Nifty Universe

The Mattress of Your Dreams

2011-12-16T14:48:00.008+08:00

Sleep is vital for productivity and beneficial to health and well-being. Scientific studies have deduced that if one misses adequate sleep for days, the following are impaired: reaction time, judgment, vision, information processing, short-term memory, performance, motivation, vigilance and patience.

According to findings at Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine, one’s body manages and requires sleep in much the same way that it regulates the need for eating, drinking and breathing. The studies further show that “sleep plays a vital role in promoting physical health, longevity, and emotional well-being. Sleep benefits are extensive and can make a difference in your quality of life, as well as the length of your life. Therefore, it is vital to place a priority on getting ample, consistent sleep.”

With this, the bed becomes the most important piece of furniture in your home, what with the amount of time you spend sleeping so it is also equally important that mattress choice shouldn’t be a matter of losing sleep over. A mattress may be costly, but it is an essential item you will keep for about 5-7 years on average. With our health and well-being heavily dependent on having a good night's rest, the price no longer becomes an issue.

To help you decide which mattress to choose, Uratex has an extensive line that addresses the needs and caprices of different personalities. Part of the RGC Foam Group, Uratex is the largest manufacturer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam products in the country. Through world-class manufacturing practices and a strong culture of excellence, the Group has become the most dominant player in the local foam industry and one of the leading foam-makers in Southeast Asia.

The original Uratex Foam Mattress is a testament to the Uratex brand’s reliability. More popularly called as the mattress with the “blue foam” and known for its durability, support and comfort, the Uratex Foam Mattress has since become largely imitated and remains a top-selling brand among consumers with basic bed requirements. Uratex Foam Mattresses comes with a 5-year warranty.

For its healthy attributes, a Uratex mattress highly recommended is the Permahard Mattress, which is 20 percent harder than Uratex Foam. Often called the “yellow foam,” Permahard, with a warranty of 7 years, is doctor-recommended for those who need an “orthopedic mattress.” The Uratex Comfort Plus mattress, meanwhile, is designed putting a person’s weight into consideration. It has the same high-quality character of Uratex foam but packed with more-than-enough polymer that can support heavier users and has the ability to withstand rigorous usage. It comes with a 10-year warranty.

Brilliantly designed for your ultimate comfort, the Uratex Premium Touch Viscoluxe Memory has an advanced and combined pocket-spring system and body-molding memory foam for soothing indulgence. Sensitive to body heat and weight, the memory foam gently conforms to body contours to relieve pressure points and create a comfortable cocoon. The pressure-free sensation allows the joints and spine to be in natural alignment. Overall, the mattress provides an all-over feeling of relaxation and comfortable sleep, minus the tossing and turning. This is the mattress for the hardworking, corporate-driven who leads a sedentary life in the office.

Sleep helps the body make repairs, the mantra of those who swear on the benefits of “beauty sleep.” For that, Uratex’s K Everyday Premium perfectly addresses the specific warmth, comfort, style and sleeping requirements of the Filipino woman. Its fusion of impeccable style, superior quality and unwavering benefits gives you celebrity-style slumber! Who knew that a mattress could be so glamorous and comfortable at the same time? K Everyday® Premium Mattress’ contour foam support design provides the support needed to key pressure areas of a woman’s body like the head, shoulder, pelvis, legs and feet. A firm edge support has been included to prevent you from collapsing as you sit on the side, and treated with Sanitized® to keep it fresh and protected from germs and dust-mites.

A good night’s sleep helps slow the ill effects of a highly stressful lifestyle and help lower blood pressure and stress hormones, so take the Uratex Senso Memory Foam Mattress, designed for comfort, health for the best sleep ever. Say goodnight and goodbye to: back, neck, shoulder, leg and joint pains, headaches, muscle aches, sciatica, bed sores, pressure points, numbness, stress, fatigue and insomnia. Made of high-quality memory or visco-elastic foam originally developed by NASA to reduce the extreme pressure exerted on astronauts during takeoff, it is treated with Sanitized® for safe and effective protection against bacteria, fungi, dust mites, mold, mildew and unpleasant odor.

For pain relief, Orthocare, the “therapeutic” mattress, is Uratex’s hospital-quality mattress created to help sleepers with back pain problems. It combines a high-density polyurethane mattress and multi-zone topper with breathable open-pored cell structure, with a fashionable jacquard-woven damask fabric treated with Sanitized®and quilted embroidered cover with an elegant, classic design.

Millions of Filipinos, especially infants and children, suffer from allergies caused by dust mites and other germs and microorganisms found at home. Purifoam® by Uratex® was designed to help address this and satisfy the need for a mattress that offers protection against allergy-causing microbes. Treated with Sanitized® to provide long-lasting, safe and effective protection against bacteria, fungi, dust mites, mold, mildew and unpleasant odor, Purifoam is of superior quality and made with first-class knitted fabric cover to create an exceptional combination of strength, comfort and long-lasting protection.

The Therapoint Mattress, on the other hand, is a superior grade, high resilient foam that provides a perfect balance of comfort and support so that you can enjoy deep, sound sleep night after night. It uses the Coolmax® Technology Mattress cover, a high-performance fabric that dries fast compared to others and balances body moisture and minimizes tiredness caused by perspiration and maximizes sleep quality. Therapoint® Mattress is one of the most durable and long-lasting foam mattresses ever designed, best suited to athletes and highly active individuals.

For the designer label-obsessed, there is Trapunto by Rajo Laurel. Meaning “to embroider” in Italian, Trapunto is a classic European quilting style known for its delicate elegance and exquisite beauty. Exclusively designed by Rajo Laurel, one of the country’s most celebrated fashion designers, this specialty mattress offers a new level of luxury, support and comfort. With a contoured cut and knitted fabric cover, Trapunto provides a soft, plush feel for a cool and relaxed sleeping experience. Both foam and cover are treated with Sanitized® so you’re assured of effective anti-microbial protection. Being a 3-zone mattress, Trapunto ensures superior support in the shoulder, lumbar and hip areas.

For comfort, for health, for the best sleep you’ll ever have, there is a unique Uratex mattress for you. Sleep better, feel better, live better.

Check out the Uratex Website, http://www.uratex.com.ph or call the Uratex Customer Hotline at 888-6800 for more details about Uratex products.

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Reference: Irish Santos
AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc.
706.1971/393.4028

Office and Family Kris Kringle Gift Ideas

2011-11-23T11:46:00.004+08:00

At the start of November, I noticed that lots of visitors arrived at my other sites looking for kris kringle gift ideas. Maybe they were given assignments to organize their office or family kris kringle. Or maybe, theirs had already started.

Kris Kringle is simply another name for Santa Claus. But it is often referred to as the secret exchanging gifts or manito-manita. For most offices, and even families and communities, it’s that event when you give something-something to your kris kringle. Organizers and participants have to be creative in coming up with the craziest kris kringle gift ideas.

Something to Give to Kris Kringle

The common practice is to give a gift a day to your kris kringle, based on the agreed gift description and minimum price. Something-something, I often call it. For example Day 1 is something round. Then Day 2 is something red and Day 3 is something made of rubber. If you give your first gift on Day 3, you have also to complete the gifts for the first two days. Others just give one time, a combination of all the required gifts. In the example above, one may give a red rubber ball to complete the 3.

In some offices, there will be a day when you have to give something naughty. Others play a combination of something naughty, wet, long and made of rubber. The imagination is the limit.

Something sweet, funny, blue, red, yellow, brown, square, long, hard, hairy, naughty, edible, old, black, curly, soft, techie, odorous, cold, warm, nifty, made of rubber, practical, round, green, huggable, useful, spicy, bouncy, sticky, etc…

The gifts we give often reflect on the personality of the giver. There are even times when conflicts arise because of some very naughty kris kringle gift ideas that other people find offensive. So, when organizing, or even choosing a gift for your officemates and family members, here are some tips to consider:

1. Be sensitive – Some weight-loss pills to an obese colleague may not be appropriate. If she/he’s your boss, wait till your performance appraisal comes out. Yay!
2. Give according to your means – Don’t shoplift just to give her gift wish. Zero interest plans are very enticing, isn’t it? Some nifty items can be bought at some discount stores.
3. Think about the recipient – What does he/she likes for Christmas? If she’s collecting items, say coffee mugs or Disney characters, give her something to add to her collections.
4. Give cheerfully – Give with a smile. No, not that wicked smile, but one coming from a good heart.

Enjoy your kris kringle friends!

The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton

2011-04-28T09:18:00.002+08:00

Everybody from London to Mexico and even in the developing countries like the Philippines are abuzz with the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this April 29, 2011 at the Westminster Abbey. This could be the royal wedding of the decade which only Prince Harry can surpass if he gets hitched within the next nine years with a love story that can outdo that of his brother.

So how did they Prince William and Kate Middleton meet? What is their love story? To put it succinctly, they’re college sweethearts. Love struck in their first year at St Andrews University, got rocky somewhere after college during his army time, yet ended up engaged because they could not afford to lose each other.

This Royal Wedding is like a fairy tale – handsome prince meets Cinderella, without the magic and missing shoe. This is a tale that could not be matched by any ordinary man at this moment.

