11 December, 2012

When to Start Saving for Your Retirement

The best time to start saving for your retirement fund is now. Seriously. As soon as you start making your own money, and not depend on mom or dad for allowance anymore, start saving for your retirement fund.

Don't start saving for your retirement when you're already renting knee walkers. That's already too late. Start now for you to have "enough" to enjoy your retirement years.


27 November, 2012

Inspirational Poem: I Wish You Enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess./p>
I wish you enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Goodbye.”

credit to the original author

On top of my to-do list

A few hours ago, I tweeted that I'm overwhelmed with so much things to do. I was on the boundary of getting crazily-stressed, that to me is a notch higher than stressed, on what I should put on top of my to-do list.

I wasn't able to do a single thing early this morning. Well I was able to go online, pay the bills, update some windows application, and that's about it. That's what I was able to do in 3hours. But those were not even included on the list of things-that's-stressing-me-out.

I went to sleep after that because I only had a total of 4hours of sleep the previous night.

I got woken up by a text message from the school bus operator. The bus got into an accident, good thing it happened 4hours after they dropped off my son in school. The driver died and the school bus mother is in the hospital.

This incident opened my eyes that I shouldn't sweat the small stuff. I should put the "100 blogpost backlogs" on my "small stuffs" list, do 1 or 2 important posts everyday and discard those blogpost backlogs that are not really that important.

To enjoy life is more important. I should therefore do the things that I enjoy doing or at least try (or force myself - mind over matter) to enjoy doing the important things that I should be doing.

So if you've been planning for years to learn how to play a mandolin, go ahead, put that on your to-do list now. Remember, important things should be on top of your list.

23 November, 2012

EyeSee Mannequins, Creepy or not?

There apparently are some retail stores, in the US and Europe, who use EyeSee mannequins to check the kind of shoppers they have. The mannequin has a camera embedded in one eye. It sends the gathered data in a facial recognition software which logs the age, gender and race of the person it sees.

This technology was first used in airports to identify criminals. But it has been a big help to retail stores, who use the technology, improve their day to day operation.

Next time you inspect a mannequin on a stores display window, don't forget to put on your best smile. You'll never know if a mannequin is "spying" on you.


22 November, 2012

What to do when bored

I haven't experienced boredom these past few months. I've been pretty busy and I must admit I miss being bored. I haven't even had the time to do what I usually do to kill time.

Let me reminisce and share some tips on what I usually do when bored:

1. Read a book - Not all can relate with this, not everyone loves reading. Go on then, proceed to the next suggestion.
2. Listen to music
3. Watch television.
4. Go to the nearest cinema and watch a not-boring movie.
5. Exercise - This will help your brain function well and you'll be able to think clearly enough to find things to do to kill your boredom.
Feel free to add more to the list!

How to Turn-off Blog Visitors

I've been doing a lot of tweaking lately, to make sure that my loyal blog visitors will remain loyal and first time visitors will become repeat visitors.

I'm trying to pull up my site stats so I've been busy "cleaning up" my sites as well as visiting other blogs. I have my list of favorite sites to visit and sites that I will never, ever visit again.

Here's the surest ways to turn-off your blog visitors - slow loading site.

What to do to fix that problem:

1. You don't have to put social sharing buttons at the top and bottom of your blogpost as well as on the right and left side of your site.
2. 4 small-sized box ads on your sidebar is enough to monetize your site. If for example you already have a box ad, don't allow another box ad pointing at the same site, to make room for other advertisers who want to place an ad on your site.
3. Calendar, Weather info? Remove that from your sidebar please.
4. Your personal info as well as your pictures? It should have its own page, the About page. Don't put it on your sidebar.
5. Limit 4 blog posts at the most on your homepage.
Have you noticed what other common factors slow loading sites have? Do share in the comment section below.

21 November, 2012

DSWD's Save the Street Kids

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently launched Save the Street Kids. Very timely for the Christmas season, the time of the year when street kids are used by bad groups to generate money. These groups order the kids to steal or beg for money on the streets.

Through DSWD's Save the Street Kids, we can make the lives of these kids better by returning them to their families or housing them in a DSWD center. When you see a street child on the street, here's what you should do:

1. Ask where her mother or father is.
2. Secretary Jinkee Soliman said that a child who can't say where his/her parents are or runs away when asked is an obvious sign that the child is working for a bad syndicate group.
3. Tweet the following to @savestreetkids: complete address/ nearest intersection or landmark where child was seen/ time of sighting.

After receiving your tweet, the @savestreetkids admin will send an acknowledgement reply and deploy a reach out person/team to the address that you've tweeted. We need to be patient since the program is fairly new and there are a lot of street kids that needs to be reached out to in the streets of Metro Manila.

FYI: Available in Metro Manila only, for now.

12 November, 2012

Is being a young, single mother a sin?

I'm confused with this Andi Eigenmann and son-of-Erap boyfriend's reason for breaking up. Because she has a child already? Didn't he know that she was pregnant with someone else's child when they became a couple? Late reaction much?

andi-eigenmann-jake-ejercitoI wonder why his parents don't approve of her. I actually think it doesn't have anything to do with her being a single mother. It’s not a sin to be a young, single mom. She didn’t abort or put her baby up for adoption and most probably she learned from her mistakes.
Maybe there's some truth to the rumor that she’s a prima donna?  Whatever’s the reason for their break up, if he can’t fights for her, she should just let him go.
She should be proud that she’s raising her daughter all by herself and doesn’t need any man to help her do that.

