check. For now I will play with my toy. (And it isn't what the dirty minds out there think it is.)

Day Twelve: What is the worst site in cyberspace?

I am sure many of you have "stumbled" across a site that doesn't deserve to be online.

Thus I am officially opening The "Sites that should be taken down" Awards.

Only rule is you cannot nominate my site. Hey, if you want to then create your own award.

Fairly simple. Place the URL address along with your comment. Then the public shall decide which of the nominees deserves the uncoveted award.** Fair enough?

**voting mechanics to be disclosed later.

Day Twelve: "I will promote world peace"

Remember that ubiquitous beauty pageant response? I always wondered how they would promote world peace. Any ideas? Then it dawned on me. Like, duh. It's right in front of me. The internet. It could be a powerful tool in actually promoting world peace. Through better communications. Through understanding. Through reaching out to another across the miles.

Hmmmm.

Nah.

It's still all about porn.

So much for that idea.

(waves and smiles to the cameras)

Day Twelve: Good Morning...ZZZZZZZZ

Could never quite understand the human body. Some things about it don't make sense. (Oh and am not talking bout male nipples here). The more you sleep. The sleepier you get. Strange. The premise was that you would get more rest if you sleep more yet the more you sleep the more tired you feel. Where is the logic in that?

Am also noticing that I am now tending to be somnambulistic. Yet I have nowhere to go obviously. But in circles. I also notice that I would (in my half asleep state) raid my near empty cupboards and fridge. Some attribute that to not getting sufficient nutrition in the day. Or could it be stress?

Well at least I don't have the same problems as these peeps:

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6540

Day Eleven: KABOOM!

A loud explosion just rocked my world here. It was a deafening "KABOOM"! Literally. I couldn't tell what it was but judging from the Meralco truck parked out back (yes I have an elegant view of the back of other buildings) on the street must mean a transformer or something near the powerlines blew up. Whew! Was afraid it was a terrorist attack. And here I am too. So had to make sure I had clean underwear on since you never know, right? Now that is so weird the idea of being told to wear clean underwear 'coz you may just get killed and they will see at least you had clean underwear. Does that really matter? First of all you are dead. Am fairly certain that you will not really hear a eulogy where they comment on the deceased's undergarments. That would be some bizzare fetish. Also doesn't it happen sometimes that someone who is suddenly struck down loses control of bodily functions? So of what use would the clean underwear have been in the first place?

Anyway I can hear the generators going. So it must mean power is cut off. Hope we dont lose power later tonight. It isn't as if I can go to the movies (with clean underwear) to stave of the heat.

Day Eleven: A bet is a bet

Many have been asking what exactly is at stake. I had to ask the other party placing the bet if I could disclose the details of this. It was initially agreed that I should not reveal what was at stake . And they maintained their position on this.

Now, I mentioned to the other party that maybe I could tell you all how we were going to settle the expenses related to this enterprise. It is something covered by the bet yet they said I could disclose this tidbit of information.

First of all, this is something that is not quite my normal monthly regimen and as such will need for me to make purchases online that would go beyond my allocated budget for the time period. A new digi cam to replace the lost one is an example. It isn't something I factored in at this time so had to make do with my old instamatic had the need for photos presented itself. That being said, the agreement we had (as a peripheral stipulation of the bet) is that whoever loses would pay for all expenses incurred during this endeavor. That is why I have been frugal in the beginning. Some of you though are privy to my strategy regarding this matter.

Day Eleven: I got mail

Cool. I got a message that my digi cam should be arriving tomorrow. The better part of the day tomorrow will be figuring it out. As you gathered I am not much of a techie. And as is usually the case with me (not sure about you all though) I will totally disregard the manual as discovery is always part of the fun. Or is that an excuse for laziness?

I will also check how to upload pics and possibly vids as well. So you get to see how exciting it is to be living in a box with a dilapidated computer for a "best friend".

Day Ten: And the winner is...

(drumroll)

MALING!

It was a tough battle but Maling prevailed. Sure the referee was obviously biased but pound for pound Maling was the hands down champ.

"It isnt as imposing as Spam nor as stealthily deadly as Daks but it snuck past the competition and knocked them out," Onlineguy was quoted.

In addition to that Onlineguy stated, "Maling had that film of 'evil' that coated its entire self. Somehow you felt like it wouldnt be surprising if you bite into it and found a fingernail or a vein. Luckily I didn't."

Spam and Daks were not available for comment.

Maling is a proud product of China. Remember there was a time Made in Japan was seen as bad.