And yes we heard stories of how the world goes gaga over this Royal Wedding. Search it online and they are there. A Mexico lass was reported to have camped outside the British Embassy in Mexico so that her wish of witnessing a royal wedding will come true. Someone sponsored her ticket and she’s now on her way to UK. It’s not yet sure if she’d be given entry when she arrives at a UK airport.

A former homeless young lady in London got a personal invite from the Prince. A Rogue uncle also got invited but two former Prime Ministers got snubs. Some big names celebs got invites, while others expressed of attending even without invites. Is gate-crashing allowed?

My aunt, who is based in UK, forgoes overtime work and double pay so that she can witness this once in a lifetime event. She happily posted a picture on Facebook with her posing with the Royal Wedding poster as a background.

Again, for those who want to know the date of the Royal Wedding, it is set on Friday, April 29, 2011. It will officially begin at 11 a.m. at the Westminster Abbey. It will also be a UK Bank Holiday so that everyone gets a chance to watch it live or from their TV sets.

Kitchen Cabinet Maker in Cebu

2010-05-06T23:54:00.004+08:00

Are you looking for a high qualitykitchen cabinet maker in Cebu? You've come to the right place.

For quotes, call Emily at (6332) 422-7118.

This post is brought to you by wpfurniture.com, your kitchen cabinet maker in Cebu.

Blogging and the Visitors from the Search Engines

2009-10-11T10:38:00.001+08:00

I haven't written a post here for more than three months. To my readers, if I ever have one, please accept my apologies. It's not that I quit blogging, it is just that I am so busy these days. I have more or less ten blogs to maintain, and I can only update 3 or 4 of them.

And this blog quite has no direction at all. hehe. But it has traffic. Yep, visitors from search engines. I am on page one when you search for Beach wedding venue in Cebu, and Cebu Garden Wedding Venues. I used to occupy Google's top spot when you search for the later.

That single post alone which I linked above got more than fifty inquiries about the wedding venue. My knowledge on search engine optimization helped me market the place. Despite the fact that there is another website dedicated to Wedding Venues in Cebu, I still managed to top on certain long-tail keywords.

But sometimes, it is frustrating too when some hijacker comes around.(she's a visitor from the search engines too) She gets the list of those who posted their emails here, then she sends them wedding coordination offers, etc... She even shamelessly introduced herself as our partner wedding coordinator, or something to that effect. She even had the guts to call the venue owner and asked for some commissions.

I got her name. I noticed that is her habit to comment on wedding websites, leave her email ad and offer her services. A schoolmate of my wife in high school, who happened to inquire about the wedding venue, told us about the guerrilla marketing tactics of this wedding coordinator. I am sure some people, who found the Punta Engaño wedding venue through this site, hired her services too.

Anyway, this post is not to discredit her. And if you have hired that person and is dissatisfied with her services, go rant somewhere else. If she did well, then it's fine with us.

I better transfer my wedding venue posts to my wordpress blogs wherein I can protect our potential clients. This is no longer about blogging anything under the sun. Blogging is indeed a tool to promote one's business.

p.s. In a few weeks, I will put up a website for our Furniture and cabinet-making business. I have already bought the domain. Watch out for it!

Federer vs Nadal vs Murray

2009-07-03T01:00:00.002+08:00

Federer, Nadal or Murray? These are not the three stooges. These are the top 3 men's player in the world today. Nadal is currently no.1, followed by Federer at no.2 and then the Scot, Andy Murray.

If you think Federer is still number one, you must have skipped a year. Nadal took the honors when he stopped Roger from getting the elusive sixth straight Wimbledon title. That was a year ago. And now, it's Wimbledon time again. I might say though that after this grass season, Federer may end up no. 1 again. He won the 2009 French Open title, his first at Roland Garros. He's now an all-time great and he got trophies in every Grand Slam. It somthing that Pete Sampras could envy.

Nadal isn't around to defend his title this year. He pulled out due to injury. He is still young. He'd better recuperate and not put his health at risk. He has the US Open to look forward to, and then of course, the tournaments next year. Fans will have to watch a Federer vs Murray at the Wimbledon finals. I really want this to happen.

Life Without Cable TV

2009-05-27T00:22:00.003+08:00

We used to have cable TV. But we decided to cut it off because we're not the ones benefiting from it most of the time. With busyness at work, we no longer have the time to scan the channels.

Of course it was different in the early days wherein we never fail to watch our favorite daily animes. But as time passed by, we just forgot the shows we were once addicted to.

But what I missed most are those dawns when I stay awake the night before just to watch the Champions League games. Tomorrow, it will be Barcelona vs Manchester United. Last year, I watched the finals at aunt's house. The other year, I was at a hotel room in Manila. And now, I have nothing.

But I did not lose hope. A colleague from Cebu is staying at a hotel near our workplace. His room has two beds and luckily for me, he has cable TV. I was quick to make arrangements. So tomorrow, I'll buy snacks and watch the game live on my favorite sports Channel. Manchester United vs Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions' League finals is a football game I don't want to miss.

Oh, Sports!

2009-05-20T21:18:00.003+08:00

When I was a kid, nobody prodded me to join in any sports activities. But you know, kids would also want to try what the big guys were doing. We don’t have any Playstation then so it was more of the outdoor activities.

I enjoyed very much my childhood days wherein we are carefree and we can just play any sports we wanted. We didn’t have that much sports equipment but we still managed to enjoy sports by using the basketball in the rounded ring, in volleyball, and even in soccer. Imagine kicking the basketball with our small and bare feet.

We even played baseball with a meter-long piece of lumber as our bat and the green tennis bald ball instead of the real leather baseball. Oh well! Poor us!

Nowadays, we are so fortunate to have online sports shops wherein you can buy any sports equipment, anytime. Shopwiki has all you need when it comes to sports. It searches the web and lets you choose from the many online sports stores, wherein you can get the best deals and the best prices. I’m looking at the Spalding Volleyball right now. It’s been months since I played real volleyball. The other week, I was disappointed that we used a cheap rubber ball in our beach volleyball matches during the company’s summer outing. My arms hurt even until now.

Cebu Garden Wedding Venues: Under The Mango Trees

2009-04-11T23:44:00.006+08:00

How about under the mango trees for a garden wedding venue? For the Catholics, any place outside the Church are only for the wedding receptions. For the non-Catholics, any venue is as good as anywhere else. Even under the mango trees.

I'm not really kidding. If some people wed in a skydiving or scuba diving trips, why can't two people say their vows under the mango trees? Seriously though, some worms might fall on your plate.

The picture above is located in Victoria Park, Liloan. They're renting out the place for a wedding venue, for receptions, or for any party or activity. The rent is P4,500 including lights and sounds. If you want to check the place, go to Liloan. There's a road to the right after San Roque Development Center. The garden is located in front of La Playa Subdivision. It's difficult to miss the sign board.

So, just imagine the blue afternoon skies for your wedding, and the twilight hues during your reception under the mango trees.

Flowers To Cebu This Valentine’s Day

2009-02-04T22:00:00.007+08:00

Do you know where to order flowers for your lady this Valentine’s Day? It’s easy. Use any internet search engine, type flowers and the area you would like to find a supplier. Say for example: Flowers to Cebu. There you will find online flower shops that offer to deliver flowers to your love any time of the day.

But the price isn’t cheap. As I understand this business, prices quadruple a few days before Valentine’s Day. You can hardly find a bouquet that sells under P1,000. And if there are any, it is only about three stems of roses and a few add-ons.

As I have posted here last year, my wife is into this flower business. We accept flower orders for all occasions. But mostly our customers are our friends and acquaintances since we have not really put our full focus on this one. Some even asked pictures. What I can provide now are those posted here under the label “Flowers”. No two bouquets are arranged similarly.

If you want to send flowers to a special someone in Cebu, we would be glad to be of help. We are selling bouquets of a dozen roses and assorted flowers for P1,500 ($32)(updated December 2009), free delivery within Cebu and Mandaue cities. You can pay thru paypal or thru BPI bank deposit. Please email me at noverei[at]gmail.com for orders and inquiries. Please place your orders at least 72 hours before schedule of delivery.

Help The Cagayan De Oro Flood Victims

2009-01-17T01:03:00.006+08:00

It's been a while since I last posted here. To those who left their comments, don't worry because I read them all. It's just that I was busy to reply and my mind was somewhere else. I wasn't even aware of the situation at Cagayan de Oro, and the flood that brought large damage to many Cagay-anons.

I've been to Cagayan de Oro City many times, mostly on business trips. And I must say that it is one beautiful city.

But the recent flash floods left hundreds of thousands homeless and lacking food. The city needs our help.

Chiq Montes, the designer of this free template I am using, is calling for help. She and the CDO bloggers will have a feeding project for the flood victims. They are asking for $3 paypal donation. If your heart tells you to give more, then why not. Check this post by Chiq to know more about the details:
$3 for Cagayan de Oro City, PH Flash Flood Victims

Flowers And Cupcakes

2008-12-01T14:26:00.006+08:00

Flowers and cupcakes instead of the usual birthday cake. Here's a picture of another of my wife's creations: Flowers and cupcakes for the 18th birthday of her niece, Jinky.