05 November, 2012

Video Tape Transfer to CD format

I still have a few video tapes that needs to be transferred to any compact disk format. I have been trying to find a  cd copying service company that can safely do the transfer. I don’t want to just give the video tapes to just anyone and then find out in the end that they’ve erased the videos.

Some are videos of RJ when he was still a baby. One is during his 1st birthday party. He hasn’t seen those videos yet because our video recorder is already broken.

IMG_1616

As I’ve said, I’ve been searching online but still hasn’t found a company that can do the transfer for me.
Help please!

Bill Gates’s Foundation Funds Research for the “Rice of the Future”

IMG_1652Just read an article on Business Mirror that "the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the British government and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have allocated $14 million to fund the second phase of research for C4 rice over the next three years".

C4 rice is called “the rice of the future” because it supposedly has “improved photosynthesis capacity”. It has a built-in fuel injector that can make 50 percent higher grain production while using less water and nutrients.

The big question is, will C4 benefit our country’s agriculture? Why does our country still import rice from our Asian neighbors? IRRI is housed under our roof, shouldn’t we benefit from their research findings as well?

I don’t exactly know the agreement between our government and IRRI, but our agriculture sector will definitely benefit from IRRI’s research findings.

29 October, 2012

Overlooked Additions for Your Bath

Planning on remodeling or redecorating your bathroom? Of course, you have thought of the basics, such as which style you want and which paint colors you like. However, some often overlooked additions can make or break your bathroom's look and feel. Items, such as shower curtain hooks and vanities, are key components in your bathroom's overall appearance and can add an extra punch of style to your room.

bathroom accessories 
Add a touch of personality and flair by choosing details, such as shower curtain liners and hooks that reflect your individual taste. For example, if you love a relaxing, beach-type feel to your bath, choose a liner with a seashell or tropical fish motif. There are many materials and prints available to suit your style. Shower curtain clips and hooks also come in all shapes and sizes and can coordinate with any look you choose. Adding one of the many styles of mirrored vanities available is another way to complete your bathroom's decor. These pieces are designed to provide both function and beauty to your room and are available in single or double-sink styles. Choose a piece that can coordinate with many different accessories, and you can easily change the look of your room by switching towel colors or decorative accents. By keeping your focus on these types of details, you are sure to see your room come together perfectly.

Redecorating your bathroom offers you a chance to create a relaxing oasis for you and your guests. Do not forget to add the extra details that let your personality shine through and can make your room look and feel complete.

25 October, 2012

All I Want for Christmas

If I have to list down everything that I want to receive this Christmas, I would fill up a page or two of a regular-sized paper. On top of that list is a new computer. My HP netbook has been slowing down my work pace for the past months already. It’s very slow in loading up web pages. Even booting and rebooting it takes up a lot of time!

laptop

I should listen to my sister when she gives me her “this is how to speed up your computer" lecture. But I have a lot of things to “study” and learn lately, a brand new computer is my solution to my computer problem.
So yes, I want a new computer this Christmas. Any takers?

20 October, 2012

4 Awesome Gifts for Seniors

Our senior citizen parents very much deserve to receive awesome gifts during christmas or their birthday. But it doesn't have to be just any gift that we can grab at the last minute. It should be something that would make their eyes sparkle with excitement once they receive it. They gave us all the happiness and love they're capable of giving so it's also right that we give them something in return.

Here are some gift suggestions:

Scapbook
They love to go down memory lane. When my grandmother turned 90 years old, I thought of giving her a picture scrapbook. I got my sister's help, we looked for pictures of everyone in the family and made picture collage. We also included her travel pictures and a dedication page where everyone in the family wrote a short love letter for grandma.

Exercise Machine 
They're not as strong as they used to but they still need to exercise regularly albeit shorter and not as rigorous as when they were younger. A threadmill or a stationary bike are the most appropriate machine that they can use at home. Although their eyes might not light up with excitement when they see your gift, I'm positively sure they will thank you later on.

Gardening Tools and Books
Most seniors believe they have a green thumb. So why not buy them the most high-tech gardening tools and newest books that you can find. It's ok to splurge, you might get lucky, they might volunteer to do your garden next.

seniors-using-ipad

Tablet
Some older people I know are online 24/7. They have their own accounts on facebook, twitter, google plus and some other social networking sites. Aside from chatting with relatives in other countries, who are also their age, they're especially a big fan of facebook and online games. They will love you even more with this gift. Just don't input your credit card information on that tablet.

14 October, 2012

Goal: To Stay Young Looking Always, Hopefully

There's no denying the fact that getting old is inevitable. I don't look old, yet, and I feel younger than my age. But that doesn't mean that I should neglect taking care of myself. I take care of my inner body by eating the right amount of food, exercising and being happy. I take care of my outer body by keeping it clean, healthy and young looking.

