Suncellular's Unli Wifi @ Php799

Last March, I availed this service from Sun since I am constantly using wifi during my free time.

This is a very helful device and I find it fast. For those who are asking, yes it is really good and fast enough to check FB, twitter, mail, skype, viber, or even download movies but at 20kbps rate only. You can watch youtube but also with minimal buffering rate. Still, for 799 a month unlimited, this is ver y cheap and handy. I actually have a friend who is using smart and he connects with me since Sun is faster than his own wifi.

I recommend it! You can connect up to 5 device and the speed will be the same.

Shake n Go

I bought this smoothie blender in ensogo because I want to try healthy living other than exercising everyday. I think it's a good way to start - drinking mixed fruits smoothie. After 3 weeks, my item arrived and I used it already.

I've been using it everyday since then. I am still amazed for how quick my fruits turns into smoothie. It is very handy and easy to use.

Great product!

Green Kiwi Backpacker Hostel

After staying in my friend's condo in Kembangan area for one week, I decided to try some hostel in Singapore for the remaining week. I choose Green Kiwi Backpacker Hostel because I read so many good reviews in the internet and also because I read that the receptionists are Filipino.

view from the room

The place is cozy and laid-back place to stay in Lavender area which located near public transport, walking distance to Mustafa Centre (the only 24-hrs open mall in Singapore) and also walking distance to the food court.

The hostel is very clean and the beds are the best. They use the same thick and comfortable mattresses in 5-star hotels so you won't feel any back pain in the morning. The rooms are new and air-conditioned.

This is a hostel so expect shared bathrooms but don't worry because there are many available cubicle without queues. Showers are separated to the main toilet. Think of gym showers, just bigger.

The best thing in this hostel is their free breakfast. You can have unlimited healthy fruits such as watermelon, dragon fruits, and oranges, alongside toast and coffee or tea. A range of spreads (jam, butter, peanut butter, kaya) are available for you to choose from. 

They also have a rooftop garden if you want to chill at night or exercise in the morning.

The staff are all very friendly I cannot ask for more.

The hostel also offers discount to the main tourist attractions in Singapore such as entrance to Sentosa, Night Safari, Universal Studios, etc. You can also borrow several board games from them if you are bored.

Of course, wi-fi is important so how about experiencing their 5-digit kilobytes/sec speed in the hostel? Awesome. It is very fast you can watch every movie you want online without buffering and download songs in seconds. Just the best wi-fi same as Korea's. If you don't have laptop or ipad, then you can use their 3 desktop computers for free.

The only thing I didn't like is that they don't have a lift. You have to carry your bags upstairs because they are located in the 2nd floor of the building. But I guess, this outweighs by the beauty of this hostel.

I highly recommend this. If I will come back to Singapore, definitely I will stay here.

See and experience to believe.

The Green Kiwi Backpacker Hostel
280A Lavender Street, Singapore

www.greenkiwi.com.sg

Kingdom Rush

I've been addicted to every defense game in IPAD lately. I think I've downloaded everything available and tried playing them. My favorite of all is "Kingdom Rush" because of its challenging stages and very nice graphics and sounds. But this game only has 12 stages but I tell you it's worth playing. The final bonus stages are the best and hardest! I need to use my jailbreak powers (to cheat!) hahaha. If you will survive below stages without cheating the use of heroes, then good job. Here are my actual screenshots when after like 20 times, get the job done.

Sarelgaz's Lairs

Ruins of Acaroth

www.gothere.sg

First time in Singapore?

Afraid to get lost?

No worries. Just go to this website "gothere.sg" when you're in Singapore already. I'm not sure if this is working unless you're in their country. Without the help of this website, I'm sure I got lost many times.

This is very user friendly. All you have to type your "to" and "from" location and that's it. 

You will see how to go there by taxi, bus, mrt, or by car including the estimated fare amount and time.

Very nice.

Here's the example screenshot:

How to Jailbreak the new IPAD 3 ver 5.1.1

Yay! I got my new ipad jailbroken! It is my first time to do it by myself. Thankfully, I succeeded. Now I can fully enjoy full games for free! =)

Here is Step By Step Guide to Jailbreak ios 5.1.1 Untethered With Absinthe 2.0 :

Step 1 : First Download Absinthe 2.0 For Windows or Mac

Step 2 : Now Right Click on Downloaded Zip File and Extract it.