It's a 100 cupcakes in a specially built cake stand, decorated with flowers like roses, gladiola and millions.

More here: Cupcakes and flowers pictures and designs for weddings and birthdays

David Cook’s New Album and Light On Lyrics

2008-11-18T17:54:00.004+08:00

David Cook’s new album is set to be released today, November 18, but I could not find any news as I searched the net. Maybe because there is still a few hours left before the Recordings/RCA releases the album. David Cook is the winner of American Idol Season 7 and has got one of the most promising voices. I rooted for him.

For the meantime, here is the lyrics of “Light On”, his official debut single:

Light On

Never really said too much
Afraid it wouldn’t be enough
Just try to keep my spirits up
When there’s no point in grieving
Doesn’t matter anyway
Words could never make me stay
Words will never take my place
When you know I’m leaving

Chorus:
Try to leave a light on when I’m gone
Something I rely on to get home
One I can feel at night
A naked light, a fire to keep me warm
Try to leave a light on when I’m gone
Even in the daylight, shine on
And when it’s late at night you can look inside
You won’t feel so alone

You know we’ve been down that road
What seems a thousand times before
My back to a closing door and my eyes to the seasons
That roll out underneath my heels
And you don’t know how bad it feels
To leave the only one that I have ever believed in

(Chorus)

Sometimes it feels like we’ve run out of luck
When the signal keeps on breaking up
When the wires cross in my brain
You’ll start my heart again
When I come along

(Chorus)
--- --- ---

I hope that his album will reach the Philippine shores fast. I want to buy one.

Flowers for the Church

2008-11-12T11:21:00.006+08:00

Who says that you should only decorate white flowers at the church altar? Although white is associated mostly with a formal setting, you can actually make a colorful church altar using colorful flowers. Here's some pic of the flowers arranged by my wife for our church:

You might want to know the rules of flower arrangement. But the general rule in arranging flowers for church is: Do it for the LORD and not for the churchgoers to appreciate.

Goodbye Cbox

2008-11-11T18:09:00.003+08:00

Today I'll drop my Cbox. If you don't know what it is, it's tagboard wherein visitors make their presence felt by leaving a message, either a legit one or a spam.

The Cbox (or Tagboard) has its wonderful uses. But I think I'll do away with it for now. If my readers want to leave a message, they just have to comment in any of my post. A legit commenter can read and input the image that will appear before they click the submit button.

I think it's better that way.

Another Year?

2008-10-31T17:50:00.002+08:00

This blog turns 1 today. Congrats to me! Not so big a feat though, unlike my early weeks when this site, despite being only 75 days old, got a PR3. Then, the spank. I wasn't even earning big bucks and seems like the big G dashed all my hopes. Only a few PP but a big black-eye.

So what's next? Another year? Or transfer all my contents to my own domain and hosting? I'll wait for the next update, and rethink from there.

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

2008-10-17T18:07:00.003+08:00

Do you want a unique and unusual name for your baby? Some do. And there are some who accuse parents of making the lives of their children difficult and miserable because of their given names.

If you have uniquely ugly name, would you name your son after you? I won't name names here. What is ugly to me may not be to you, and vice-versa. What is really in a name? I think it is just the brand that we carry everyday. Names are just names that could also be a misnomer.

My parents named me Nove-Rei, with a hyphen and a capital R. You cannot find it in the catholic almanac or even in the internet listing of unique baby names. Some people address me as Miss and I have a lot of times called their attention. I am a Mister not a Miss, and not even resembling one. But I don't get offended at all. Everyone makes mistakes, and mine is a generic one. You can even name your dog or your cat after me. hehe.

My parents explained that they got my name from my birthmonth (November) and the name of my mom's cousin (Rei). A teacher once told me that my name comes from Latin with the translation "New King". Should I be proud of that? Or is it just a misnomer for I do not have a kingdom?

Now a niece of my wife is named Shunzhine. I do not know if it is intentional or just misspelled. You know, those mistakes committed by plenty of parents when they accidently misspell names entered in the birth certificate.

So, how do we name our own babies someday? Or even names of nephews and nieces if we are asked to suggest a name. Here is a short guide:

1. Think of the baby's future - Is he/she going to love the name you will give him?
2. Agree with your spouse - Don't fight and make the naming a source of conflict
3. Consider the intials or the overall sounding of the name when read aloud.
4. Consider your ethnic or religious background. Some uses biblical names. A fiendish name would make your child a laughing stock.
5. Consider the family's name. Don't name him after a notorious fugitive.

Hope this helps.

Beach Wedding or Garden Wedding in Cebu

2008-10-03T10:37:00.010+08:00

Beach Wedding or garden wedding? For the devout Catholics, this is not possible these days because priests are no longer allowed to officiate weddings outside the Church. For the non-catholics, or if you wish to be wed by a judge or any other authorized person other than a Catholic priest, a beach or a garden wedding is a dream wedding.

Here are pictures of possible garden or beach wedding venues in Cebu.

Private Beach in Punta Engaño, Mactan,Cebu. It's actually both a garden and beach wedding venue combined. Interested parties can rent out this place for a day. Be the first one to use this place.

Chateau de Busay is a mountain resort in Busay Hills, Cebu. It has a an excellent panoramic view of the entire Cebu City and Mactan Island. An afternoon wedding would also be great, and you'll witness an exhilirating twilight and evening view of the city.

There are other possibles places you can choose from, especially those beach resorts in the Mactan, Cebu area. My wife and I even had our beach wedding in a resort that never had such event in the past. You can choose a venue that you like or seen in the internet and then, with the help of a wedding consultant, negotiate with the resort management.

Should you need assistance for a beach or garden wedding here in Cebu, just EMAIL ME at noverei(at)gmail(dot)com. DO NOT leave your email addresses here as some people not connected to me might use it for some unauthorized purposes.

p.s. thanks to Cyril for the photos and to the owners of Chateau de Busay for allowing us to take pictures of their place.

UPDATE:

Here are sample pictures of an actual wedding that took place in the venue:

I have Kevin to thank for the last two photos.

Lament On The Page Rank Toobar Update

2008-09-19T12:57:00.003+08:00

Looking at my Feedjit, there seem to be a lot of people eagerly waiting for the next Google page rank toolbar update in 2008. Their search led them to this site for having better SERP rank than the others. And if you happenned to read this entry, I too am waiting for the next page rank update.

Why? Coz I got zero. Nil. None of those green color. I don't have to repeat that I used to have PR3, and Google spanked me for doing sponsored posts without the "nofollow" attributes. It's been 6 months since I lost it. By now, the penalties should have expired.

Some have prayed to Google, flashing their prayers in their post. Some are quite demanding, as if Google has no right at all to take away their PR. I will not do either one of these. I'll just wait for the penalties to expire. The paid posts I had here were already buried deep in the pits of this site. Yeah, six months of hard labor should be enough to rehabilitate the blogger, doing the wrong thing using Google's own blogging platform.

My literary blog even has a PR1, and Google knows that it only has 5 or less visitors per day, and the inbound links are mostly from this site.

And if you want to improve your Page Rank aside from posting valuable entries regularly, make other blogs link to you using the following techniques.
1. Commenting strategies - E.g. Commentluv, dofollow, high trafficked blogs, and some link-baiting
2. Link exchange - Some are shameless in their approach. You can do the same or choose a more subtle or friendlier way.
3. Top commentator - Some bloggers reward their top commentators with a link
4. Top entrecard dropper - If you're in the entrecard community, choose well whom to drop.
5. Submission to blog directories

It's already September. If we are following the PR update trends, the next one should be within a few days, if not a few weeks. My outlook for this blog to regain its PR is slim. I have seen a few reconsiderations for other bloggers. I do hope I'll get one too.

No More Of the Paid Posts

2008-08-26T09:45:00.002+08:00

I haven't been to the sites where paid post opportunities were given for many weeks now. I almost forgot my log-in passwords. It's been a while since I wrote a sponsored entry. I lost interest when Google slapped me with a penalty that bought my pagerank to nil. It's also kind of frustrating when all the opps are for those with PR only and you have to race with others the very few available opps for those without PR. I know that some wait till dawn for a writing opportunity to come.

I also don't want to bid for a 300 worded entry that would require me to write positively on a product that I cannot relate and cannot possibly use in the near future. There would be less truth in that. I used to have fun writing entries then inserting a link somewhere at the bottom as if to conceal that paid post. Yeah, that was fun. But some readers would not like that.

For now, I am not doing any paid post. It's not the only way to make money online.

Future Florists of Cebu

2008-08-12T10:17:00.003+08:00

Future florists of Cebu, these young girls are. Trained by my wife, they started out decorating flowers for the church. With a minimal budget, they learned to buy the flowers from the market, and beautifully arrange them.

As I posted here many months ago, there are no rules for floral arrangement. As long as it looks beautiful and pleasant to the eyes, then it's already good enough.

No New Story

2008-07-18T18:24:00.003+08:00

It's almost a month since my last post here. It's really hard to keep up when you have so many blogs, and your internet connection is limited to some freebies. This post is even brought to you by a borrowed Smart Bro device.