Day Ten: The Ten Movies I Like Game

Since it is Day 10, wouldn't it be good if we play the 10 Movies game? Rules are simple, think of 10 words you like in less than 10 minutes. You needn't have to explain why. Just list 'em and no need to rank in order of what you like.

Let me start:

1. The Mission
2. The Godfather
3. The Life of Brian
4. And now for something completely different
5. Breakfast at Tiffany's
6. The Holy Grail
7. M*A*S*H
8.As good as it gets
9.The Flight of the Phoenix - original one
10. Le Grand Bleu

btw, am willing to bet that hitme64 will say: Chariots of Fire

Day Ten: Do you prefer online or offline mags?

I was perusing through my new blog buddy hitme64's site and his latest entry talks about Runner's World magazines. Before my life in captivity I was basically a Booksale rat. I would scour through bin after bin of the cheap magazines and buy what I could when my budget would allow. Of course these magazines would have their URL plastered on the cover. A signal of the move to towards the online world. I was told that FHM US had ceased its magazine publication. A sign of the times?

Yet, as I commented of hitme64's post, I tend to read and re-read and re-re-read old magazines until the covers come off. Sometimes I would even cut up articles and paste them on the wall if I liked 'em. And some pics as well. While some are the gratuitous female pin-up pose you would see there are other pics ranging from absolut vodka ads (and other ads I liked) to old motorcycles and more mag fodder.

That being said, is that something you can really do with the internet? Kindda strange thing to say considering I am here doing what I am to prove the internet is the new way.

Maybe I am a hold-out? A romantic from an era soon to be eclipsed. Until they can come up with a wall "album" to store desired electronic image data I will have my mag collage right there.

With that in mind, check this out -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9j_tYP-kzc

Day Ten: Trash Talk

If any out there are wondering what happened to my in-home "landfill" it had been disposed off conveniently when the processed meats were delivered. Now it was quite a sight seeing that delivery dude's face when he saw me lugging the old trashbags out of the apartment. As i tried to cram it out the door in futility.

It seemed like he had never seen so much rubbish in his life. But then again all he needs to do is to go to some side streets around the metro and he is bound to see heaps more than what I had. In fact at least mine were in bags. Not like that "crap" that seems to find itself in abundance on our fair streets (and strewn all over too). I suggest you go down the coastal road to Cavite and you will see just what I mean. For me it is really perplexing. Why would anyone want to be surrounded by so much trash? It is like your neighborhood so why throw "crap" indiscriminately.

Oh and imagine what it will be like when the rains hit. Who enjoys walking through garbage? Raise your hands.

As the guard and delivery dude headed into the elevator with all the "crapola" I thought - C'mon you wusses, I had to live with that for a long time. Okay just around 7-8 days. Funny how we tend to be okay with our "shit". But when we see others it is "so kadiri".

After I looked at the bag of processed meat that had been brough to me I wondered was I taking more in than I was throwing out? But that is a different story.

Day Ten: Are we a third empty or two-thirds full?

In challenges like this it pays to be a "half-full" person.

Earlier today I explained to a person I was chatting with on YM that I have started to give the items here in my apartment nicknames. Don't worry I am not going "Castaway" on you guys.

I joked with the person on YM that he would have to excuse me as I was going to the "bank". He freaked since he said he had several "ninoys" riding on me. I quipped that the "bank" was my nickname for the toilet. I make my deposits there. Though it is not quite pleasant to make a withdrawal there.

Do you have nicknames for inanimate objects around you? One of the things most peeps give nicknames to are cars. What about other things? Computers? Beds? etc. Why should cars have all the fun.

Maybe we should start a trend and start naming items that are a part of our lives? What do you think "Wilson"?

Day Nine: Dak's Secret Identity

OMG. Dak's may be the devil in disguise!

http://www.forums.imperian.com/index.php?showtopic=5315

Will this tilt the odds?

Day Nine: R u ready for the "Processed Meat Challenge"?

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's contenders are:

from Northern America - Spam!
from Europe - Dak's ham!
and from Asia's new powerhouse - The People's Republic of China - Maling!

Who will reign as champion of the onlineguy processed meat challenge.

Criteria will be based on:

1. Taste (lol so subjective)
2. Amount of bodily harm inflicted
3. Overall public appeal

A poll will be conducted on YM as well as a personal taste test to see who will emerge the victor. Place your bets folks!

Results tomorrow!

Day Nine: Close to a third of the way!

Cool. It seems like things are moving on. While not as smoothly my comp and I are trodding along quite well. I told someone on YM that I am kindda like rapunzel trapped in a tower with the exception of not being a girl and being follicaly (is that how you spell it? Whatever) challenged.

