Derek Carlos

Brain Dump - Issue #2

Hello and welcome to another edition of brain dump. In this edition I briefly talked about my training for the upcoming gravel race, my nerdy update on how to zip files on macOS, my bone conduction headphones acting up and a bill shocked customer who keept his AC unit running 24/7 in a month.

Brain Dump - Issue #1

Lots of cycling updates. My first attempt to a weekly newsletter of all things happening with me and my hobby. I can't come up with a better name so for now I am calling it brain dump.

Using macOS in the Workplace

I got an M1 Pro MacBook Pro and I am now using it as my daily driver at my work as an IT consultant. I have been using it for at least a month and here are my thoughts.

My First PCF Experience

It was a weekend of cycling festivities which lifted up our spirits. There aren't that many booths but we enjoyed them just the same. And the night ride was an adventure to remember.

No Hello

I saw a wonderful blog post from Avi Miller about why it's better to not just say "Hello" when initiating a chat with someone before asking any help. I am always frustrated with peers who would say "hi" or "hello" and nothing else and waits for me to respond before

An Attempt to Save my Wahoo Tickr

I use my Wahoo Tickr as my heart rate sensor which is connected to my bike computer. I figured since my bike computer is already Wahoo, might as well stay with the brand. But my Tickr stopped working and I tried to make it work again.

Freedom from Notification Anxiety

My Apple Watch broke and I am never looking back.

Missed Opportunity

Just a word of warning that this will be a trash of a post because of the ranting. It's okay if you skip this one, just let me hate on something for now. A cycling vlogger that I follow recently joined a group ride showcasing Garmin's newest bike computer, the

New Cycling Video

Apparently there's not much vlogs about cycling are available so I figured I need to fill in the void. 🙄

On Tulfo's "Middle-Class" Comment

The thing is we pay more taxes when our salaries increase - and yet the amount of support we receive from this government does not scale at all.

Kenobi Kicks A**!

The show finally tied up some loose ends, and probably gave too much to serve the original trilogy. But I loved it, and I'll probably watch this particular episode again.

Kenobi Reasons

This article has no cohesive flow. But I just want to say that this was the best episode of the series so far and I cannot wait for the Finale.

Bike Accident - Nephew Edition

My nephew got into an accident. He is fine, but sustained some wounds. I still see the silver lining and am thankful that it wasn't serious.

Bike Frame Dilemma

I can torture myself on picking the most practical bike frame - but the bottom line is that I still have no budget to get one. But it wouldn't hurt to blog about it, right?

A Painful Business Meeting

Somehow my brain refuses to forget this memory and it always reminds me of how stupid I can be sometimes.

Metro Manila Subway

ABS-CBN Reporter Jacque Manabat posted on Twitter some updates on the Metro Manila Subway that is under construction and is expected to be completed on 2027. Progress. For more info, check out this Twitter thread.

Smart's iPhone 13 Pro eSIM Slots are Carrier Locked

What's the point of having eSIM capabilities if I can only use them on the same network? It doesn't make sense.

Kenobi Rescues

Still reeling from his butt getting kicked by Darth Vader, Kenobi resolves to save Leia from the home base of Inquisitors - Fortress Inquisitorius.

iOS 16 Live Activities - Possible Use Cases in the Philippines

One of the features of the upcoming iOS 16 is Live Activities, and here are some use cases that might be applicable in the Philippines.

I am a Filipino Translator for Global Voices

"It's not the words that requires translation, but the soul or 'diwa' of the article."

Kenobi Burns

Third episode is out and we witnessed Vader's terror as he hunts down his old master. How can Kenobi survive after burning physically and mentally?

Kenobi's Fears

Is it wrong to feel fear? For a Jedi, maybe. They need to cast away their fear, because as Master Yoda once said, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate... leads to suffering".

Kenobi Returns

Ten years after the Great Jedi Purge, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is now a hermit and a fish-meat, butcher(?) on the planet Tattoine as he keeps an eye on his apprentice's son, Luke.

Lower Back: An Update

I just had my follow-up appointment with my doctor about my lower back, two weeks from the accident.

RodeCaster Pro II

I have been loving my RodeCaster Pro ever since I bought it last year. It was relatively easy to produce my podcast with RCP and I can even use it on my Zoom calls, although I have not had the chance to use the sound pads just yet when someone

Far: Changing Tides

I had fun playing Far: Lone Sails early this year and so I was ecstatic to download and play when I saw in YouTube that this game is now available. The gameplay mechanics and musical score was very relaxing, and I really enjoy figuring out the puzzles, upgrading my ship

Newton's Pendulum to Gangnam Style

I am browsing through Reddit when I found this gem. I was fascinated by the number of combinations that you can do with the Newton's Pendulum. Having it play to Gangnam Style made it even better. It's an old video, but still fun watching.

PRO Gravel Race

Philippine Cycling Festival will be held at Clark Parade Grounds in Pampanga on June 3-5. One of the events is their PRO Gravel Race. I really want to join, but because of my jempoy moment [https://www.derek.ph/bike-accident/], I will have to skip this year's event. The event

Halo TV Show

I just finished binge-watching the season one of Halo, and I absolutely love it! I have not played any of the games but I still appreciate the series. I know I am late to the party but Master Chief is indeed a bad ass! While there are still some slow

Love, Death + Robots Season 3!

I was super excited to hear the news that this Netflix show will get a new season! I was always intrigued by its stories and I think I can still handle these episodes better than Black Mirror (those ones are just too dark for me). My favorite episode is still

Our heroes in Philippine banknotes

I thought I'd give this CNN Opinion piece [https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2022/1/6/keeping-our-heroes-in-Philippine-banknotes.html] a read to better understand the point why we want to keep our heroes in our banknotes. > "While others might consider the redesign a mere footnote in an inevitable cycle of

Elections 2022 Recap

I spoke with Pj of Chill Talks Podcast along with Hannah, Ren and Franz about the events that have transpired in the recent national elections.

Ad Astra Per Aspera: A Tribute to Harper Lee

I wrote this piece on February 2016 as a tribute to Harper Lee who passed away back then. Still relevant today.

My Fears for this Administration

31 million Filipinos decided to put a Marcos back to Malacanang.

House Renovation Begins...

It was fun choosing the tiles, the fixtures, the color combination. But seeing how much money will be spent on the interior and fence construction - the only thought that comes to mind was, "this better look good". The construction work will start on Tuesday, and will take at least

Nietzsche's Idea of Perspectivism

Nietzsche's idea of perspectivism recognizes that we don't simply view the world objectively without prejudice, but rather, our interpretations and perspectives influence those views. This ignites discussion by allowing these different perspectives to compete amongst one another.

Bike Accident

I fell from my bike and landed with my right hip. Lower back is in pain. Here's the story of my jempoy tendencies.

Hello, World.

Hello and welcome to my place on the internet. My name is Derek. I work on enterprise software for different customers, I love cycling, and I somewhat enjoy writing. This will be my attempt to return from consuming toxic items from the internet, by producing pieces that make me feel