Step 3 : After the Extract there Will be New Folder will be created With name of absinthe-win-2.0 With Necessary Files.

Step 4 : Now open absinthe-win-2.0 folder and Right Click on absinthe.exe icon and Run as Administrator.

Step 5 : Now Connect your ios Device to Computer and check Absinthe 2.0 has Detect your Device Correctly.

Step 6 : Now Click on Jailbreak Button on Absinthe.

Step 7 : Now Jailbreak Process Will Start and you can check on Screen Progress of the jailbreak

Step 8 : After the Process Complete Absinthe 2.0 Comes With Message you have Done it and your Device is jailbroken on ios 5.1.1 Untethered.

Step 9 : Now Open Cydia, this Will take some time to Configuring all the Services.

Step 10 : That’s it, your Device is Now Jailbreak on ios 5.1.1 untethered Using Absinthe 2.0.

 Then download Installous 5 to enjoy free cracked apps.

1.) Download it here -> http://absinthejailbreak.com/download-install-installous-5/

2.) Then launch Cydia Application and add the repo below by the steps   below:  Manage –> Sources –> Edit –> Add

type in --> http://cydia.hackulo.us/

3.) Once you have added this repo tap on it and Search for Installous and select the Installous 5.

4.) Now hit “Install” on the right corner then “Confirm” button to install Installous 5 after installing finished you will be informed by a message to Restart SpringBoard to reboot your device.

If you encounter the “Hash Sum Mismatch”as I did, just follow belows options to fix it.

1.) Try to reboot your Ipad and restart Cydia (turn off your device through the power button and turn it on again ) then try to download the tweak again if this step doesn’t resolve the issue, try Step 2

2.) Reset your network settings by tapping “Settings” –> General -> Reset ->Reset Network Settings. Also, reboot all your hardwares, including your iOS device, modem, and router. This is to ensure you have better Internet connection.

3.) Make sure that you have updated your Cydia, Also make sure that all packages are up to date, Launch “Cydia” –> “Changes” –> “Refresh” then update any available update.

4.) after all the above steps if the error still appears so it’s better to uninstall the repo that containing the Cydia tweak then try to install it again.

5.) If the error still appears so you should restore your iPad and install a new Cydia

That’s it. Hope you did it.

How to Complete a Korean Visa Application Form

How to Complete a Korean Visa Application Form

Please make sure to complete all sections. Your application will be assessed based on the documentation submitted.  Failure to provide complete, truthful and accurate information may result in your application being refused. Read all the instructions carefully before you begin to complete the application forms.  Fill in the forms carefully and completely. Please use a typewriter or print clearly in black ink. 

※ If there is not enough space to complete any of the sections, please attach an additional sheet. Write “N/A” if a section is not applicable. Do not leave blanks. For applicants with a visa issuance number, print the number on the top of the application.

※ For E-1, E-2, E3, and E-7 visa applicants, provide the full names and complete addresses of post-secondary schools attended.

※ Please note that unsigned visa applications will not be accepted.

Section    Notes

1~2         Print all names as they appear on the passport. Do not use initials.

5             If the applicant has more than one nationality, print them all.

6             Provide city and province of birth place.

7             Provide passport number.

8             If the applicant has a diplomatic or an official passport, please check the mark.

9 ~12       Provide passport information in detail. Please print Year/Month/Date. Applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

14~15      If these sections are not applicable, write “N/A.”

16~18      Print the applicant’s current occupation in the country where the applicant has been living.

22            Provide a current mailing address, including the postal code and province. Also, please print an e-mail address and cell phone number if available.

23            Provide the name and number of a hotel where the applicant plans to stay.  For working visa applicants, print the recruiter’s contact number, including mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, and web site (if available).

24            Write down all previous visits. (please include details.)

25            If applicable, specify all previous Korean visas received and include the years they were issued.

31            Provide the name of a guarantor or reference person.  For working visa applicants, print the prospective employer’s contact number, including mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, and web site (if available)

 Application form can be found here --> http://embassy_philippines.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/embassy_philippines/visiting/visas/index.jsp

Reasons of Denial for Korean Visa

I have many friends who were denied of Korean visa even though they already have a plane ticket. With this I am sharing the current available reasons of the declining FIlipinos for a Korean visa.