I have placed the order for the digicam. Interesting since it took an online bank transfer. So I didn't have to strap the old plastic. Still am worried it may max as I try to make my grocery purchases.

Hmmm that pay 4 porn site looks interesting. NO! Focus man! (slaps self- not monkey)

Day Nine: Independence Day

Well I found out the holiday was moved to yesterday to create a three day weekend. Yet of course today is still the actual holiday. While I am not with the normal nine-to-five workforce my holidays are now, more often than not, my call. Yet when work piles up it really does pile up. That is more due to the fact that I make a lousy organizer. Can always place the blame on the creative thinking process being chaotic. Today is one such occasion. A day when everything needed to be done by yesterday. Well it is hard to juggle it all now and still maintain this online life. Too many pleasant distractions. And unpleasant ones too. Well can't have everything.

Now on the topic of independence. Will the internet provide more of it? Or less?

Day Eight: Prepping for the internet stage

Found a site recommended - tradeport.com.ph. Will obtain the digital camera from them and have it sent over so I can work on uploads. Lost my previous one. It was lifted from me at some place I had a meeting in Makati. Of all places an office. Well sticky fingers know no bounds. Or maybe I was just careless. That being the case I haven't gotten around to getting a replacement. I guess this presents itself as a good opportunity to then.

Day Eight: A quandry

Decisions. Decisions. Someone asked if I wanted to be featured by the media. Somehow it feels weird. It isn't exactly what I wanted. Am not your "media" savvy person. In fact, I don't even know the person that was referred to.

However do you think I should open up to them? I would need to know from you what the pros and cons would be.

One thing I see that we know how media tends to turn things into a circus. And how at times seems to be self-serving (that is putting it kindly I suppose). Is there a way to turn the tables?

Help.

Day Eight: Got the goods

Cool. Philgrocer came through. Now the test of the luncheon meats will come to play. Who will prevail. Many are backing Maling. Now is there any truth to the urban legend as to what they are actually made off? That unfortunately would be another test.

Day Eight: Quite quiet

I just found out that today is a holiday. Maybe that is why activity is low on the 'net. Does it mean most people actually surf more during weekdays? During worktime? Less on weekends? Could be. Or it could be just a slow three day weekend with more peeps out.

My water problem miraculously has been remedied. Yippee. Sometimes you don't know what you miss until you get it back. Could that be our capability to adapt at work?

Another thing about adaptation. In the begining it was difficult. It isn't that it isn't now but you kindda get used to it. Now the other virtue I need to work on is patience. My groceries have yet to arrive.

Day Eight: Tell my why I don't like mondays

But then again the days are starting to feel the same. Honestly I have to check from previous posts to see what day it is. That's why I tend to post a lot. Helps me track time aside from the sun rise moon rise cycle.

Monotony starting to take its toll? This could be what it is like when you start running the ratrace. The sheer drudgery. Or worse like being a zoo animal. Now I feel the pain of that lion I used to see at the Manila Zoo as a kid. Being caged up and made to prance back and forth on that concrete surface. Day in day out. With no hope in sight. When it was created to be a majestic creature to run wild. And now it too became part of the stifling urban jungle. Much like the many majestic creatures that harsh urban jungle now has in its confines.

Day Seven: My online grocery list

So far no need for toiletries. More like food for the moment.

Have placed an order for:

Dak luncheon meat
Spam
Maling
Doritos
Cheetos
and Vienna sausage

Notice the similarities in some? That is another thing I will do to while away my time. Make comparison reports on each type of processed meat. Must really appear to be bored? Think of it as a gourmet report on canned products. From a claimed expert.

Day Seven: The cult of Paris Hilton

The goddess of the internet. Paris Hilton. Wonder how may hits I will get by just placing her name here now. Who else but Parid Hilton. LOL

Day Seven: Say Cheez

Did not quite realize it but it seems I have been misspelling Cheez Whiz. Was going through my near empty bottle. Ever do that where you totally go through it with a knife or spoon. Sometimes I would even get a spoonful and yum.

Supplies are dwindling so will need to make that grocery run online. Am going to give philgrocer a go. Interesting as they also have a helpline on YM. No response yet there. Yet from what I gather delivery will take a day.

Need to work on that grocery list.