How do I keep it clean?
  • Mild or Hypoallergenic Soap - This type of soaps are mild and doesn’t contain strong chemicals that can harm a sensitive skin.
  • Mild or Hypoallergenic Cleanser - This usually has no fragrances, artificial preservatives or coloring agents thus very appropriate for delicate skin.
  • Exfoliant - Exfoliating removes dead skin cells on the skin’s outer layer. It is very important to do this at least twice a week to make skin clean and healthy.
  • Toner - This is a very important product that cleans the dirt that wasn’t removed by using soap and cleanser. It also reduces the size and appearance of pores.
How do I keep it healthy?
  • Facial Serum - Serum gives added moisture and nutrients to the deeper layers of the skin that a moisturizer can’t penetrate. This should be applied before moisturizer application.
  • Moisturizer - This gives hydration and moisture to the skin.
  • Lotion - This product re-hydrates, soften and makes the skin smoother.
  • Face Mask - There are different types of face mask (e.g. Anti-aging, hydrating, Whitening). Each type has its own active ingredient that helps keep the face healthy.
How do I keep it young looking?
I don't need cheek augmentation because I was gifted with high cheek bones. I don’t have sagging skin yet and hopefully won’t have in the next 50 more years. But I do need a few help for non-invasive treatments from a certified dermatologist once in a while. A good starting point, if you haven’t done it yet but thinks that now is the right time to do it, is do research first. The Victorian Cosmetic Institute’s website is a very good website that has complete information on procedures that can help you stay young looking. The site is very easy to navigate, even a newbie in computer and internet use won’t have a problem navigating it.

The Victorian Cosmetic Institute

Here are a few procedures that I’ve done and planning to do in the future.
  • Chemical Peels - This procedure regenerates and resurfaces the skin.
  • Microdermabrasion - This removes dirt that wasn’t removed by regular exfoliation. It actually deeply exfoliates the skin.
If you have been doing nothing to make your outer body clean, healthy and young looking, it’s not too late, you can start right about now.

Checklist for Finding the Best Automotive Service Provider

Finding the best automotive service provider that can help maintain your car in good condition or repair when broken is not something that you should take lightly. You didn't just buy any car that took your fancy, you compared the pros and cons of different car manufacturers and models. That's what you should also do when looking for the best automotive service company for your car repair and maintenance needs. Here's a checklist of things to consider when comparing car service companies in your area.
  • Accessibility - Check car service companies near your home and/or workplace. If you travel to neighboring cities, it's also best if your car service company has nationwide branches.
  • Great Deals - Some companies offer year-round promos and discounts that can help their clients save on car services. Jax Quickfit Tyres Melbourne has these offers for this month: 
         - discounted rates for seniors
         - $129 seasonal vehicle service offer
         - Michelin $50 gift card offer
         - American Express cardholder offer
         - interest fee financing
         - tyre deals
car service provider promo
  • Customer Service - When you encounter a car problem, they are the first people you talk to. Good customer service is very important especially in diagnosing car problems while on the road.
  • Online Presence - A "complete" company website works hand-in-hand with customer service. Complete in the sense that everything about the company and the services they offer can easily be seen on the front page of the site. Jax Quckfit's website is also mobile ready. When browsing it on mobile, the page is uncluttered and very easy to navigate.
  • Good Quality Service - Ask around, from friends and families, who their car service provider is. Their good experience will help you narrow your search for the best car service companies around the area where you live.
Goodluck in finding the best service provider for your car maintenance and car repair needs.

10 October, 2012

How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

I've noticed that motorcycles in Manila has increased tremendously this year. And motorcycle riders drive so recklessly without any thought of how they're endangering their lives, not to mention those of other people.

motorcycle

Here are some observations, which motorcycle riders should take note of, to keep themselves and other people safe on the street.

Don't Use The Sidewalk - Only stup*d drivers do this. And there are a lot of them in Manila. Who cares if you're already late for work or an appointment? Leave early next time so you don't endanger those walking on the sidewalk. They have every right to use the sidewalk and you riding your motorcycle don't!

Helmet - If you're using one that the , then you're bound to crack that skull of yours if you fell of that bike, hopefully not, accidentally.

Overtaking Is Bad - I feel horrified everytime I see a motorcycle zooming, zygzagging and overtaking other vehicles on the street. I only see stunt people do that in the movies. In real life, no director will shout "Cut!", so drive safely on the road.

Most Expensive Nail Polish, I want!

So Kelly Osbourne showed up on the Emmy's red carpet with her nails studded in diamonds! But J.Lo was the first person/celebrity in the world to have her nails painted with the most expensive nail polish ever produced. I wonder who'll be next!

192950-01868875

The said nail polish is not selling like hotcakes because of its $250k per bottle price tag. But it will surely make anyone famous, if not yet, once caught with the black diamonds on their finger nails.

I personally think it didn't make Kelly or J.Lo look amazing in pictures. But I'm sure they feel they're the most fashionable and richest girl at the moment they were wearing the expensive nail blings. 

Fox Filipino Channel

I've recently just discovered  Fox Filipino on MyDestiny Cable. It has definitely been on my list of favorite channels since I first found out about it. What I like about this new channel, aside from not having a lot of long commercials, is its rerun of Encantadia.

Encantadia is a Filipino Fantaserye by GMA Network in 2005. There’s an on-going rumor that a new Encantadia series is on the works and is slated to air this 2012.

Encantadia

My day wouldn't be complete if I don't watch Ugly Young Ae, another show on Fox Filipino. Ugly Young Ae is a Filipinized Korean telenovela.

Do you also have this channel on your cable subscription?

05 October, 2012

Please Fasten Your Seatbelt

I'm a regular taxi customer. I ride a taxi everyday. I've been doing that for the past 8 years, eversince my son started going to school.

The lack of seatbelts on the backseat of taxi cabs in Manila really bothers me. Some have seatbelts but the locks are incognito. I've asked a number of drivers about this problem and they themselves can't give me a clear enough answer. Even new taxis don't have seatbelts. Do the owners purposely remove it, the seatbelts and locks, or do they get manufactured like that?

fasten-seatbelt

I did ride a few that has one. But with less than 10 taxis that has, in proportion with the hundreds that I've used in 8 years? That is a bothersome number, right? Manila taxi drivers are even famous for their reckless driving. I worry a lot when my son is with me. Some taxis even smell of cigars, which in itself is worthy of a separate complaint post.