- Your passport is invalid;
- You are prohibited to enter Korea as per Korean Immigration law no.11 sec. 1 (Prohibition of Entry);
- Our record shows that you have previously violated the Korean law;
- You failed to submit the required document completely;
- The documents you have submitted cannot be verified;
- You failed to prove the purpose of entry to Korea;
- You failed to prove strong economic and family ties to the home country;
- Your inviter is not qualified to invite you;
- You failed to prove the relationship with your inviter.

※ In addition, the reasons of the denial of spouse visa application are as follows:
- You failed to give prima facie evidence of your marriage validity according to the
Philippine law and regulation;
- You failed to give the correct information about your spouse;
- You and your spouse failed to prove keeping a normal marital life.

How to get Korean Visa for Pinoy Tourist

At first, getting a Korean visa isn't that hard but this year I realized that a simple mistake in your application form for example could ruin your dream of stepping to the K-Pop land. Unlike applying for a US visa, there is no interview conducted when applying for a Korean tourist visa.That is why it is important to submit all necessary documents and avoid submission of false or misleading documents (e.g. wrong TIN number in Income Tax Return, no office number in the certificate of employment, etc.) I'm telling you, the consul are very strict so please complete your documents properly. In my experience, I think having a US visa is an advantage. The consul didn't ask anything for me. And I got the Korean visa after 3 days instead of one week. Still, I submitted all necessary documents. So, Goodluck!

VISA REQUIREMENTS

FOR EMPLOYEES
- Employment Certificate (original)
- Personal Bank Certificate (original)
- Individual Income Tax Return (photocopy)
- ACR and ICR (for foreign nationals who are resident in the Philippines)
If personally invited to Korea: Original Invitation Letter and passport copy of the Korean invitor
If invited by a company in Korea: Original Invitation Letter and photocopy of the Korean Company Business Permit

FOR BUSINESSMEN
- Business Registration from SEC or Registration from DTI and Mayor’s Permit (photocopy)
- Personal Bank Certificate (original)
- Individual Income Tax Return (photocopy)
- ACR and ICR (for foreign nationals who are resident in the Philippines)
If personally invited to Korea: Original Invitation Letter and passport copy of the Korean invitor
If invited by a company in Korea: Original Invitation Letter and photocopy of the Korean Company Business Permit

FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL TOUR KOREA
- School certificate (original)
- Photocopy of School ID
- Birth certificate (photocopy)
- Copy of parent’s passport first page
- Parents bank certificate (original)
- Parents Employment certificate (original)
- Parents Income Tax Return (photocopy)

FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL STUDY IN KOREA
- Admission Letter from the University in Korea (original)
- Copy of Last School Record, e.g. Diploma and Transcript of Records
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Employment Certificate (if employed)
- Bank Certificate (if the student doesn’t have full scholarship)

FOR SEAMAN/SEAFARERS
- Original Letter of Guarantee from the shipping company in the Philippines
- Copy of the Guarantee letter from Korea
- Copy of Korean Company Business Permit
- Copy of Seaman’s passport and seaman’s booklet
- Copy of E-receipt (from POEA)
- Copy of Employment Contract
- Copy of Medical Result

FOR SEAMAN’S WIFE (TO JOIN HUSBAND IN KOREA)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Husband’s Passport (first page)
- Copy of Husband’s Employment Contract
- Guarantee Letter from the Philippine Agent
- Copy of Guarantee Letter from the Korean Agent
- Personal Bank Certificate (original)

FOR RELIGIOUS WORKERS/MISSIONARIES
- Philippine Church Registration from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (copy)
- Member’s Certification from the Church (original)
- Personal bank certificate (original)
- The Korean Church registration form (photocopy)
- Invitation letter notarized in Korea
- Invitor’s ID photocopy
- If employee, submit employment certificate and ITR

FOR HOUSEWIFE
- Husband’s Employment Certificate or Business Permit (SEC or DTI and Mayor’s Permit)
- Husband’s Copy of ITR
- Personal or Husband’s Bank Certificate
- NSO Marriage Contract (copy)
- Original and copy of US, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Australia and Canada visa (if there is)