What new story should I write? My literary blog has no update. My other blogs have one or two posts a week. Or even none. Am I running out of words and ideas? Is there anything new to blog about?

Actually there are so many things to blog about. But I can seem to start a post about them. It's not about lack of passion or action. Maybe I need some refreshing. Or am I into this blogging burn-out?

Garden Wedding In Cebu

2008-06-27T15:53:00.006+08:00

The garden pictured above could have been the venue of the wedding almost ruined by typhoon Frank last weekend. I said almost because no typhoon can postpone the exchanging of vows of two people who are deeply in love. Also, Chateau de Busay, has another covered venue in case of rain on the event day itself.

Let's us just say that it was a very windy wedding. I took a picture of the garden in case any of you would be interested. My wife, the planner and the floral arranger for that wedding did not really have a hard time with the adjustments. The restaurant's crew were all very helpful. The place is really an excellent venue for a garden wedding and reception here in Cebu.

Here are some newer pics of the place:

Should you need assistance for a beach or garden wedding here in Cebu, just EMAIL ME at noverei(at)gmail(dot)com. DO NOT leave your email addresses here as some people not connected to me might use it for some unauthorized purposes. My wife and I would be glad to be of help.

Boston Celtics is the 2008 NBA Champions!

2008-06-18T11:41:00.003+08:00

Boston Celtics is the 2008 NBA Champions! How long do we have to wait for the news to be announced? At early 4th quarter wherein Boston is leading by almost 30 points, it is impossible for the LA Lakers to resurrect from such insurmountable lead. Not even Superman or the Hulk can help them right now!

I never thought the Celtics could be so dominant. LA is supposed to valiantly fight back. Allen, Garnett and Pierce shone like no other. This is their time. (Sorry Kobe!) And the fans are rejoicing! Confetti will be showered anytime soon.

Woe to LA! Where is Kobe? Where is the Zen Master Jackson? It’s white and green all over the place. Final score is 131-92. Boston Celtics wins against LA Lakers in Game 6.

Blog Direction

2008-06-07T13:03:00.002+08:00

If you have read my latest posts, it seems that this has already become a sports blog. No, this is not part of my original intention. This Nifty Universe is supposed to be about everything, not just sports.

I'll have to do a lot of reworking for this blog. Maybe I'll transfer to a new domain, or a sub-domain. Maybe I'll do niche blogging, and perhaps try out niche marketing too.

I'll have to work on my my PR also. This blog used to have a PR of 3. I haven't done any sponsored posts for a while. So, if this blog won't receive any update by the next round, I'll surely move on to somewhere.

Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals

2008-05-31T13:04:00.004+08:00

I could have underestimated these two teams. My earlier post predicted a different scenario, but as they say, the ball is round. Now this 2008 NBA finals will be another classic, a rematch of the rivalries in the 80s.

Paul Pierce scored 27 points, to pierce the Pistons in Game six 89-81. Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett were also explosive combining for 33 points. I was hoping for a Pistons win but they fell short.

In the West, I felt that experience would have been a factor. But LA is hungrier, dethroning the defending champion in game 5. It's a sorry loss for the Spurs. Maybe they need some overhaul for 2009.

So, whom do I root for this 2008 NBA Finals? Any team but the Lakers. Go, Celtics! It's now your time, KG!

Detroit Pistons vs San Antonio Spurs in NBA 2008 Finals

2008-05-20T11:56:00.001+08:00

San Antonio showed its championship form by beating erstwhile challenger New Orleans Hornets 91-82. I know my friends were looking at the fresher teams for this decade, like Celtics vs Lakers or Celtics vs Hornets. But I am rooting for the strongest teams to reach the finals.

Boston showed its vulnerability by being mugged by lowly Atlanta before surviving Game 7. They were almost beaten single-handedly by LeBron James. That leads to the question: Can they survive the firepower and defense of the Pistons? The Celtics may have won two out of three against the Pistons this season, but it’s always different comes playoff time.

I am a Pistons fan since that time Chuck Daly coached Isaiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, John Sally, Mark Aguirre, Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars, and the rest of the squad that won back to back titles. So I am just stating my bias here.

Why the Spurs? I’m rooting for every team against Kobe. So, there! Detroit Pistons over San Antonio Spurs in 6.

This is just my prediction for the NBA finals. But a Celtics vs Lakers finals would also be a classic, a repeat of the Bird and Magic era. Of course, it’s minus the luster of the genuine stars. KG vs KB could not match the greatness of their predecessors.

David Cook vs David Archuleta: Inevitable Finale on AI 7

2008-05-17T17:16:00.002+08:00

I am not the only one who predicted that it would be a David Cook vs David Archuleta in the Finals. I think this has been decided by America weeks ago when they forgave little David's blunder on the lyrics, and focused on his smiles instead. The kid is doing great alright, and I am sure he captured plenty of hearts. To be in the finals is something he deserves.

So, what about David Cook? He's got a powerful voice that I'm sure I'd buy his album if it becomes available here in the Philippines. Yeah, really! That guy is a performer, and the way he interprets songs is very very different. If I heard it right, Simon Cowell even commented that David Cook could actually win the American Idol season 7.

I'm absolutely rooting for David Cook! He deserves to win.

Syesha Mercado Will Be Eliminated From American Idol 7

2008-05-07T17:23:00.005+08:00

This is just my brave prediction, even though others say that it's going to be Jason Castro who will go home this week. I don't really dislike her, but Jason is my bet, so why would I blog about his possible defeat?

So it will just be a top three finish for Jason, who really needs a miracle right now because of his catastrophic performance of late. Did they say he bungled on the lyrics? Syesha Mercado may not be eliminated after all, if the blunder is not overlooked by the voters. We'll have to wait and see.

It's very obvious that in the end, it will be a David Cook vs David Archuleta thing. It seems that America had already decided on the fate of these two. Well, good for both of them.

Who Will Feed The Children?

2008-05-02T16:26:00.004+08:00

This pic was taken during a children's feeding program led by my wife at a dumpsite in Mandaue City, Cebu. Thanks to the kind-hearted sponsor!

I'm sure we are all aware of the current food crisis the country is facing right now. Who will feed these poor children?

Mothers' Day: Flowers for Mothers

2008-04-26T14:44:00.006+08:00

It's almost Mothers' Day and I can't help thinking about what to give to my mother on this special day. Flowers!

It can't be denied that every woman loves flowers, and our mothers are no exception. Why don't we give flowers to our moms? Dad won't be jealous, anyway.

And for father's, giving flowers to their spouses on Mothers' Day is something of a loving appreciation.

Take note that Mothers' Day is on May 11, 2008. As usual, it's the 2nd Sunday of May. If you want to order flowers from us, just email me. We cater only to Cebu and Mandaue city clients.

American Idol: Missing Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele Malubay

2008-04-22T16:33:00.002+08:00

I miss the two pretty ladies on the idol stage.

24-year old Ms. Kristy Lee Cook was finally booted out last week. Many couldn’t believe she lasted that long after many stints at the bottom three. But I believe the girl got talent. I love her sing country music, and she’s really good at that.

When she was 17, she signed her first recording contract with BMI. She also tried modeling and featuring in some commercials. Performing on stage is not new to her. Placing 7th in American Idol Season 7 is not that bad. I know she’d do well after AI.

Now where is Ramiele Malubay? Is she in the Philippines? I don’t think so. If she is, it will be all over the news. I guess she’s busy appearing in some popular shows in the US. It will improve her stock.

Now, who will be eliminated next? I got the feeling that it will be David Cook vs David Archuleta in the finals.

Fictionalizing My Dad's Tales: The Magical Pebble

2008-04-16T16:18:00.003+08:00

I let some young people at church read my short stories. Like the Red Car, Flowers for Rachel and my Cebuano short story. They said they love the plot and the story as a whole but they all wished for a different ending.

Why? The sad endings affected them.

So I also let them read my Dad’s tales: Missing the Bus. They so liked the story that they felt sad for my dad's predicament (but happy that it ended well) and asked me whether the story was true or just fiction. “It’s true” was my reply.

Actually, I still have plenty of my Dad’s tales waiting to be put in writing. These are believe-it-or-not tales he narrated to us since we were small kids. Here is one of those tales:

- - x - - x - - x - - x - - x - - x - -

THE MAGICAL PEBBLE

In a small barrio in Argao, 9 year old Boboy and four neighboring kids his age were surveying the creek near their place. It was unusually flooded with water that morning even though it did not rain for the past two days.

“It must be raining in the mountains” Boboy thought. Dark clouds still hovered over the hills. But they didn’t mind the danger of being swept by the rising water or flash floods. They splashed themselves, screamed and enjoyed the moment.

Then from afar Boboy saw an object carried by the water current. It seemed to float but did not touch the water beneath it. It was some sort of magical levitation, which the kid did not understand.

“This could be a magical stone” he thought. Out of curiosity, he ran after it and eventually got hold of it. It was smooth, white and looked unusual for a pebble. It could be mistaken as deformed pearl. Then he called out the other kids and boasted of the object to their amazement. Malyn, an older cousin, ran home and brought a basin of water. The group tried putting the pebble in the basin. It just levitated by itself. The kids’ eyes rolled in amazement. Someone even suggested that Boboy can now become a superhero by swallowing the object. Boboy smirked at the idea. But he put the pebble in his hand and felt something strange.