I don't remember if cabs in the US, or in other countries, have seatbelts. Drivers there don't drive as recklessly. That may be the reason why I didn’t notice if there were seatbelts or not. 

Our law makers should look into this because this is as risky as riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.

27 September, 2012

What's that word again?

I hate it when I'm writing an article and a word that I want to use is at the tip of my tongue. I know the meaning and how to use it but I can't, for the life of me, remember the word!

Home_Alone I feel like shouting, sometimes I end up asking someone to help me out. And most of the time, that someone is my son. Imagine how silly it must have looked (to him) when he was just 7 years old. He must be thinking, I thought my mom is smart!

I had to act out the word, explain what it means, give an example of a situation where that word can be used. It's like playing Pictionary. But totally different because I don't feel so good about myself when my son finally suggests a very simple word and I say, "Oh yeah, that's the word".

But he always makes me smile in the end because he pinch my cheek and gives me a kiss while saying, "You're getting so forgetful, Mama".

Have you ever been in this situation?

22 September, 2012

traffic on a saturday afternoon

I'm right now caught in traffic, in the Greenhills area, running very late in picking up my son from school. Yes, they have school this Saturday to make-up for the more than a week without classes last month due to typhoons.

heavy-traffic

I don’t know if La Salle has school also. So I'm right now at the edge of my seat, very stressed, worrying the school bus might leave without us. I just hope the delivery van in front of us go faster than the turtle-speed that it's doing right now.

I thought there won’t be any traffic here during weekends. I will never use this way again, even on a Saturday.

18 September, 2012

Pag-IBIG Fund’s Calamity Loan

I ride a taxi everyday, usually before 3pm, to pick up my son from school. Most taxis at this time listen to Raffy Tulfo's radio show Sumbong at Aksyon.

Since the Habagat last August, the show has been airing an advertisement for Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan. But today is the only time that I've really listened to it. If you have been badly hit by Habagat or last week's flooding, you most probably need to have your house renovated or need to replace the refrigerator that got broken because of flood water.

Pag-IBIG-Fund-Calamity-Loan

Here's new information from Pag-IBIG on how to apply for a Calamity Loan.

LOAN PURPOSE
The program provides financial assistance to Pag-IBIG member-victims in calamity-stricken areas.

BORROWER ELIGIBILITY
Member must have made at least 24 monthly contributions.
Member is actively paying contributions at the time he applies for a loan, and commits to continuously remit contributions for the term of the loan. A resident of the area which is declared calamity-stricken.

LOAN AMOUNT
The member is entitled to borrow up to 80% of the Total Accumulated Value (TAV) of his savings with yearly interest rate of 5.95 percent (previous rate before August 2012 was 10.75 percent).
For members with existing MPLs, the outstanding loan balance shall be deducted from the proceeds of the calamity loan.
LOAN PERIOD/RENEWAL
The loan shall be amortized over a period of 24 months with a grace period of 5 months.
Should another calamity occur in the same area, a borrower may renew his calamity loan any time. The outstanding balance of his existing loan, together with any accrued interests, penalties and charges, shall be deducted from the proceeds of the new loan.

AVAILMENT PERIOD
The Pag-IBIG member-victim must avail himself of the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan within a period of 90 days from the occurrence of the calamity.

PAG-IBIG HOTLINE NO: 724-4244

12 September, 2012

Save on Electricity Cost with CFL Lights

I was browsing the different early morning news on TV and a news report about the energy department giving away free CFL lights caught my attention. I googled it but can’t find a news about it though.

CFL_bulbI have not used incandescent bulbs for years because it apparently consume so much energy. CFL lights, although more expensive, lasts longer than traditional bulbs. Using CFL lights also lowers down a households electrical consumption. I wonder why manufacturers don't just discontinue the production of yellow lights to help solve the problem of using too much electricity. They should just develop CFL lights that costs as much as the cheap incandescent bulbs that a lot of people still use. 

But there apparently is a downside to using CFL according to a July 2011 study:
Once broken, a compact fluorescent light bulb continuously releases mercury vapor into the air for weeks to months, and the total amount can exceed safe human exposure levels in a poorly ventilated room, according to study results reported in Environmental Engineering Science, a peer-reviewed online only journal published monthly by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. ~greenwashinglamps.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/defra-cfl-faq/
Good thing I’ve never broken a CFL bulb in the house. And based on the study, the mercury exposure is not safe for humans only if the bulb gets broken in a poorly ventilated room. Still, safe material handling should always be main priority when changing and disposing a CFL bulb. The study may or may not be wrong but it’s still better to be safe than sorry.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

kim_kardashian Kim Kardashian will never be my definition of sexy. Guys may love her curves but I think her "behind" is so huge it doesn't look normal for a human being to have! Nor will she ever be part of my Loveliest Locks list, even if her hairdresser use the most expensive and high-tech texturizing shears.

Angelina's lips is envied by women, but not me. Same sentiments I have with Kim K's behind, too huge. But I do envy her toned body on Tomb Raider.

But no matter what I say here, these two ladies will always be the loveliest in the eyes of Kanye West and Brad Pitt so I rest my case.

Best Moisturizing Lotion

When I was younger, and didn't have much to do, I used to put lotion all over my body after every bath. But I don't have the time to do that anymore, around once a year maybe but not more than that, because I have my hands full with housework and my online job as well.