FOR PARENTS OF A FILIPINO NATIONAL MARRIED TO KOREAN
- Korean marriage history certificate issued within the last 3 months (original)
- Korean’s passport photocopy
- daughter’s passport photocopy
- daughter’s NSO marriage certificate
- Invitation letter from the Korean national

FOR KOREAN’S SISTER/BROTHER-IN-LAW
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Korean marriage history certificate (issued within 3 months)
- Korean’s passport photocopy (first page)
- Married Filipino’s passport photocopy (first page)
- Married Filipino’s NSO Marriage certificate
- Invitation Letter from the Korean national
If applicant is employed, submit Employment Certificate, Bank certificate and ITR

FOR SPOUSE OF A U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL STATIONED IN KOREA
- Invitation Letter notarized in Korea (original)
- Photocopy of Invitor’s Military ID and/or passport photocopy of first page
- Photocopy of Military Order
- NSO Marriage Certificate (photocopy)
- USFK Form 166
- CFO Certificate

FOR CHILD/PARENTS WHOSE MOTHER/DAUGHTER IS MARRIED TO A U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL STATIONED IN KOREA
- Birth certificate (photocopy)
- Invitation Letter notarized in Korea (original)
- Invitor’s passport photocopy of first page
- Photocopy of Invitor’s Military ID and Military Order
- Mother’s passport photocopy
- Mother’s visa page photocopy
- NSO Marriage Certificate (photocopy)

FOR FILIPINO MARRIED TO FOREIGNER WHO IS WORKING IN KOREA
- Invitation letter from Husband’s company in Korea (original)
- Copy of husband’s passport
- Copy of husband’s alien registration card
- Copy of husband’s contract or certificate of employment
- Copy of marriage certificate

FOR SHORT TERM EMPLOYMENT VISA (IN SHIPYARD/SHIPBUILDING)
- Guarantee letter/invitation letter from Korea
- Shipbuilding contract between the buyer and the seller
- Dispatch letter from company
- Copy of employment contract

FOR APPLICANTS WHO HAVE A CONFIRMATION OF VISA ISSUANCE (CCVI) FROM THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE IN KOREA:
- Filled application form
- confirmation of visa issuance number
- 1 passport sized picture
- 2,250 pesos visa fee
- Employment contract (for E6 and F1 visa applicant or domestic helpers)

Effective: 2011 April 01

To attract more tourists from South East Asian countries, the Ministry of Justice in Korea has simplified the Korean tourist visa requirements and has started issuing double entry visa and extended multiple entry visa category and validity from 1 year to 3 years.

Basic requirements are as follows:
- Application form
- Passport sized photo
- Original passport (6 months valid)
- Copy of passport first page

Short-term Visas (C-3) for Tourists: SINGLE ENTRY
- For short term visitors to Korea
- Visa Requirements:
–Employment Certificate or Business Registration issued by SEC or DTI.
–Personal Bank Certificate
–Individual ITR or Form 2316 Copy (the previous year).

Notes:

- In case the applicant cannot submit one of the above mentioned requirements, he/she can submit additional documents such as Land Titles, vehicle registration, Country Club or Golf Membership , and Pension Certificates

- For an applicant who has travelled or has valid visa to any one of the OECD member countries within the last 5years, applicants are only required to submit the requirements number ⑴ & OECD countries visa copy and arrival stamps

- If applicants are students, applicants are required to submit their School Certificate, Birth Certificate and Parents’ Documents (1,2,3).

- In case of incentive tours supported by a company that is listed in the Philippine stock exchange market, applicants can submit only the guarantee letter from the company.