It was then that Insi Asay suddenly appeared at their back.

“What’s the commotion all about?” she inquired.

Insi Asay is Boboy’s aunt, a first cousin of her mother. She was a thin lady, about fifty, with a squeaking voice, graying hair and a wrinkled skin. She lived with Malyn, in a hut a few meters away from the creek.

Boboy was still clenching the stone when all the other kids were pointing at him. “It’s in his hands” Malyn said.

Insi Asay’s eyes widened as she saw the object. She grabbed it from Boboy’s hand and took a careful look at it. It glittered in the sun as she raised it higher. “This is no ordinary stone. It’s not good for you to play this kind of object.”

The kids were speechless and Boboy lowered his head. Insi Asay put her arms on his shoulder. “I’ll keep this for you, Boboy.”

Boboy did not complain, for he never knew what it was. But Insi Asay got an idea. She heard of stories before about fairies and their kingdom in Mt. Lantoy. This object might have come from them since the source of the creek is from that mountain.

The next day Insi Asay set out to travel alone to Mt. Lantoy bringing with her the mysterious pebble. Boboy silently watched her from a distance. She saw him but never bothered to acknowledge the boy. Boboy looked down and felt a strange heat on his body. He was nursing a fever.

When Insi Asay returned from Mt. Lantoy, she declared that she now has a new mission: to heal sick people. She never told anyone about the details of her trip. That weekend, people lined up in their small nipa hut. Insi Asay poured oil on their heads, uttered a chant, and spat on their faces. Plenty testified of the miraculous healing. They even brought her gifts but she refused them all.

This got the attention of Boboy’s mother. Since the kid had not recovered from the fever, she brought him to Insi Asay. It was already dark when their turn came. Malyn served as the assistant. Then she whispered something to her younger cousin, “It’s the pebble. Insi Asay secretly kept it in the jar. It could be the source of her healing powers”. Boboy was too weak to say anything.

Insi Asay got out of her room and touched the sick kid. She immediately withdrew her hand as if tshe had touched a live wire. “What has gotten into this kid’s body?” she complained. Boboy’s mother did not say anything but tears flowed down from her eyes. Then oil was poured into the child’s head. Insi Asay started her chants. She grimaced as if something terrible was about to happen. She could not even touch the boy. She finally ended the ritual by spitting on his face.

“Yuck!” Boboy complained. That was all he could muster to utter.

Insi Asay got up immediately and was hysterical. She was clearly offended by Boboy’s reaction. “I cannot heal this boy. Something within him prevented me from doing anything.”

“But why?” Boboy’s mother asked.

For lack of better reasons, Insi Asay shouted. “He lacked faith. Bring her home with you. Out, out, out”. Then she drove them away. Boboy’s mother cried again, this time even louder. She lost all hope that night.

Boboy heard everything Insi Asay said. He just closed his eyes and prayed to God. He asked for healing and dedicated his life to him. He imagined stars, angels and heaven. He felt his head is about to burst. Then he fell asleep.

The next morning, Boboy got up early. This surprised her mother, who tried to stop him from going out. But he insisted that he has recovered. He gathered again his neighbors, the same kids who saw the magical pebble. They were amazed at his recovery and asked if it was Insi Asay who healed him.

“No. It was not her. Even though she got my pebble and healed other people, she was not able to heal me. She even drove me and my mother away.”

“So who really healed you?” asked the persistent kids.

“I prayed to God directly last night. I thought I was already going to die. I dreamed He touched my hand. He’s the one who healed me. He’s far better than that magical stone”.

The kids were only a few meters away from Insi Asay’s hut. She overheard them all and shook her head in disbelief. She was so sure that the kid will die of the sickness because she was not able to heal him. But Boboy was well and alive that morning, even claiming that God healed him. She went inside her room and looked at the jar where she placed the pebble. This magical object would surely bring her fame. But she began to doubt the source of her healing power.

BIR Tax Filing and Payment Extension

2008-04-15T18:55:00.004+08:00

(For Philippine Tax Filers)

In my previous post, I mentioned about web traffic for the e-filers. And today it happened. The BIR's eFPS (Electronic Filing and Payment System) encountered technical problems.

This posed a problem to those who waited for the last hour to file their returns and pay their taxes electronically. They have to file and pay manually, type the returns and issue checks. Plus they have to do it within the banking hours.

Good thing the BIR noticed the problem and immediately issued RMC 32-2008: "Permission and Extension of Deadline for the Manual Filing of Tax Returns of Taxpayers Enrolled in eFPS Due to Technical Problems Encountered in the eFPS environment.

Highlights are the following:

1. Manual filing for tax retuns due for filing and taxes due for payment on or before April 15, 2008 by all eFPS-enrolled taxpayers.

2. Prescribed attachments are still due for submission within fifteen days from April 15, 2008

3. Filing and payment is extended until April 17, 2008.

Take note that the extension are only for those eFPS-enrolled taxpayers. If you are filing manually, deadline is today. And if you had not done so, expect penalties, interests and surcharges.

Taxes, Filing, Payment and Rebates

2008-04-14T21:24:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow, April 15, is the deadline for tax filing and payment for the calendar year 2007. For those e-filers, it will be traffic in the web. You'd wished you had filed a month earlier.

In the past, employees are required to file ITR. Now, only the mixed earners are required. If you are earning purely on compensation, then you are not required to file. The BIR form 2316 employers give to the employee would suffice.

Are online earnings taxable? In the strictest sense, it is. There isn't any guideline on this yet. Maybe in the future. I think there is a sponsored post company that requires you to give your TIN if you from the US. It is most probably for tax purposes. They withhold something for tax and remit it to the IRS.

Many US tax filers get rebates. Good for them. We don't have that in RP, and if there is, it's a long process. Consider it a donation.

And speaking of taxes, I didn't know there is a "tax" in the advert sales and purchases in Entrecard. I only know about it late last week. What is it for?

Crystle Stewart Crowned Miss USA 2008

2008-04-12T16:02:00.003+08:00

Crystle Stewart, a 26 yr-old entrepreneur from Texas, was crowned Miss USA 2008, besting 50 other beauties. She will compete in the Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam in July.

Miss Stewart, of Missouri City, Texas, also runs a party-planning and motivational speaking company. She is also into modeling professionally. "I want to talk to people about how to set a goal and achieve it," she told The Associated Press after the show. "Because I just achieved my goal."

The beauty from Texas is one of a handful of black women who won Miss USA in the pageant’s 57-year history.

source: yahoo news and missusa.com

Herbalife

2008-04-11T22:12:00.004+08:00

Have you heard of Herbalife? It is a premier nutrition and weight-management company offering a range of science-based weight management products, nutritional supplements and personal care products to support weight management and a healthy lifestyle.

I tried their products twice. For free. They were promoting it during a local badminton tournament I participated. Before they gave me a drink, they checked some stats and offered advices about weight management. I obviously need one.

I think their product is effective having heard testimonies from users. If you need a Herbalife distributor nearby, they have this Herbal Nutrition Network. Much more if you are an independent distributor. This website, a directory of Herbalife independent distributors, will be very helpful to you.

And if you are a David Beckham fan, Herbalife supports his LA Galaxy team.

American Idol: David Archuleta vs David Cook

2008-04-11T01:51:00.010+08:00

Is it down to David Archuleta vs David Cook?

According to Reuters:

"American Idol" fans say baby-faced crooner David Archuleta will win the No. 1 television show's current competition, even though they picked rival David Cook as the most talented performer, an E-Poll/Reuters survey found.

This is not fiction. This is just a survey result which will put more pressure on the younger David. I have not seen the Give Back performance but basing on consistency, David Cook is clearly ahead. But then, it's the American votes that count and even the judges could not overrule that. These contestants are judged based on their last songs, and not on the previous nights' performance, or how good-looking they are.

I wonder how my bet, Jason Castro, is faring. I also hope that the pretty Ms. Kristy Lee Cook stays on till the final four.

The Blog Awards Challenge

2008-04-10T20:26:00.005+08:00

I first learned about it in Talksmart’s blog, but didn’t get the chance to revisit the site for the past three weeks. But today, I happened to hop into someone else’s site promoting the said challenge.

The Blog Awards Challenge

The Blog Awards Challenge is a blog competition combining literary skills, interactivity and peer polling. The Blog Awards Challenge is bi-weekly theme-based writing event for everyone in the blogosphere. A challenge is posted in the site every two weeks. Bloggers who wish to compete will write about the theme and post the entry on their respective blogs.

This competition is open to all bloggers, regardless of race, age and status. The first Theme will be posted on April 13, 2008. But before that day happens, they have a contest for bloggers promoting the Blog Awards Challenge. A nifty shuffle Ipod as a prize is not bad. But I’m actually looking forward for the challenge. Read more about the challenge and the contest rules in the Blog Awards Challenge website.

Carrie Underwood Broke Up With BF Using Text

2008-04-09T16:46:00.001+08:00

American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood revealed she broke up with Chase Crawford over text message. This is according to the internet edition of the Chicago Tribune. The whole thing actually happened months ago so this is stale news.