I also can't find a lotion that can help nourish my skin and not sticky at the same time. Those that I've tried so far are sticky + still leaves my skin dry or nourishes my skin + sticky.

moisturizing lotion

In this hot, humid weather that we have in this country, I can't handle a sticky feel all over my skin every time I sweat.

So I'm still on the lookout for that perfect moisturizing lotion. Care to share what you use and why you love it?

07 September, 2012

keeping your mind sharp

We exercise to keep our body strong and healthy. But it’s not only our body that needs our attention. Our brain also needs “exercise” to keep it alert. As early as now, I’m 35 turning 36 in exactly 3 days, I try to give my brain the exercise that it needs.

Here are some of the things that I do to hopefully keep my brain healthy and alert.

1. Board Games - I do this with my son every night. It’s our bonding time before going to sleep and aside from helping me get the “brain exercise” that I need, it helps my son use his “thinking cap” as well.

2. Books - I like espionage books, it makes my brain “excited”. Thriller and science fiction also does the same thing. When I read these books, my mind works overtime, ahead of what I’m actually reading.

3. Puzzle - I used to buy these huge puzzles -floor and building puzzles. But our condo is quite small so we don’t have a space for that now. I'm thinking of buying money puzzles, me and my son can use this in lieu of our before-bedtime chess game once in a while.

money-puzzle

4. Facebook Games - I play Bejeweled Blitz and Diamond Dash to keep my mind sharp. Other 3-in-a-row games will also do the trick.

Do you take care of your brain? What do you do to make it sharp, healthy and make sure that it’s still useful when you reach the “prime of your life”?

22 August, 2012

Farewell, Sec. Jesse Robredo

I was never a fan of politics even though my dad's side of the family, in the Ilocos region, is very much into it for decades already. Choosing the right people every election period is a task I totally dread doing. Candidates who has clean track records usually abuse their power once elected. But because I don't want to waste my vote, I still go to my assigned precinct with a list of people who I think deserve a seat in the government each election day.

I'm a Bicolano but I never got the chance to include Secretary Robredo in my short list of candidates because I grew up in Albay and I have been taking residence in Manila since my college days. With what I've been hearing in the news, after his death, on how he governed over Naga City, I would have voted for him.

secretary-jesse-robredo

Looking at his house, it was very obvious that he never took advantage of his position in the government. And I admire him for that. Unlike some politicians I know who live in huge mansions, buy the most expensive gadgets and give expensive gifts to their friends.

Farewell, Secretary Robredo. Maybe God already knew your future so he gave you a chance to start serving the country at a young age of 29. He knew you'll be a good leader. Hopefully, more politicians will follow your good example.

09 August, 2012

my destiny internet

I am already very annoyed with My Destiny internet (Solid Broadband Corp.). I haven’t had a good connection for almost a month already. What’s worse is they haven’t been answering their phone (call center) also. Are they trying to avoid their customers?
 my-destiny-solid-broadband

Their internet has been disrupting my work for the past years already. But since there are times that it’s stable, and I don’t have the time to inquire from other cable operators, I’m still a loyal customer up to now. I could have just bought the android game that my son has been asking me to buy for the past month with what they should have refunded me on days that I can't use the internet.

This is the last straw. I’m changing my internet provider as soon as possible.

06 August, 2012

typhoon emergency kit

When will this typhoon season ever end? RJ has no school, again, today. School was already cancelled yesterday. Last week, school was cancelled for two days and once two weeks ago. There’s actually no typhoon warning in Metro Manila but it has been raining hard this month. Some streets are right now not passable because floods were waist-deep. La Mesa and Angat dams, the water reservoir dams near Manila, are at its spilling level because of the continuous rain. I don’t even want to think of another Ondoy.

In times like this though, we should all be prepared. Here’s what I call the “survivor kit”, supplies that I have in the house at all times with or without typhoon or hurricane or flood threats.

  • Radio - To know what is going on outside, ”knowledge is power”.
  • Flashlight - In case of power outage.
  • Extra batteries - For the radio and flashlight.
  • Fully charged cellular phones - To communicate with our loved ones and in case of emergency.
  • Emergency hotline list
  • First Aid Kit - It should include fever and cough medicine, small scissors, bandage, medicine for allergies. In my case I have salinase and nebules stocked at all times because my son is asthmatic and has allergic rhinitis.
  • Food - Storm ready food that require minimal or no preparation at all. Bread, biscuits, fruits are ideal food in case of brownouts and we won’t be able to cook.
  • Bottled water - To keep us hydrated.

03 August, 2012

Cramming for the Deadline

As much as I hate to admit it, I get more creative when I'm cramming for a deadline. I don't understand how and why exactly but I seem to think more fast when I have to beat the time-is-up-bell.

deadline

So here I am again, trying to do the tasks that I should have already done days before. Good luck to me!

7 Best TV Shows

I used to love watching TV. I don't have the time to do that now because of mommy duties and work. I have to do two or three things at the same time if I want to watch something. I get to watch the news when I'm preparing dinner or washing the dishes. 

I miss the days when I have lots of free time on my hands to do everything that I want to do. Here are the top 7 shows on my favorite list.

7th-heaven-cast 7th Heaven - Reverend Eric and Annie Camden makes parenting looks so easy. I just don't understand why their kids still finds a way to misbehave. But I so love this show. A local channel airs a 7th Heaven marathon during the Holy Week and I always look forward to watching the reruns for one whole day.