DOUBLE VISA
- For visitors who plan to visit Korea 2 times within 6 months
- Visa Requirements: Same requirements with single entry visa
- Issuance Details: Status (C-3), Validity (6 months), Entry (Double)

SHORT TERM MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA

- Qualified Applicants

1. Applicants who have obtained a permanent residency in any OECD member countries (except Korea) or people who visited OECD member countries more than 2 times within the last 4 years, or people who visited Korea more than 4 times within the last 2 years.
- Required document: Original and photocopy of visiting records in the applicants’ passports (visa and arrival stamps)
- OECD member countries

2. Group Tour Guides who has traveled to Korea more than once for the last 2 years.

3. Philippine Government Officials
- Required document: Employment Certificate

4. High Rank Officials/employees of International Airline Companies to Korea

5. Applicants who earn more than $10,000 annually or has Platinum international credit card
- Required document: Official documents proving the financial status of the applicant and original and photocopy of platinum card

6. Applicants who are invited for contract and consultation by Korean public agencies in connection to resources and energy development
- Required document: Employment certificate, related contracts or guarantee letter from invitors

7. Applicants who are invited by the Korean Government to attend international forums, international conferences, international conventions.
- Employment certificate, Invitation letter

8. Executive or high ranking staff of a company that is listed in the  Philippine Stock Exchange market
- Business Permit or Employment Certificate, Individual ITR

9. Reporters, PD, journalists, news editors, etc. people who works in major company for more than one year
- Required document: Identification card and Employment certificate(the period of employment should be indicated), ITR

10. Professionals: i.e. lawyers, doctors, accountants, professors (PRC or IBP card holders)
- Required document:  Employment Certificate, PRC ID copy or IBP copy

11. Popular celebrities, artists/athletes/writers who can be searched or viewed in Philippine major media websites
- Required document: A membership card or an ID, Media records or Records of concerned activity

12. Retired workers aged 55 years above who are receiving pensions of more than P20,000 monthly
- Required document: Any supporting document which proves he/she is a Pension receiver

13. People who obtained a two year college degree or bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degree from Universities in Korea
- Required document: College diploma from Korea

14.  Spouse, minor aged children and parents’ in law of a Korean national
- Required document: Korean couples marriage contract and Korean Marriage History

15. Spouse, children, parents and parents in law of multiple visa holders
- Multiple visa copy and proof of relationship documents, i.e, birth certificate, marriage certificate

VISA FEES
- 59 days or less stay in Korea – FREE
- More than 59 days stay in Korea
—- Single entry PHP 1,500
—- Double visa PHP 3,000
—- Multiple entry PHP 4,000

APPLICANTS COULD BE ASKED TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AS PER CONSUL’S EVALUATION. ALL VISA APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT FOR APPROVAL.

The Korean Embassy in the Philippines is located at:

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines
122 Upper McKinley Road
McKinley Town Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634

And their contact numbers:

Phone number: 02-856-9210
Fax number: 02-856-9024
Extension numbers:
260 – for passport
240 – for family registration and other related documents
220 – Visa 1
230 – Visa 2
302 – Visa 3 (Filipino)

Office hours for visa application: 9AM to 11AM ONLY

Release of passport: 2PM to 4PM

Korean Embassy website: http://embassy_philippines.mofat.go.kr 

Call the consular office at 856-9210 (Local no.302)

Sounds of Music!

I Finally bought everything I wanted to listen to my sounds at their best. I recently bought the Splash proof Pioneer SE-E22-J2 which is really worth the price. The bass is just amazing. 

It's just like the sporty version of my Sennheiser HD-102 and the compact version of my X-Mini Max II speakers. Coolness!  

15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy

Here is a list of 15 things which, if you give up on them, will make your life a lot easier and much, much happier. We hold on to so many things that cause us a great deal of pain, stress and suffering – and instead of letting them all go, instead of allowing ourselves to be stress free and happy – we cling on to them. Not anymore. Starting today we will give up on all those things that no longer serve us, and we will embrace change. Ready? Here we go:

1. Give up your need to always be right. There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?” Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?

2. Give up your need for control. Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.” Lao Tzu

3. Give up on blame. Give up on your need to blame others for what you have or don’t have, for what you feel or don’t feel. Stop giving your powers away and start taking responsibility for your life.

4. Give up your self-defeating self-talk. Oh my. How many people are hurting themselves because of their negative, polluted and repetitive self-defeating mindset? Don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are better than that.

“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive.” Eckhart Tolle

5. Give up your limiting beliefs about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. From now on, you are no longer going to allow your limiting beliefs to keep you stuck in the wrong place. Spread your wings and fly!