Day Seven: Sunday quiet sunday

Seems like sunday is slow on the Pinoy 'net scene. Should be good for me to work on some technicals and get more game time. There is literally no one on my YM list. Must be the day for the fave Pinoy past times - Churching, malling and eating out. Oh and let us not forget cinema time. Clickthecity shows that there are a bunch of new films out. Have you seen the "pinoy" made film that won the shortfilm award at Cannes? Take the time to check it out at allOrangefilms.com. Its called the "Haircut". Something still made from film in the fast growing digital world.

Day Seven: It's raining, it's pouring...

Yes it is here in Makati at least. Wonder how much of the city is actually getting a much needed shower. It has after all been a very hot summer. And the rain is so welcome. Specially when you are confined in a room as muggy as mine has been the past days. So I opened the window to let some of the cleansing breeze through. How nice it would have been to step out and stand in the middle of the road and feel the rain pour all over my body. Ah relief.

Water the essence of life. How much its importance is taken forgranted I realized with the "slight" water problem I am experiencing here in the apartment. Something that should be rectified soon. I can feel it with the pouring rain.

Day Seven: Hello lucky 7

Well it is just the beginning of the 7th day. Let us see what the day has in store. Good morning to all.

Day Six: Idea!

Okay. Have been configuring the blog and realized I may be able to work some vid uploads if I get a digicam online. I am now checking my options on getting one and possibly working out a visual component of sorts.

That way you can get a picture of my life here. Will have to be at my best for that though.

Now where is that toothbrush?

Day Six: "Post the 3 blog you wish were yours" Game

Somehow I was inspired by an entry in Maryanne Moll's blog. She was the one who commented before this post. Okay of all the blogs you have read out there post the 3 that you wish were actually yours. It could be because you like the way it is written. If you like the topics chosen. Or the blog just sticks to you. On the comment page place your e mail add so we can post the blogs you mentioned in a sidebar.

This Game will be conducted for the entire duration of my living in captivity.

Day Six: Am so lazy on a Saturday

Not like I can go anywhere anyway. Didn't get to play much games yesterday. May be doing that this weekend. More like YM chatting. I am having fun with the peeps I am chatting with. It is an interesting mix of peeps. What makes it interesting is how many of them are who they say they really are who they are? They see it as a game? Or are afraid to reveal who they are? Well let us see how this progresses.

For now it is marathon WoW!

Day Six: One-fifth of the way

Hello day six. am now one-fifth of the way.

Day Five: The merits of insanity

Think about it. The world didn't quite move forward if people followed what was accepted. You always needed that weirdo, crazy, insane person to say "hey, why don't we try something new." Because honestly people tend to stay in their comfortzone. It is painless, easy, mundane. To challenge anything will mean having to bear a certain amount of pain, ridicule, and discomfort.

It is just the way it is.

Yet at the same time when someone does prove that there is a better way then the rest follow and accept it. Then once again it becomes the norm. One waiting to be challenged once more by the next crazy person.

Dare yourself. Go crazy once in a while. Just don't go crazy on me.

Day Five: If one were dying and had to get medicine online here

Would one already be dead by now?

So it was suggested that I try checking the Mercury Drug online site to look for meds for my current condition. I tried it and apparently you can order online but would still need to have it picked up at the nearest Mercury. How ironic.

Day Five: Bodily functions

Okay. So this is totally going to gross you all out. I have the runs. Yup, I can't keep it from you since I already told a YM bud. So what is wrong with that? It is as natural as...errr...eating? Just the reverse. What makes it worse is water is still intermittent and like I said a confined space has its limitations.

Don't worry I won't pass out. If I had a canary though I would have to prepare services for it.

Apologies to the feint hearted. But then again you are merely hearing it. I am living it.

'Scuse me gotta go.

Day Five: The equaliser

I always thought of the internet as "the equalizer" (I purposely spelled the heading that way for a mate I met through this challenge). Imagine that. He is the second person from Oz to actually start communicating to me. He's from Syndey. The other one I met earlier was from a place near Bris-vegas.

The internet is nice since it takes away the borders. Allows peeps who would not under any other circumstance meet get together. It allows for discourse and interaction. Something TV is grasping with.

I see the internet is to TV as what TV was in its first inception was to the Cinema. It will transform the way we are enterntained and receive information. It may even be a cause for social change. Of course, I am just saying what others before me have. It is just good to see how it all unfolds.

Day Five: Laundry tips

Cool. One of my YM mates adviced me on how I could keep the flies off me during this entire challenge.

"Laundry's easy, just wash whatever you wore that day when you go to take your shower
so you be overwhelmed by a stack of dirty clothes
a stack of dirty clothes that might start asking you for movie money before the month is over, i might add.
*so you won't be overwhelmed by a stack of dirty clothes"

- Kids. Do not try this at home.