The Cosby Show - Dr. Cliff and Atty Claire Huxtable, my fave TV  parents just like the Camdens. Their kids didn't give them as much headache as the Camden kids gave their parents. A funny TV show, just the way I like it.

Friends - Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Ross, Chandler and Joey, I miss them all! Fans have been waiting, when will they ever start planning for the Friends movie?
The Nanny - Do you feel that you'd rather be wearing a headset when Fran is talking? Not me! I love how witty and funny Fran Drescher's character is. Or was.

Charmed - My week then will never be complete when I miss watching the Halliwell sisters beat evil warlocks.

Gilmore Girls - I love watching the mother-daughter tandem of cool-mom Lorelie and smart Rory Gilmore.

Brothers and Sisters - Did this tv show left us hanging? I do think that the last episode shoul not have been the last episode.

Some good things never last. But at least I can still watch these shows on cable, dvd, blu-ray and online.

get thin program

So I finally did it. I bought a stationary bike. It was either that or a treadmill. But the stationary bike won because 1. the good treadmill brands were huge and it won't fit in our living room and 2. I don't like running.

proteus-stationary-bike-1715

My new best friend is the simplest and least bulky stationary bike that I've seen on the sports stores that I've looked on. It's still in the box because I've been busy with work the past few days. But when I get home later, I will assemble it already.

Just because I'm planning to buy a life insurance, life insurance costs so much!, it doesn't mean that I can take my health for granted.

Getting Rid of Mosquitoes

It’s that month of the year again. Rainy season is synonymous to mosquito season. Although our windows and doors are screened, except for the main door which is closed and bolted all the time, mosquitoes still finds a way to enter our house.

human-heart-nature-bug-lotion   human-heart-nature-citronella-bug-spray

I’ve tried using a mosquito patch but the smell makes me so dizzy. So I am going to try Human Heart Nature’s Deet-Free Citronella Bug Spray and Bug Shield. I’ve read a lot of good reviews online so I hope it works fine with me as well.

14 July, 2012

treadmill or stationary bike

I gained unwanted pounds during my more than a month stay in the province last summer break. I'm planning to buy a treadmill or a stationary bike but I have to remove some bulky furniture in the house. A treadmill needs more space than a stationary bike so my choice at the moment is leaning more on the bike. I’m still thinking about it though so the bike is not a sure winner yet.

pink_helmet

I’m just glad that I don’t have to decide on accessories, unlike if I buy a mountain or racer bike I still have to decide on what helmet to buy. I can imagine the added stress it would have caused me.

I really, really need to lose weight already. Can anyone help me decide. treadmill or stationary bike?

iPhone 4S or Samsung Galaxy SIII

I'm in a dilemma. I can't decide whether to get an iPhone 4S or Samsung Galaxy SIII postpaid unlimited mobile surfing plan. I have an iPod Touch which is not even a year old but I now need 3G, to be able to work when I'm out of the house, hence my smartphone dilemma.

galaxy-s3-vs-iphone4s

Both has built-in 8 megapixel camera.

But an iPhone 4S can't be upgraded to larger memory. Unlike the Samsung SIII which can be upgraded to 32GB by inserting a micro sd memory card.

But on the other hand, 4S has Siri.

Really confused what phone I should get. Both are as expensive as gold coins, so I have to think long and hard what really is the best smartphone for me.

13 July, 2012

toothbrush your face?

I've been using St. Ives products for years. I'm a big fan of Apricot Scrub and I also use St Ives' Micro Dermabrasion. While browsing online, I found out that the face scrub can also be used with this particular "gadget" to remove more dead skin cells on our face.

This gadget is... drum roll please! Tada! An electric toothbrush.

Yes, a toothbrush can be used, not just on our teeth but on our face as well. A regular toothbrush will do actually. The video that I saw online, a Michelle Phan video, advised on using an electric toothbrush. I found a rounded brush while grocery shopping and that's what I use instead of an electric toothbrush.

Here's the Michelle Phan video.



Try it and instantly see the difference on your face.

A Good Person Named Dolphy

I thought I knew a lot about my Papa's childhood, not until Dolphy was hospitalized a few weeks back. For the benefit of those who doesn't know who Dolphy is, he is the King of Comedy in the Philippines.

My Papa actually looked worried when he asked, two Saturdays ago if I'm not mistaken, if the morning breaking news that we're watching was about Dolphy. He then told us his personal experience of how good a person Dolphy was. And Fernando Poe as well.

When he was in high school, him, his brothers and my Lolo lived in the city of Manila. Their place was just across the street, or was it beside?, the place where Dolphy, Fernando Poe and other big stars at that time rehearse (fight scenes, drama scenes etc) for their movies.

My dad apparently worked as a cigarette boy at night, first time I heard of him working while still at school, to save for his next day's school allowance. Dolphy always buy something from him, cigarette or candies, but doesn't get what he bought so my Papa can still sell it to someone else. “Here Lito, sell these candies again (or whatever he bought) so you’ll have more allowance.”

Dolphy-King-of-Comedy

Based on my Papa’s story, those talks on television after Dolphy’s death, that he helped a lot of people and him being a good person, were actually true.

I want to buy a Dolphy memorabilia shirt for my Papa . I hope I can find some custom t-shirts online, like those being sold at Heritage Park.

How rude can you get

So I gained a few pounds during our one month vacation in the province. Yes, only a blind person would not notice that I did put on some weight. But my clothes still fit me well and I don't need plus size dresses yet. Some people though can be so rude! Funny thing is, they don't even realize that they've done something very rude already.