“A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” Elly Roselle

6. Give up complaining. Give up your constant need to complain about those many, many, maaany things – people, situations, events that make you unhappy, sad and depressed. Nobody can make you unhappy, no situation can make you sad or miserable unless you allow it to. It’s not the situation that triggers those feelings in you, but how you choose to look at it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

7. Give up the luxury of criticism. Give up your need to criticize things, events or people that are different than you. We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and we all want to be understood. We all want something, and something is wished by us all.

8. Give up your need to impress others. Stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not just to make others like you. It doesn’t work this way. The moment you stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not, the moment you take of all your masks, the moment you accept and embrace the real you, you will find people will be drawn to you, effortlessly.

9. Give up your resistance to change. Change is good. Change will help you move from A to B. Change will help you make improvements in your life and also the lives of those around you. Follow your bliss, embrace change – don’t resist it.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” Joseph Campbell

10. Give up labels. Stop labeling those things, people or events that you don’t understand as being weird or different and try opening your mind, little by little. Minds only work when open. “The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” Wayne Dyer

11. Give up on your fears. Fear is just an illusion, it doesn’t exist – you created it. It’s all in your mind. Correct the inside and the outside will fall into place.
“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

12. Give up your excuses. Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.

13. Give up the past. I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.

14. Give up attachment. This is a concept that, for most of us is so hard to grasp and I have to tell you that it was for me too, (it still is) but it’s not something impossible. You get better and better at with time and practice. The moment you detach yourself from all things, (and that doesn’t mean you give up your love for them – because love and attachment have nothing to do with one another,  attachment comes from a place of fear, while love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.

15. Give up living your life to other people’s expectations. Way too many people are living a life that is not theirs to live. They live their lives according to what others think is best for them, they live their lives according to what their parents think is best for them, to what their friends, their enemies and their teachers, their government and the media think is best for them. They ignore their inner voice, that inner calling. They are so busy with pleasing everybody, with living up to other people’s expectations, that they lose control over their lives. They forget what makes them happy, what they want, what they need….and eventually they forget about themselves.  You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.

Source: http://www.purposefairy.com/3308/15-things-you-should-give-up-in-order-to-be-happy/

Torn

I really want this both!

Iphone 4s or new IPAD?

I think I'll go with the new IPAD though I heard so many bad reviews about it (thick, heavy, and it gets hot while using it.) Also, front camera is just VGA (same as IPAD 2). Hmmm. I need a sign. Just one week to think.

Surviving Valentines Day

 

Why am I even writing this blog about Valentines day? Just "Diether Ocampo" drama? haha. Well I am spending another V-day alone again.. just like every year. Well for all the single ladies like me, it is the lamest day of the year. Of course, as much as possible I want to skip this day because I am jealous to all the couples out there. But do I have a choice? So based on my experience, I think some tips are needed to get through it.

1.) Avoid malls and restaurants - Of course, do you want to see all the cheesy Vday stuff around you?

2.) Watch your favorite family/cartoon/comedy movie - Cheaper by the Dozen, Home Alone, Brother Bear always works for me.

3.) Hit they gym! - Thankfully, Vday this year is my favorite day at the gym because of my favorite class. Just enjoy the class.

4.) Go home early. Sleep early - If there is no overtime at work, go home and sleep.Who doesn't want to sleep at least 8 hours?

5.) Pray - Go to church, thank Him, and pray that you may finally meet your one true love.

6.) Spend your day with your closest friends or family - doesn't need personal appearance. It can be via text, chat, FB, email. Whatever seems to work between you.

7.) Chocolates!!! - This is the best tip for me. Buy your most favorite chocolate. For me, it adds happiness to all the hopeless romantics like me.

8.) Greet your crush/someone special - there will always be that someone in your life. Well a simple text message will do.

9.) Do not swallow the fact that you are single - is this vague? Well, still believe that you are amazingly beautiful and someday someone will be so lucky to have you.

So there you go. Now you know how I am surviving Vday alone every year. Happy Valentines everyone! Always remember to greet everyone with love no matter what your relationship status are. Of course, I am just feeling sentimental and sad during this day of the year, but I guess it's natural. We all want to feel loved. So while you are still waiting for that someone, make sure to surround yourself with the best love you can find! Keep the hopes alive!

Steve Jobs Quotes & Advices

Steve Jobs was born on February 4, 1955 in San Francisco, California. He was adopted by a lawyer named Paul Jobs because his real mother wanted a baby girl.