Day Five: Thank God It's Friday?

Damn will so miss happy hour. Just realized that now. Vodka with friends. Friends do let friends drink drunk. Well I will toast with my Stoli to all of you out there from in here.

Day Five: Oops where did the time go?

Got a free WoW site: http://www.ravencrest.nl/

That was good since my account had no more credits in it. Can't imagine how loopy I went when I discovered it was no longer valid. So aside from pulling my hair out I scoured the 'net for a way around it and ta-dah! Gotta love the 'net.

Once I got on I just couldn't tear myself away from it. It afforded me a way to socialize and smite others while I was at it. Am so amazed with the fascination for online games. Even more so for the peeps on it. Dynamics aren't too far off from real life. Assholes are still assholes and no amount of hiding behind a monitor could conceal that. Strange since scenarios like online gaming hones your senses as to individuals. Sometimes even before they get past "hello". Or am I just imagining it? Something like cyber-instinct I would say. Yet, if that were the case what explains cyber-predators? Maybe they are like serial killers. They can work their cyber persona to appear harmless to the uninitiated? Or do the hunted unitentionally let themselves be turned into prey?

Right now I am on my alt hunting murlock eyes on a quest. Hope their radars are switched off.

Day Four: Has my Apple been sour?

"Greenpeace takes notice of Apple’s use of toxic chemicals in the production of the latter’s electronic products. In so doing, Greenpeace also put up a site informing the public and encouraging Apple to change its ways. Ironically, Apple is at the forefront of cutting-edge design and innovation, but based on Greenpeace’s findings, Apple lags behind in environment-friendly practices.

Based on Greenpeace’s scorecards, Apple got lower points than rival companies, such as HP, Dell, and Nokia. As a result, Apple announced its plan to phase out harmful chemicals from its products. This helped boost the rating of Apple from a 2.7 to a 5 (out of 10). However, Greenpeace is still hoping that Apple will release more “green” products and announce a worldwide take-back and responsible re-use/recycling policy.

Though the Apple community is split with regards to how serious these accusations are, there is no denying that there is much work to be done. The question on who’s really more environment-friendly when it comes to practices and policies is a tough one to answer, but the least Apple could do is be a leader in this aspect. They’ve set high standards by coming up with products both high in quality and design. Why not take it a step further and make our planet a safer world to live in? Here’s hoping for a greener Apple and a safer tomorrow."

Source: Gizmodo

Article on the Mobile Philippines Blog by Allan David Reyes

Oops a majority of us are on Apples and may not be completely aware. Should we raise our voice? After all we have been loyal customers.

Day Four: Paranoid am I? Who said that?

Had a bizaare incident. I thought I saw some sparks coming out of an outlet. Must be the superb workmanship that has been put into this place. They don't build them like they used to. Okay so I wasn't supid enough to pour water on it. Much less pee into it. I merely gently pulled the plug out and chanted to the gods of the current not to spark anything major. So far, so good.

Am I seeing things or could it be my heightened spidey senses?

Day Four: I got tagged!

I got tagged by Hitme64 (http://hitme64.wordpress.com): “Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about himself or herself. People who get tagged need to write a blog entry of their own as well as state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to tag 6 people as well and list their names. Don’t forget to let them know they’ve been tagged!”

So I guess "taya" ako for now. Okay 6 weird things about me:

1. I am doing this.

2. Buttons on the loose make me cringe. Seriously I get goosebumps when I see a button by itself and not attached to a garment. Is it being OC? Or did I mistakenly swallow one as a child?

3. When I have a favorite article of clothing I wear it until it disintegrates.

4. I smother fruitcake with cheese whiz. yum yum.

5. I get obsessed with things so much that they become the center of my universe. And then after less than 6 months will have nothing to do with it. More often than not it is an activity. Like diving for example. I will get so into it that I will even compete with the others in class and try to get the perfect score. Be overly into it and then after its appeal dies its on to the next obsession. You should see my bodega.

6. I have red velvet trousers. (Well technically for me that isn't wierd. For others...)

I can add more to the list but only 6 were required. Also that is best discovered over time.

Now I will tag: CultureShiok, karmee, gigglewick, lovelesscynic, nVvrose_closet, jennytrinidad

Day Four: Time check

A question was posed as to the time here at onlineguy's digs. It is currently 12:10 (noon) July 7, 2007. You will have to do the math with the time logged onto this post. I am not much of a math wiz. A friend of mine attributed that once to math phobia.