I thought only Pinoys do that, being the most text-crazy people in the world. Court thru text, propose thru text, send money thru text and broke up thru text. And I couldn’t believe it’s something new to the Americans.

Pretty Ms. Underwood utilized the digital technology to send her message across, “Peace out”. It could also be, “We’re done” or a simpler, “k bye”. Would it be any different if the break up message was sent thru email?

Entrecard's New Pricing: Too Expensive?

2008-04-08T19:15:00.005+08:00

From the Entrecard's Blog came this announcement dated April 7, 2008:

“Starting today, your ad price is determined solely by demand for your ad spot. Every time someone purchases, or applies to purchase an ad on your site, your price doubles. Every time an ad finishes running, your price halves.

To calculate your price at any given moment, just start at 2 credits, and double it for everyone waiting for an ad on your site. For example, if you have 5 people approved and stacked in the “On your widget” column of the dashboard, and 5 people waiting for approval, you would calculate 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, or 2 to the power of 10, which eqauls 1024 credits. And then in 24 hours, when an ad has completed running, their price would go down to 512. If no one bought an ad that day, tomorrow it would go down to 256. And then if someone bought an ad for 256, the price would go back up to 512.

So the price will actually fluctuate with each ad that has been bought and each ad that completes. If no one has bought an ad on you in a while, your price will get very cheap very quick. And if you want to buy an ad on a high-profile blog, you’ll be able to whenever you want, as long as you have enough credits.”

Some blogs had become ridiculously priced. Imagine the most expensive ones require 262,144 ec! At the current going rate of $6 per 1000 ec, that would be $1,572.86 cost for a 24-hr adtime!

Having joined entrecard a few weeks ago, I only have over 700 ec left in my account. I've already spent around 600 ec on ads in more than a dozen blogs. I am not sure if it was well-spent but I'm satisfied of the overall results. Maybe I just have to freeze ad buying for now coz it's just "too expensive" (i'm referring to the text on the entrecard boxes on blogs I couldn't afford).

But before someone pushes the panic button, try reading the entrecard blog first. Everything will be normalized in a couple of days, as they promised. So all we have to do is to hold on. And if you can afford advertising on these popular blogs today, why not?

Instant Web Traffic

2008-04-08T10:08:00.002+08:00

This blog was on its busiest the last few days. My average traffic quadrupled, my Alexa rank leaped by 4M, and my Izearank jumped by around 4k notches. What happened?

Two things: Entrecard and Key Words

Entrecard

Entrecard is your internet business card. See that icon under “blog of the day” in my right sidebar? That is my advertiser’s entrecard. Mine is advertised somewhere. This nifty advertising creation allows bloggers to advertise their blogs without spending a cent.

Whenever you visit a blog that has entrecard in it, you drop a card and you earn 1 ec. Whenever other blogggers visit your blog and drop a card, you also earn 1 ec. When others want to advertise on your blog for a day, you are paid a certain number of ec. When you want to advertise in others’ blogs, you pay them in ec depending on their price. There is an unwritten rule that when someone drops a card on your blog, you drop on them in return. Probably 50 – 60% of the entrecarders follow that. Register now if you want that instant traffic, and keep on dropping.

Hot and Burning Key Words

If you ask me why in the world I was writing about the bar exam results, the American idol, and even the UFC, I will tell you that it was just a strategy to invite traffic. And it worked. I didn’t just copy and paste from others. I had friends who took the bar, I was able to watch American idol in Q TV, and I am a fan of the UFC. That is why it is easy for me to write on such topics. I did not write about Ms. Dolly Parton, though that keyword was one of hottest in Google hottrends, because I don’t know her until the ‘Dolly Parton’ Week in American Idol season 7. I am a generation behind so forgive my ignorance.

Now back to the title. Why do I the need traffic for? It is for experimentation, monetization and motivation. How much money did I get for all those traffic? It’s laughable and forgettable. Maybe it is for now. I still have a lot to learn from the masters in terms of converting traffic into money. But again, these are just “instant” actions, and just like all other instants out there (e.g. instant noodles, instant drinks) may not be able to sustain a blog in the long run.

Missing Money: Really?

2008-04-05T18:22:00.002+08:00

Would you ridicule someone who actually forgets his money? I don’t think you have to do that. Forgetting is possible. One out of eight American has missing money to claim. Especially if you lose the necessary claiming documents and you happen to transfer to another place for a long period of time. Unclaimed checks disbursed thru banks cannot be released to anyone else. In this time of financial crisis in the US, it is better to try locating that missing money now. Who knows if you have millions of inheritance kept somewhere!

If you live in the US, you can search for your missing money and other unclaimed properties like, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, dividends, uncashed checks, wages, insurance policies, deposits, etc, in a website called MissingMoney.com. It’s a free national search endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. But you can’t just search for any one else’s money. Read their TOA to be sure.

I don’t have money in the U.S. so I won’t need the search now. But I’ll probably need it in the future.

Tags Here and There

2008-04-05T11:06:00.013+08:00

As I said somewhere in a comment to a post, I don’t necessarily pass on tags. People do tags for three things: The link, the recognition of others and the getting-to-know-you.

The Link

The link is important because it increases one’s ranking in google, technorati and izea. If not for monetization, at least it is something of a moral booster. When you put a link directing to someone else’s site, it is one way of giving them recognition. And if they happen to monitor their links, expect a return visit.

Some people enjoy doing and making tags just for the links and the rankings. It is not really a bad practice, but it is annoying to some. So my solution, especially if there are too many tags, is to lump them in one post, or do them weeks apart.

Recognition of Others

You might have seen them in the blogosphere. Awards are given like pies here and there and we tend to wonder why. So we follow some links and are just amused, if not disappointed.

But some take these awards seriously and is cautious when giving them out. They give what is rightfully due to others, and when you follow the link, you’ll certainly agree with the recognition.

The Social Aspect

Example you are tagged to list 25 things you want your readers to know about you. This is one of those getting-to-know-you tag. One cannot just be cloaked in anonymity forever and just jumble words to comply with the tag.

Here are two tags for link and getting-to-know-you:

How Happy Am I? It depends. When I answered this quiz many Saturday mornings ago, which is by the way a tag by Norm two months ago, I was 72% happy. Why not a hundred? It’s just what I felt right at the moment I took the quiz. But don’t pity me.

You Are 72% Happy

You are a very happy person. Generally, you feel content and that all is right with the world.

Occasionally, you have a down day - but you have the ability to pick yourself right back up.

How Happy Are You?

This next tag comes from Kris aka nightdreamer. 10 randoms things about me.

1. I am a leftie.
2. I know how to play tops and catch it in my palm while it is spinning in the air.
3. A classmate and I wrote a choose-your-own-adventure sequel to the “Little Prince” and submitted is as our English project in high school.
4. I got into trouble with a teacher when she accused me of throwing a crumpled paper at her while she wrote something on the blackboard. I swear it wasn’t me.
5. I am a subscriber of “Fortune” magazine
6. My office desk is so cluttered.
7. I’m a badminton addict (semi-retired)
8. My favorite football team is Chelsea FC.
9. I am a fan of Roger Federer and I cheer on every player opposite Rafa.
10. I watch Marimar (Marian Rivera version)

For the above two tags, I’m passing them on to the Istorya bloggers: Rhodz, Weli, Blurem, Paul, Empress, Tiborsho and Mai.

Guys, this is just a break from your money-making and key word optimization projects. So, tag on!

James Irvin vs Houston Alexander: Fastest Knockout in UFC

2008-04-03T19:26:00.003+08:00

8 seconds in Round 1. James Irvin rushed a brutal fist to knock Houston Alexander down and then landed two more punches while the latter was on his back. Referee Steve Mazzagatti jumped in and stopped the fight. Wow! That quick? It tied the previous UFC record set in 1996 when Don Frye knocked out Thomas Ramirez.

The swift decision did not sit well with the fans in Ultimate Fight Night 13. The two fighters could have danced around, choke, grapple, or maybe slam each other on the octagon. But then again, theirs is a real brawl unlike in WWE when almost everything is choreographed. A quick bloody fight is not entertaining but stoppage delays could also be fatal. These fighters can throw away lightning-quick strikes. So when the opponent is groggy, it's very easy to finish them off literally.

If I were an MMA fighter, the quicker the results, the better. But safety of the fighters is one of the foremost concerns in stopping fights.

Ramiele Malubay: Eliminated from American Idol Season 7

2008-04-03T10:44:00.002+08:00

I was worried for her last night. It was so-so and a forgettable performance for the Filipino-American Ramiele Malubay. Simon was right. Randy and Paula had nothing better to say too. The Dolly Parton week was not really meant for Ramiele. And America didn’t help. With the powerful performance of the other contestants, it was really a goodbye to her. Even the pretty Ms. Kristy Lee Cook performed better.