Few years later, Steve   Jobs went to college but decided to drop out because it was too expensive for him to support himself.

Steve said that he didn’t have a dorm room, so he slept on the floor in friends’ room. He returned coke bottles for 5 cents deposits to buy food. And he would walk 7 miles across town every Sunday night just to get a good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple.

At the age of 20, he and his friend Wozniak started a company in a garage on April 1, 1976. Later, the amazing duo started the Apple I at the Computer Club in California, but before that, in order to buy 50 machines the duo need to sell first their most expensive possessions including Jobs ‘Volkswagen. 

Apple was named in the memory of a happy summer he had spent as an orchard worker in Oregon.

However, in 1982, Apples sales sagged because of competition from IBM. Not wanting to dwell on these failures, they worked on a new machine called Macintosh. By 1986 the Mac, was a huge success, Apple computer had grown into more than 2 billion dollar company with over 4000 employees.

At the age of 30, however, was fired from the company he co-founded with Wozniak. He left the Apple after losing a battle over control with the Company CEO John Sculley.

Jobs said ,

“You’ve probably had somebody punch you in the stomach and it knocks the wind out you and you cannot breathe. The harder you try to breathe, the more you cannot breathe. And you know that the only thing you can do is just relax so you can start breathing again.”

‘I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.’

After five years, Steve Jobs started two new companies, NeXTstep and Pixar.

In December 1996, As apple was under immense pressure from rival Microsoft, Jobs convinces Apple to buy NeXT and make its software the foundation of the next generation Mac-OS. Steve Jobs was named Apples interim CEO in 1997.

Under his leadership, Apple returned to a more profitable company and introduced innovation such as the iPod.

Steve Jobs Quotes and Advices


“There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

“It’s really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.

"All external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."

Divisoria Smarts: 5 tips on How to Haggle Like a Pro

Divisoria Smarts: 5 tips on How to Haggle Like a Pro

By Carlo P. Mallo

Aug 25, 2011

Divisoria is not only a supplier’s haven, it is also a place to learn a lot about running a business and that includes negotiating for the goods you want at the price you want it, or at least close to it. For the ordinary person, it’s what is known as haggling.

Entrepreneur.com.ph asked Divisoria expert and Entrepreneur Philippines’ managing editor for the magazine Eileen Ang for five tips on how to haggle your way to cheap prices in Divisoria.

1. Start haggling for 50 percent off the price tag.

"Since they will not give it to you at the first price that you want, haggle for a very low price,” Eileen said. Usually, the deal ends at a 25 to 30 percent discount or halfway between the original price and the first bargain offer.

2. Don’t show interest for the product you are haggling for.

“Be ready to walk away if they do not give it at the price you want or refuses to bargain,” Eileen said. By feigning disinterest in the product, the store owner might give in to your price or work around it.

3. Scout around for cheaper prices.

“The first store does not have the cheapest prices, especially if it’s located by the entrance,” Eileen said. In most cases, the farther away the store is from the entrance, the cheaper the prices.

4. Use Chinese phrases.

It’s an urban legend but Eileen swears by it. By speaking a few phrases of the Chinese dialect,Fookien, you can actually work your way to cheaper prices. “Sometimes the store owners are more inclined to give discounts if you speak to them in Chinese,” Eileen said.

5. Don’t be obvious that it’s your first time.

“Show a little guile,” Eileen said. Unscrupulous store owners can take advantage if they sense that you are not used to the Divisoria-way and even give you higher prices.

Deal Sites in the Philippines

Deal Sites are the craze in the Philippines nowadays.

We know Filipinos are frugal by nature, always looking for the best deals, sales and discounts on everything. I must admit I am one of them. I check their sites everyday to know the latest deals.

Who doesn't want to buy discounted products, services, vacation packages, food, gift certificates, and a whole lot more from these sites?

Buying is easy and there are lots of mode of payments available - Credit cards, PayPal, and Bank payment. Once you buy a deal, just print the e-voucher and present it to the establishment you’ll use it for. Just like that.

Here’s a rundown on all deal sites available in the Philippines. Let me know if I miss something. My favorites are Ensogo, Cashcashpinoy, and Beeconomic. I think they have the best deals in town.