My bad. I wasn't able to configure time on the blog accurately.

Btw, there is a clock here synchronized with that of my friends' for the purpose of the bet.

NOTE: Have adjusted time and date to synchronize with Philippine Time as well.

Day Four: Blog it to me

Thanks Hitme64 for sending me your blog. Everyone else, you are more than welcome to post your blogs here. Comments would be a good place to post them or email me: mr_online_guy@yahoo.com

Day Four: Still going

Can't say it is a wonderful morning. Am now chasing a deadline that is obviously unmovable. After all deadlines shouldn't be "flexible".

As I do love words I often wonder the etymology of them. Deadline is one such word. It has that nice fatal ring to it. That's why it makes you wonder sometimes why it is often violated nowadays. Somehow it appears not to be as lethal as it was. Maybe the lost art of head rolling needs to be revived.

Day Three: The online mask

Ever notice how the 'net allows us a certain amount of anonymity. And that is very thing which draws others to crave to know what lies behind the online mask. I got a suggestion from someone on the PhilMug thread to get a mucha lucha mask so I can get on a webcam without compromising anonymity. Well, I still don't have a webcam as I explained and should I opt to get one I must obtain it through the conditions set. Now, if I got that webcam where would I get a mucha lucha mask without violating the stipulations of the bet? Muchalucha.com?

Much of your suggestions are taken to heart. This I consider as I prioritize securing "must haves". Of course, the mucha lucha mask is on top of the list. Right next to food and the Elvis in Vegas jumpsuit.

Day Three: All play and no work makes...

...for angry peeps chasing me for my projects. Anyway, will have to be a bit silent as this is not my real "job". I need to finish up some revisions (well more like butchering) on some drafts I sent out earlier today. Why is it everything is needed ASAP at the last minute. ASAP is such a strange word. It somewhat masks the incompetency of another who held up work for a while and then suddenly is being hounded for it. We wouldn't need that word (rather acronym) much if only everyone in the pipeline pre-planned. LOL. Like I am one to speak.

Day Three: The peeps that you meet

Just on my third day and it has been interesting to be chatting with peeps I wouldn't have met through other circumstances. Am getting added up on YM by others and somehow I find it refreshing. Not that my other friends are slags but the mere fact that I am meeting new peeps who seem supportive rather than my mates who think I should be institutionalised (One of you will actually understand why I am writing this way) just makes the world of difference.

At the moment I am keeping purposely anonymous for a reason. In fact, I have told some of you via YM that as early as now I am getting what appear to be scammers through the 'net. You wouldn't believe the tricks they pull. Some are even pretending to be looking out for you or communicate in the guise of assistance. Some may genuinely be trying to help but many have told me to be careful and sometimes I trust my gut when it comes to these things.

Also I wonder if the reason peeps like to see into your life via pics or webcam is more for voyeurism. It is something I am not too comfortable with yet. Specially since as early as now some would be shysters have come out.

However, I have not closed my door to the possibility of providing some sort of window to the outside world. Give me time to get used to the idea. This is a first for me. So please be gentle.

Day Three: I have seen the light

Was browsing through YouTube and found this thoroughly entertaining:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5wGMn8fbmQs

Not sure if hyperlink will work and am sure many of you have seen Jesus & George but not many things make me smile and this is one that has allowed for a slight up-turned lip curl. Now, what I find even more amusing are the comments. I always see how those who are on the side of "good"and righteousness seem to have a mouth fouler than my unflushed toilet. Kindda makes you wonder if they are actually helping their cause or that of the heretics.

Conspiracy theory: Could it be the damn heathen planting these cussing saints on the other side to champion their dark cause. OMG!

Day Three: The internet is an open forum

Anyway. For the record I am on a few forums as well since I need to source out info. I am at Pinoy Exchange, Manila Tonight and PhilMug. I was at TristanCafe but it was shortlived.

The Pinoy Exchange "Buhay Pinoy" Group is pretty informative as is the PhilMug Group. They are very helpful. Manila Tonight so-so. A few have bothered with the thread. Maybe no promise of some sex gratification? Whatever turns them on. What I find interesting is that the "I&Pers" at Pinoy Exchange are totally different from the "Buhay Pinoy" crew. Even if they are in the same general sub-section. The "I&Pers" seem a bit more cliquish and not as helpful. More like into taking the piss on newbies rather than helping out. To each his own.

Well what is amazing is how a forum can have its own sub-groups with their distinct character. Tribes.