I saw the performance of the first seven and was quite intrigued at the lyrics of the song sang by Jason Castro. The guy has a very cool voice that I consider him much better on vocals than David Archuleta. So here’s the lyrics of the song Travellin’ Thru:

Travellin’ Thru by Dolly Parton

Well I can't tell you where I'm going, I'm not sure of where I've been
But I know I must keep travelin' till my road comes to an end
I'm out here on my journey, trying to make the most of it
I'm a puzzle, I must figure out where all my pieces fit

Like a poor wayfaring stranger that they speak about in song
I'm just a weary pilgrim trying to find what feels like home
Where that is no one can tell me, am I doomed to ever roam
I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' on

Questions I have many, answers but a few
But we're here to learn, the spirit burns, to know the greater truth
We've all been crucified and they nailed Jesus to the tree
And when I'm born again, you're gonna see a change in me

God made me for a reason and nothing is in vain
Redemption comes in many shapes with many kinds of pain
Oh sweet Jesus if you're listening, keep me ever close to you
As I'm stumblin', tumblin', wonderin', as I'm travelin' thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru
I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru

Oh sometimes the road is rugged, and it's hard to travel on
But holdin' to each other, we don't have to walk alone
When everything is broken, we can mend it if we try
We can make a world of difference, if we want to we can fly

Goodbye little children, goodnight you handsome men
Farewell to all you ladies and to all who knew me when
And I hope I'll see you down the road, you meant more than I knew
As I was travelin', travelin', travelin', travelin', travelin' thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin'
Drifting like a floating boat and roaming like the wind
Oh give me some direction Lord, let me lean on you
As I'm travelin', travelin', travelin', thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru
I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru

Like the poor wayfaring stranger that they speak about in song
I'm just a weary pilgrim trying to find my own way home
Oh sweet Jesus if you're out there, keep me ever close to you
As I'm travelin', travelin', travelin', as I'm travelin' thru

The Next Google Page Rank Update

2008-04-01T18:40:00.005+08:00

When is the next google page rank update in 2008? They say it used to be done quarterly. But now, who knows if it could be this day, this week or the next. I don't have insider information either. Some suggested that it could occur in the middle of April. That's 2 weeks from now!

This site, started in the last day of October, got PR3 in January 2008 but smacked in the March round. My cubicle neighbor got his PR3 in the late February update but lost it immediately within two weeks. Along with the lost PR goes the motivation to blog. But the disinterest was only temporary. We’re blogging like madmen again, even buying our own domains and hosting.

But hey, are we blogging for rankings? Other bloggers dismiss the importance of page rank or that green bar in the google toolbar. They say that it’s useless and serves only its creator. Even the mention of PR is a nuisance to their ears. But try saying that to a PPP postie with PR0. After the bonus post, they are just salivating at the many opps they’re not qualified to do. Izea’s ranking alternative is not yet fully applied leaving many in frustration.

There are others who are blogging for rankings. Not just the PR, but all other rankings that exist in the world wide web: SERP, Technorati, Izea, Ratified, Alexa, etc.. Ego tripping, huh! But if it’s for a living, it’s hard work.

While waiting for the next PR update, why don’t we just build our blog’s foundation: Content, design, traffic, links, etc…I’m planning to change my template to a more professional looking one. I still have to find something that pleases my eyes.

Update: The latest round of updates began April 29, 2008. This may last a week or more. The PR of this site, which used to be 3, was not reinstated by Google. But who knows what might happen in the next few days.

The SEO Experiment: 2007 Philippine Bar Exam Results

2008-03-30T22:08:00.004+08:00

The list of 2007 Phil Bar topnotchers and full list of passers are posted in here. (Or you just scroll down the post prior to this one)

However, it was really just an SEO experiment on my part. The lure of getting traffic, aside from the entrecarders, and landing in the early pages of google search are just too tempting. This site can be found on page 7. Those who were able to place on page 1 had done well in their optimization. It's not the SC website topping the search engines anymore. It's the blogs. But I'm not totally sure which keywords brought the traffic in. I'll check my webmaster tools later.

Having placed in the first 2 pages in the "Flowers to Cebu" keywords in google and the only blog among the flower shops, I stopped my experiment. I was engrossed with the sponsored post thing, which was easy money. That is probably why the big G swooped down my PR in their latest update. (Sunjun, this is the reason why I no longer have my PR)

Then there was my dotcom. It is really nice to have one and with a nifty-looking wordpress template. My best posts about blogging are in there. And for three weeks, it got nominated in some awards site. Too bad I was not good enough in campaigning. But I had problems too. Many times my site was inaccessible. Then, a day before its first monthsary, I messed up the files in the file server after the host reset the whole thing. So, my Blogcebuworld is still in limbo right now.

So this is blogging: blog for yourself, for the readers, then for the search engines.

2007 Philippine Bar Exams Results Here

2008-03-29T17:20:00.004+08:00

Congratulations to everyone found on this list! Both USC and UC Law Schools did not fail to impress us.

Congrats also the brod Paterno Bantilan Jr., CPA of Daniot Bantilan and Associates, for passing the bar exam. We'll just wait for your "bangka" brod when you come back from Surigao. Haha!

So, here's the list:

TOP TEN: (highlighted are the topnotchers from Cebu Schools)

1. Mercedita L. Ona, Ateneo De Manila University, 83.55
2. Jennifer Ong, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 83.35
3. Yvanna BL Maalat, Ateneo, 82.75
4. Jennie C. Aclan, University of San Carlos, 82.10
5. John Michael F. Galauran, University of Nueva Caceres, 81.60
6. Karen S. Canullas, San Sebastian College, 81.40
7. Cecille L. Mejia, Ateneo De Manila University, 81.35
Sheryl Ann D. Tizon, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 81.35
8. Marforth T. Fua, San Beda College, 81.20
9. Ruby M. Luy, Ateneo De Davao University, 81.15
10. Christian B. Llido, University of Cebu, 80.90
Vivian S. Tan, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 80.90