The bus mother from my son's previous school service said, "Ma'am, you're so fat!" She could have "lighten the blow" by saying, "Did you gain weight Ma'am?" I so wanted to tell her, "This is better. At least I don't look sick and ugly like some people I know." She's very thin and looks like she hasn't eaten in months. But I didn't say that of course, I instead said, "Yes, I ate a lot during my vacation in the province during school break."

weight gain

She was so different from a friend who was even hesitant to admit that I gained weight when I blurted out one time we were talking, "I got fat during the summer break." She just nodded her head with a shy smile.
You can tell what group in the society a person belongs to with the words that comes out of one's mouth.

Trying to lose weight?

Try apple cider vinegar. I first heard about it at Female Network's Girl Talk forum. The girls' swear that this vinegar does wonders to their face. I wanted to try it but got fearful that it might burn my face.

Then my aunt told my sister to use apple cider vinegar to lose weight. Everyone in her office takes a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of water in the morning. Apparently the said vinegar, aside from weight loss, is very beneficial to our health.

Braggs apple cider vinegar

Since I want to lose some extra pounds, I researched about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Vinegar (and other acidic liquids) have long been proposed as agents to enable weight loss, one proposed mechanism is that it prolongs the sensation of satiety after eating. A 2009 study on mice showed that consuming acetic acid (the active component in ACV), upregulates the expression of genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes in the liver causing a suppression in body fat accumulation. ~Wikipedia
Will try and see if it will work for me.

22 June, 2012

Summer Beach Trip

Region Five; Bicol; PhilippinesSadly, none.

Summer is over? Time flew by so fast! And I can’t believe we didn’t even get to enjoy a beach trip, the whole 1 month (plus less than a week more) that I was in the Bicol region. The region is surrounded by water and I didn’t get to enjoy the warm feel of the sand under my feet or the wonderful smell of salty air from the sea.

I should get the sunless tanning booths discount deal that I saw on my email inbox earlier because my summer wouldn't be complete without me getting a few shades darker.

15 June, 2012

Everyday and every day

Everyday and every day are pronounced the same but are not interchangeable.

everyday_or_every_day 
Everyday is an adjective that means ordinary, routine, or commonplace.
Example: I will now eat fruits and vegetables everyday.

Every day is an adverb that means each day.
Example: Every day is a new opportunity to correct whatever mistake was done the previous day.

Tip: To check whether you’re using the correct word, try using “each day”. If each day works on the sentence, then every day can be used. If it sounds wrong, then everyday should be used.

11 June, 2012

Could not connect to website

I never encountered a downtime with the server where all my seven blogs were hosted. Not until two weeks ago, when my web host transferred all my blogs to a new server. I and the other people who have blogs hosted on that server never questioned her decision. We just assumed that she’s doing that for the betterment of our blogs. I’m not sure if she has backups just in case something happen during the transfer. As I’ve said I never had any problem with the hosting and I truly trust the hosting administrator.

After the transfer, I wasn’t able to access my blogs and even my hosting account cpanel. Seven days, I just waited because the hosting admin said that it probably is still propagating. I kept emailing and sending messages on facebook and on her cellular phone everyday to tell her that my blogs are not working still. On the fourth or fifth day I just get tired and just opted to wait because she keeps on giving me the same answer. Although in some forums and hosting FAQ pages, it says that propagation time is 48 hours maximum.

I got so anxious on the seventh day because I had blog tasks that already expired. I contacted her again and she said that my blogs are online on her side. My sister suggested that I access the blog using a proxy server. It worked.

cant_access_blog

Today, I again can’t access my blogs. Some other people hosted on the same server can’t access theirs also. The blog takes so much time to load, just stops and gives up loading and show this message. Using the proxy server doesn’t work also.

The problem most probably is with the server hosting my blog. I’m depressed since I have tasks expiring tomorrow. Tasks has expired on me during the seven days that I waited for the supposed to be propagation. As much as I want to understand the administrator, I also have a reputation to uphold to my clients. And I lose money each time a task expires.
What do you think should I do?

03 June, 2012

UP and others

Yes! Magazine cover, June 2012I’m sorry if you’re not happy reading my post title. But I’m a proud UP (University of the Philippines) Alumni, I have a lot to thank UP for. It’s just my opinion so just let it go, it’s just a title, do read on.

My mom is a Yes! Magazine collector. She collects it because she loves looking at celebrity homes and getting ideas on what she can still renovate in the house. Ah, her life I envy! Her only problem now is what to do with her monthly pension.

So I was reading her latest issue, June 2012, of Yes! Magazine and can’t agree more with what Chico (the other half of the Chico and Delamar duo) said* because I feel the exact same way. (* - boxed in red on the image below)

Chico of the Chico and Delamar tandem, UP AlumniI was shy before UP. I never voiced out my opinion for fear of making a mistake and getting laughed at. I was never bullied though like Chico.
I didn’t have a lot of friends in high school. The close friends that I had in first year, I had to “unfriend”. There was this one girl who declared herself the group’s leader. Not verbally but she acted it. And everyone in our group always follow her lead. If she wants to sit under a tree, they sit under a tree. If she wants to go to the library, they all go with her to the library.

I didn’t want to be part of any of that so I stopped hanging out with them. I go straight home after school. I’d rather read a book or hang out with my boardmates than be bullied by Mary Lord. Yes, that’s her real name.

But in UP, there were no bullies. I found my confidence in UP.