Day Three: The things you see that have remained unseen

Just had a can of 555 spanish style. Spicy. Yum. and a pack of skyflakes. Am just not sunflower mood. Well still no water. And you know how that affects the toilet as well. So will have to save that flush. It may sound gross but hey try living in a can (no pun intended).

I never noticed but it appears my window has a slight gap.

Day Three: Hot enough for you?

For Chrissakes. If it wasn't enough that it is hotter than sin nowadays and it feels like I am turning my bed into a waterbed. One soaked with human sweat. What is with my water pressure? I can't even call the building maintenance to check this pathetic trickle coming out of my shower. Well at least I am not looking to impress anyone with my musky masculine scent.

Day Three: Running Commentary

Oh and someone asked about being able to comment. I checked the settings and have opened it to make it possible for anyone to comment. Oops. Noob alert.

Day Three: Attention on YM

Hi peeps who were trying to get me to add em on YM. Am not sure but I tried to and it seems that I may have mistakenly pressed "deny" when I should have pressed "allow". Dunno what happened yet I have a vague suspicion why. Can you please try again? Apologies as it could have been my comrade Stoli's fault this time. Da.

Day Three: Insomnia? Dipsomania?

Always wondered what dipsomania meant before. For me it seems like it is the cure for insomnia. Even more so now. Let's see if a few more belts can take me down.

It has been a long day and working on that draft has taken it's mental toll. Best I sleep over it and see how it looks in the morning before I e mail it out. Not much that can be accomplished e mailing it right now.

Here's looking at you kid.

Day Two: Dinner time!

Okay so I have around 7 lucky me supreme bulalos. Tonight I shall feast on one. Then that will bring it down to 6. Duh! Anyway sooner or later the trash heap here will pile up. Then it will be an ipis fest if I am not careful. Should time at least one delivery when the trash pile starts to get to contagion proportions. So I can pass the festering bacteria culture over to the hapless delivery dude or the equally hapless guard. It's either me or them.

At least for now it is tolerable. I don't think anyone would appreciate it if I chuck some out the window. Have to time it to when the Korean joggers down there are not in the area. Then its bomb's away. Or not? Crap, never had to think about refuse management until now. Well at least we still haven't hit critical mass. Just need to make sure it doesn't get to the stage where they have to sift through rubbish to try to locate my remains. That would be rotten.

C'mon I could lose my dinner thinking this way.

Day Two: YM who I am

Hi All. I understand I have no webcam yet I realized I can create a YM address just for this 30-day thing. On occassion I will be on it.

As I am not sure who I will wind up meeting there please be aware that I may seem tentative. You know you meet all types online and peeps have told me to be careful. Thanks for understanding.

YM me at mr_online_guy@yahoo.com

In fact when I opened it I already got a message from a person called Yageat asking for approval to be a friend.

Day Two: Welcome to the club

Interesting as I am now on what appears to be a kid's online game site called club penguin. The internet is filled with temptations for me to spend unwisely. Just when I am supposed to be frugal about how I conduct my expenditure. I can't max out my credit card midway through this exercise. Worse if it does at the early stages.

Ah how the solitude lends to clarity of thought. Now if only I knew my credit limit. Can't recall that out of the top of my head. I just know it maxes out sometimes. Like when a purchase is declined at the till.

So every purchase will need to be weighed against its value. Will purchasing credits for example at club penguin be justified since it can be equated to entertainment much needed to kill the boredom? Or should priority always be placed primarily on sustenance? Yet one could argue that entertainment is mental sustenance. Must be prudent in decisions.

Now the real question is how do I make sure I don't max out and if I do how can I replete the funds. Well my bank is supposedly online capable so will investigate into that.

Hmmm...nice penguin bowtie for sale.

Day Two: The human touch

Just wondering. How long will it get to me? The not being able to hear another human voice other than my own. Not the one coming out of these low end speakers of my iBook. The real resonance of another individual engaged in an audible discussion. Well, it isn't against the rules per se to have anyone come here and come discuss the mundaneness of life with me. Yet I am now on my second day and already I am thinking about things like this.

What about actual human contact for that matter? Or rather the lack of it.

Damn. I have too much time to think about things that don't matter. Or maybe I have just taken some things forgranted. Mantra time. "I must focus on winning the bet. I must focus on winning the bet. I must..."

Day Two: De (day) Ja vu

LOL. I just saw how right atop my thread at pinoyexchange there is now a bayantel broadband ad. Am sure it is just a coincidence but there is a guy who appears to be on the his computer day and night. Anyway I haven't really tried their service yet.

The things you see when you haven't much to go out to see.