CASHCASHPINOY

BEECONOMIC

BUYANIHAN

ENSOGO

DEALGROCER

DEALSPOT

AWESOME

CITYPOYNT

PAKYAW

METRODEAL

TWANGOO

CRAZYDEALS

CLEVERBUY

LOCALROAM

YUGADEALS

CATCHTHEDEAL

PILIPINASBESTBUYS

SALAMAT

PH-DEALS

WOWDEALS

WEEMALL

GUPO

PLEJEE

NAKAMURAKA

DEALDOZEN

DEALIES

FRUGALPANDA

Ways on How to Stay Creative

10 Ways to Love

We know how hard it is to define LOVE but look what I found. The Bible itself has its concrete definition of what really love truly means:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

(1 Corinthians 13:4)

And now, here are the 10 ways to love according to the Holy Book:

Listen without interrupting

(Proverb 18)

He who answers before he hears-- his is the folly and the shame

Speak without accusing.

(James 1:19)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger

Give without sparing.

(Proverb 21:26)

All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.

Pray without ceasing.

(Colossians 1:9)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

Answer without arguing

(Proverb 17:1)

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Share without pretending

(Ephesians 4:15)

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Enjoy without complaint.

(Philippians 2:14)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing

Trust without wavering.

(Corinthians 13:7)

it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

Forgive without punishing.

(Colossians 3:13)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Promise without forgetting

(Proverbs 13:12)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life

So, spread some love my friend.. ♥

Chocolates: Good or Bad for Your Health?

Chocolates: Good or Bad for Your Health?

By Mirella Levin

There are four basic food groups: milk, dark and white chocolate, and chocolate truffles.

This well-loved treat has become one of the most popular and well known foods around the world. However, it is still uncertain as to whether or not it is good or bad for your health. There are also different types; white, milk and dark. Each of these types could potentially affect the body differently. Until recently, eating any of these types was always seen as guilty pleasure, but due to recent investigations, this delicious treat may have a new reputation of actually be good for your health.

Protecting Your Arteries

One of the main ingredients is the cocoa bean which contains some 400 different chemicals. Some of these can have various effects on our bodies and our health. An example of one of these is flavonoids. However, when we refer to these as an ingredient, they are known as flavonols. These can be found in large quantities in cocoa beans and have many positive attributes. They help reduce the risk of blood clots because they prevent the blood platelets from sticking together and thus forming clots. They can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems by preventing fat-like substances from oxidizing and clogging the arteries, which can often lead to a heart attack. Of the three types, the dark variety contains the largest quantities of flavonols.

Rich Mix of Beneficial Chemicals

Other substances in cocoa have been known to help the body process nitric oxide which is important for good blood flow and healthy blood pressure. One of the main benefits we gain from consuming this food is that is helps keep blood pressure down, increases blood flow and it helps promote a healthy heart. Another positive aspect is that it has higher doses of Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) compared to other foods such as blueberries, prunes etc. The ORAC measurement is a way of comparing how powerful an antioxidant is. Cocoa also contains three types of amino acids; tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine. These can all be found in large quantities. Two of the proteins are involved with the release of chemicals adrenaline and dopamine which is why we feel happy and somewhat energized when we eat this food.

A Natural Analgesic

It has also been shown that chocolate is a natural analgesic. This means that it lessens pain. There has been a long existing rumor that eating it can also help control menstrual cramps by lessening the pain. This has proven to be true for some women and this is because it is an analgesic.

Cholesterol - Getting Rid of the Bad and Increasing the Good

The dark variety is the “healthiest” of the three types as it reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (it is through oxidation that this cholesterol becomes “bad”) and it increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. It is suggested that by eating 6.7 grams of dark chocolate a day (or half a bar per week), a person can be at a lower risk of inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

The Right Kind - and In Moderation

In conclusion, this delicious food has some health benefits but this is only if consumed in moderation. If eaten too frequently or in large quantities, it can lead to obesity and other health-related problems. We can argue that it does contain some chemicals that can promote alertness, lessen pain and promote overall well-being. It has also been shown that the dark variety will lead to the most health benefits when compared to the milk and white types. Basically, the type and the quantity consumed determines whether this snack food is good for your health or not.

Sources:

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=8326 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923104408.htm https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/HEALTHbeat_030309.htm