Everyone treated everyone equal. Mary Lord’s will never exist there. And I found friends who are still my friends up to now, 19 years after.
Thank you UP!

02 June, 2012

How to tune a guitar

My son's guitar was out of tune the other day. So I took the liberty of tuning it myself. I'm planning to buy a tuner but the instruction from this book that we at home have is good enough at the moment. Here's the step by step guide on how to tune a guitar. Photographs and instructions lifted from "New Ways to Guitar and Piano Playing" by Romeo B. Mahinay.

guitar tuning guide guitar tuning guide

Summer Fun Activity: Guitar Lessons

My son chose to enroll in guitar lessons this summer break. He already has 2 guitars, one is in Manila and I bought another one here in the province. I bought the second guitar last summer break when I enrolled him in guitar and piano lessons. Those lessons were unsuccessful because one: he keeps complaining that his fingers hurt after each guitar lesson and two: he didn't practice when we got back home in Manila so he completely forgot his lessons.

guitar lessons

But this year he's getting good in playing the guitar. Maybe because I didn't choose what he should enroll in. He also asked his teacher to help him learn "Crash" by Matt Willis, a song featured on the movie "Mr. Bean's Holiday". He gets to play the songs that he likes and he now loves playing the guitar. My niece, who’s taking piano lessons might buy a guitar or a banduria because she wants to learn how to play another musical intrument this summer break. RJ wants to learn how to play the drums. Maybe next year, we’ll see.

ALECO Albay

This problem has been going on for years already and it hasn't been resolved yet. I can only count on my one hand the number of days, each month, that we didn't experience power interruption. Take note of the didn't.
There are even days when the ALECO office near our town doesn't even know that we don't have electricity. What a very lousy service. So if you live in Albay, here are the ALECO numbers that you can call.

ALECO_serving_Albayanos
Polangui - (052) 4861486
Ligao - (052) 4852348
Legaspi - (052) 4811584
Tabaco - (052) 4874625
NGCP - (052) 8241109

website: aleco dot com dot ph

How to Get Started as a Paralegal

Legal assistants such as paralegals support lawyers by doing a variety of tasks. Duties vary depending on the size of the organization; the paralegals generally help in investigating the facts of the case, research, report writing, and help lawyers during trials. There are even various types of paralegals such as corporate paralegals and litigation paralegals. There are several different ways make this your own career path.

scale_of_justice

Education
Paralegals must hold either an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Many community colleges have associate degree programs for aspiring paralegals. There are also colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in paralegals studies. There are even certificate programs that provide paralegal training for people who already have a college degree. Although rare, some employers hire paralegals with no education or experience in the field, but train them on the job. However, most paralegal jobs require a bachelor’s degree.

Students within these programs can expect to learn about legal research, the legal applications of computers, and other academic subjects. In order to become a good paralegal, students must be familiar with using computers for legal research and litigation support. Paralegals need interpersonal skills as they spend a lot of time working with clients and other professionals. As they work with many cases at a single time, they must be adaptive and have strong organizational skills. They must also learn how to speak and write effectively to document their work and relate their information to others.

Student should also consider taking an internship to gain experience working in a private law firm, government agency, or other setting within the field of law. Students who have completed an internship likely have better technical skills and better employment prospects.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 1,000 colleges and universities who offer paralegal training programs, but only about 720 of them are approved by the American Bar Association.

Certification
While not required work in the field, paralegal certification can help with gaining employment. Students can gain certification through different paralegal organizations by passing an exam. Certification can also be acquired by those who meet certain experience and education criteria. 

Training
Those who are hired directly without any legal education or experience are typically trained on the job. Most people in this situation have other skills that are useful to law firms, such as criminal justice or tax preparation.

Experience
Most employers like employees to have at least one year of experience within the legal field. Technical understanding of a specific legal specialty can also be helpful to candidates. Work experience is particularly important for those without any formal training.

Be warned!

Have you ever been in this situation?

Cashier: "Ma'am / Sir, we ran out of 5 cents (or 10/25 etc). Is it ok if your change is 5 cents short?"

philippine coinsOr worse, the cashier short-change you without even informing you that they ran out of coins? Why do they ran out of coins even in the morning when store just opened?

There was this one time when everyone ahead of me in the counter was short-changed. Imagine how much grocery stores "steal" every single day? Yes it's outright stealing because for the longest time that they've been in operation, they should have already “mastered” how many coins they need to have in their cash register each day to be able to give the exact change to all their customers.

Last time I bought a silver jewelry, I was ready to contra-battle their trick. I will never allow them to steal from me, I now bring 5, 10 and 25 coins in my coin purse. I'm a smart shopper, you should be one too.

25 May, 2012

my mind is blank

I have been staring at the screen for a long time, writing and rewriting a few lines but none seems to be right. Happy that I was given lots of tasks but I can’t think of anything to write right now.

empty_mind

I’ll just redesign my other websites first. Just to clear my mind. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish all my pending jobs later.

17 May, 2012

God is watching us

There are days when I feel depressed. I usually can’t pinpoint the cause of the said depression in most days. Two days ago I was feeling so down and felt like crying without any known reason. I was doing my hardest to feel happy so I was just thinking happy thoughts and not allowing myself to have a “free time”.

I was helping my sister prepare the malunggay leaves for lunch. Look what I found…

heart shaped malunggay leaf

… a heart shaped malunggay leaf. This I know is from God telling me that I shouldn’t fear anything because he loves me. That I should always be happy.

And because of that leaf, I felt better.
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