Day Two: To see or not to see?

Well I wasn't exactly planning on having a webcam for a few reasons.

1. I am on an old iBook and it isn't like the new ones with a built-in webcam.

2. Unfortunately I am just an everyday guy and didn't budget buying a webcam for this purpose.

3. What kind of webcam goes with an older mac? I am such a noob when it comes to comps.

So you will have to bear with me. Like I said most of this was just decided on last weekend and not much planning was put into it. Is that not a good sign? Well, my friends also thought that if too much planning went into it and showboating was integrated into the exercise it would dilute the premise. The key is spontaneity we thought. Wherein this is not so much the unusual but an ordinary 30 days of "surviving" using the 'net. The only extra-ordinary circumstance being that I have a goddamn padlock keeping me from the rest of the known world. All while being confined in a roughly 33 sqm space that feels like a...(well you get my drift). Gotta love how these developers maximize space at Ipisland.

Day Two: Good Morning Sameness

Slept practically 12 hours. Well, slept is more like a term in this case. I celebrated my first night in this engagement with several shots of chilled vodka. Call it liquid sleeping pills. Oh no, close to half the bottle down. Gotta be careful and ration out the stuff. Yet, tossed and turned most of the night. Now I feel like a sack of shit. A pukey one at that. Damn hope I dont turn this place into a pig sty the first week. Well one consolation is at least I am not craving for some sun.

Breakfast of champions: Skyflakes with cheese whiz.

Shit. Am now craving comfort food.

Day One: Night One

"What did I get myself into?" Well guess it is kindda like jitters of what the days (and nights) ahead have in store. Happy thoughts?

Well the internet Manila-wise is still uncharted territory for me so it is turning to be quite a chore. Imagine too a blog updated several times a day. Must show that I am bored. Well tonight will be a light dinner followed by work (which was poorly accomplished and the silence of the evening should help) then hopefully a book then sleep. Hope sleep is okay.

Day One: Return of the cel

Weird. My friends came back and returned my celfone. Why I asked since it was part of the stipulations. Well they said I may need it for an absolute emergency. Its more for in case anything happens. Well that is pretty magnanimous of them. In case I get attacked by killer bees from Latin America I could call for an ambulance. If that were the case I could scream as I was being stung to death that they would have to bring something to pry the door open.

They did however say that since it is a post-paid line that when the next billing statement arrives they would check if I had made any calls on it. Or texts for that matter. Well at least of a personal nature.

If it is a text I queried for an online purchase that doesnt involve an actual call. A comfirmation text for example. What would that mean? Well, they said it is still for an online purchase and it wasn't to make a purchase by calling so it should be okay. Some sites we agreed are configured that way. Hope that opens my field of choices.

However, I think they gave me the cel back to tempt me. Like have it stare at me saying "use me, abuse me". Devious bastards. Or try to get me on a technicality. Well with that in mind I had them write out our agreement on the cel non-usage and usage.

Day One: Prep

Okay so now my friends want to make sure that I don't violate the bet. So they came over and padlocked the outside of my apartment door. Good thing the landlord is a bit of a sport. As long as they repair the "damage" at the end of the bet period. I asked how would I be able to open the door now if I decide to order in. After a bit of a debate they realized it wouldn't be good to have a dead bettee (or am I the bettor - whatever) since that would mean they would be unable to collect. Little do they know I have no intent of losing. So we agreed that the key to the padlock outside the door sealing me from the world out there would be held by the guard at the ground floor front desk. And since my apartment phone is now disconnected and in their possession (another precautionary measure) it would be difficult for me to illicit the guard's connivence. Personally I would rather see this through honestly and try to not violate the bet to prove my point. It isn't so much a question of actually winning the bet but proving that my friends are wrong.

I just hope there is no flash flood that will make it up to the 9th floor. Oh oh or earthquake for that matter. Well my fate is now in the hands of the internet gods.

Sorry all if the date is off since the blog is based on a U.S. site as you would note. Now back to work. My deadlines don't move unfortunately.

Day One: Goodbye cruel world

LOL. It all started as a conversation last weekend and now I am pushing through with the bet my friends said was not possible. Okay. So here is the deal. The discussion was based around the idea that the Philippines is still not mature in an internet sense. Fair enough, usage of the internet may be low, yet I believe it is actually possible to "live" of the fruits of the net. So now I am proverbially putting my money where my mouth is. Thus, for the next 30 days I will be here in my cozy (wonder for how long I will think it is) apartment as I do everything on the internet.

Join me as I embark on this adventure of mine. And win that bet!