2007 BAR EXAMINATIONS RESULTS - LIST OF SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES

1. ABALUS, Karen Anne M.
2. ABARDO-ESTRADA, Imee M.
3. ABARQUEZ, Carlo E.
4. ABDULLAH, Princess Shanihar A.
5. ABELLA, Johanna R.
6. ABISO, Meriame Joy D.
7. ABLOLA, Maricez J.
8. ABUNDABAR, Rhys Michael S.
9. ACEDILLO, Noelle T.
10. ACENA, Anna Cecilia D.
11. ACERET, Shantel P.
12. ACERO, Francis Euston R.
13. ACHARON, Paolo Jay S.
14. ACHAS, Anne Lourdes R.
15. ACLAN, Jennie C.
16. ACOSTA, JR., Isagani S.
17. ADIN, Fatima Irene T.
18. ADIOVA, Agnes Z.
19. ADLAO, Joyce P.
20. ADRIOSULA, Dino M.
21. AFRICA, Cecille Marie A.
22. AGAMATA, Abraham A.
23. AGDA, JR., Victoriano T.
24. AGONCILLO, Gildu R.
25. AGOR, Cesar A.
26. AGPAOA, Magnum D.
27. AGTARAP, Jeffrey M.
28. AGUAVIVA, Ma. Aileen G.
29. AGULAY, JR., Norberto S.
30. AGUNOS, Farah C.
31. AGUSTIN, Oliver P.
32. AGUSTIN, Ronesito B.
33. AKILITH, Joseph A.
34. ALADIN-VIDALLO, Rhia N.
35. ALAGABAN, Cherilee B.
36. ALAPOT, Jeofrey R.
37. ALAYON, Marivic M.
38. ALBAO, Ismael A.
39. ALBAYTAR, Mylene C.
40. ALCASABAS, Ramon Manolo A.
41. ALDOVINO, Farah A.
42. ALEJANDRE, Maria Zenaida F.
43. ALEJANDRO, Elsie A.
44. ALFONSO, Maria Kathrina C.
45. ALFONSO, Ramon M.
46. ALILING, Jose Percival Z.
47. ALIMA, Joel A.
48. ALINAO, Michael A.
49. ALINAS, Milber G.
50. ALINOG, Joanah C.
51. ALIPAO, Ligaya G.
52. ALIPUDDIN, Jamecia S.
53. ALIÑO, Dennis C.
54. ALMAZORA, Madelyn Joy S.
55. ALMEDA, John Voltaire A.
56. ALMODAL, Jezebel L.
57. ALOJADO, Rommero O.
58. ALONG, Angela Sigrid J.
59. ALONTE, Ruby Christine C.
60. ALONTO, II, Abdul Gaffur Madki M.
61. ALONZO, Angelita B.
62. ALTAMIA, Eden M.
63. ALVAERA, Joseph Vincent B.
64. ALVAREZ, Ethel L.
65. ALVAREZ, Katrina Anne F.
66. ALVAREZ, Mercedes K.
67. ALVIAR, Myrvilen L.
68. AMADA, Aileen E.
69. AMATONG, Aldren Raye A.
70. AMBATALI, Marian Kristine V.
71. AMOLATA, Apple Cherrie S.
72. AMPARO, Maria Lourdes G.
73. AMPON, Dennis R.
74. ANARNA, Jinky Y.
75. ANCHETA, Ari N.
76. ANDAYOG, Michael S.
77. ANG, Alli T.
78. ANGEL, Joseph Angelo D.
79. ANGELES, Anna Asuncion P.
80. ANGELES, Ela DV.
81. ANGUSTIA, Joseph Domingo M.
82. ANICETE, Alexander Philip C.
83. ANILLO-JACINTO, Ma. Cristina P.
84. ANONGOS, Juliana N.
85. ANTONANO, Essy Genebelle B.
86. ANTONIO, Dan David Vincent D.
87. ANTONIO, Giovanni J.
88. ANTONIO, Michelle M.
89. ANTONIO, Rowena A.
90. APOLINARIO, Anissa P.
91. APOLINARIO, Odilon A.
92. APOLONIO, Katherine G.
93. APOLONIO, III, Alfonso A.
94. APOSTOL, JR., Manolito M.
95. APRUEBO, Violet M.
96. AQUINO, Aristotle R.
97. AQUINO, Loly C.
98. AQUINO, Ma. Carina A.
99. AQUINO, Mary Ann Gretchen U.
100. AQUINO, Noe T.
101. AQUINO-BUÑO, Mimi L.
102. ARBUES, Christian M.
103. ARCEGA, Cesar Arnel M.
104. ARCENAS, Ernie B.
105. ARCHIVAL, Al John M.
106. ARCOS, Dante L.
107. ARDAÑA, Benju V.
108. ARENAS, Maria Diana S.
109. AREVALO, Edgard A.
110. ARIMBOYUTAN, JR., William D.
111. ARIOLA, Rendey D.
112. ARITAO, Benjamin Lawrence P E.
113. ARRIOLA, Roy J.
114. ARSITIO, Robin R.
115. ARUGAY, Roman C.
116. ASCALON, Maki-angel O.
117. ASENCIO, Valentina J.
118. ASENCION, Lincoln R.
119. ASERIT, Ma. Girlie B.
120. ASETRE, Ivy V.
121. ASINAS, Neilster Jon S.
122. ASPA, Franz Raymond P.
123. ASTIH, Pakhruddin M.
124. AURELLANA, Rinchel E.
125. AUSTRIA, Norman B.
126. AVANCE, Candy T.
127. AYSON, JR., Ruben S.
128. BACAL, Noel G.
129. BACALLA, Noel O.
130. BACELONIA, Joy Anne V.
131. BACONGA, Saturnino N.
132. BACORRO, Lianne M.
133. BADIOLA, Alan V.
134. BAGALOYOS, Anne Jamaica E.
135. BAGUIO, Mario P.
136. BAJA, Mariel D.
137. BAKINO, Suseyline M.
138. BALA, Jerwin D.
139. BALANAY, Ruena D.
140. BALAO-AS, John B.
141. BALAOING, Emman B.
142. BALBA, Jennifer M.
143. BALBANERO, Michael A.
144. BALDO, Ma. Aimee E.
145. BALDONADO, Neil Energyte G.
146. BALDOS, Catherine A.
147. BALEIN, Mignonette Emelaine Gail D.
148. BALO, Ted Andrew M.
149. BALOT, Dexter M.
150. BALTAO, Kimberly May F.
151. BALUYOT, Rosario R.
152. BAMBO, Ulysses G.
153. BANAUAG, Boris Maria T.
154. BANAWA, Frayn M.
155. BANAYBANAY, Clarissa Idris G.
156. BANTILAN, JR., Paterno T.
157. BAQUILOD, Clara A.
158. BARCELLANO, JR., Julio D.
159. BARRIOS, Karla Maria F.
160. BARRIOS, Manuel Isidro Rosauro V.
161. BARROSO, Rachel Rueve Marie T.
162. BARSAGA, JR., Nilo P.
163. BARTOLOME, Sheryl G.
164. BARUT, Maribel L.
165. BASALLAJE, Eva Bernardette V.
166. BASAS, Joseph Melvin B.
167. BASCO, Neil Sam L.
168. BASCO, Reynante B.
169. BASQUIÑEZ, Flora Sherry M.
170. BASTASA, Michellee C.
171. BATAY, Rosalyn D.
172. BATICULON, Blanchie T.
173. BATOCAEL-DOMINGO, Faye T.
174. BAUTISTA, Antonio Carlos B.
175. BAUTISTA, Irvin A.
176. BAUTISTA, Jackie Lou C.
177. BAUTISTA, Maria Teresa I.
178. BAUTISTA, Patricia Lee Alexandra M.
179. BAYLON, Melvin P.
180. BAYOT, Rocherrie S.
181. BEJER, Louise Dianne A.
182. BEJOC-CARANDANG, Florence G.
183. BELORIA, JR., Cesar B.
184. BELTRAN, Leonard M.
185. BELZA, Mary Angieline L.
186. BEN, Noel A.
187. BENITEZ, Ferdinand S.
188. BENITEZ, Victor Esteban S.
189. BENTULAN, Jeremias A.
190. BERMUDEZ, Ronaldo O.
191. BERNADES, Dexter Niño E.
192. BERNADOS, Cresente C.
193. BERNAL, June Ann Q.
194. BERNAL, Rj A.
195. BERNAL, Victor Marc B.
196. BERNARDO, Rommel M.
197. BILLONES-IBARDOLAZA, Maria Genalyn T.
198. BILOCURA, Nathaniel B.
199. BINALAY, Maria Florinia B.
200. BINAYAN, Darcy M.
201. BITARA, Francis Rael C.
202. BLANCO, Mark Philip B.
203. BLANQUISCO, Sherryl R.
204. BLANZA, Randy B.
205. BOADO, Armi-lynn Kristine H.
206. BOCAR, Vida Zora G.
207. BOCO, Jimmy B.
208. BOJOS, Anna Fionah L.
209. BOLIVAR, Amy Grace O.
210. BOLIVAR-AMONCIO, Anna Marie Josette A.
211. BOLLIDO, Ma. Corazon P.
212. BOMBASE, Paulo N.
213. BONGAT, Joanna S.
214. BONIFACIO, Marie Eugenie Grace M.
215. BONSOL, Mary Grace S.
216. BONTIGAO-BAGUE, Maria Estela H.
217. BORBON, Alyssa Benetta L.
218. BORGONIA, John Ismael B.
219. BORJA, Karl Frederick S.
220. BORJA, Ruel P.
221. BOTIGAN, Maria Cristina C.
222. BRAGADO, Marijoy B.
223. BRAGAS, Diane Karen B.
224. BRILLANTES, Love Joy Cecilia C.
225. BRIONES, Joyce M.
226. BRIONES, Leo Santiago M.
227. BRITANICO, Francesco C.
228. BRITO, Edita
229. BUENAVISTA, Ryan S.
230. BUENCAMINO, Christine Marie V.
231. BUENDIA, Terence P.
232. BUENVIAJE, Ernest Ian S.
233. BUGAYONG, Allan Rheynier D.
234. BULATAO, Sheryl Grace G.
235. BULONG, JR., Joaquin N.
236. BULSECO, Cheslyn Claire C.
237. BULSECO, III, Francisco S.
238. BURGOS, Jo Ann M.
239. BUSLAYAN, JR., Romeo F.
240. BUSTOS, Janina Lourdes S.
241. BUZETA-ACERO, Andre Ria B.
242. CABAILO-ALDEA, Ethelwolda A.
243. CABALHUG, JR., Antonio J.
244. CABANLAS, Dick Carlo J.
245. CABANTOG, Amylaine R.
246. CABARABAN, Maria Cielo Shanidar C.
247. CABEL, Karla T.
248. CABILES, Jo Aileen A.
249. CABRAL, III, Ricardo Felix C.
250. CABUHAT, Mary Ellen S.
251. CACABELOS, Karren Maricris G.
252. CACERES, Rowena C.
253. CADIZ, Manuel Cesar Reno S.
254. CALAYAN, Deanna Maria Rachel S.
255. CALINGIN, Carlomagno N.
256. CALIPES, Bhavelyn S.
257. CALIZO, Brian M.
258. CALLANTA, Eduardo G.
259. CALSEÑA, Mariedith B.
260. CALSIYAO, JR., Ceferino B.
261. CALUMBA, Edelene Grace S.
262. CAMANGEG, Cristel Marie G.
263. CAMELON, III, Renato M.
264. CAMORA, Gloria A.
265. CAMPOS, JR., Napoleon P.
266. CAMPOSANO, Catherine A.
267. CAMUA, Roger Terence P.
268. CANCEKO, Eileen Joy P.
269. CANONIGO-GAN, Catherine C.
270. CANSINO, III, Emilio P.
271. CANTAROS, JR., Rufino C.
272. CANULLAS, Karen S.
273. CAOAYAN, Wenceslao R.
274. CAPACITE-BALLAIS, Gissle Gay A.
275. CARANTES, John Carlo E.
276. CARIÑO, Maria Elena E.
277. CARLOTA, JR., Mariano P.
278. CARPINA, Iris M.
279. CARPIO, Benedicto R.
280. CARREON, III, Cesar R.
281. CARTAGENA, Benedict S.
282. CARUNGCONG, Jonathan R.
283. CASABAR, Alezandro S.
284. CASANGKAPAN, Antonio C.
285. CASEÑAS, Ma. Goretti V.
286. CASIMIRO, Orlando Paolo F.
287. CASTAÑEDA, Kristina P.
288. CASTAÑOS, Chester C.
289. CASTIGADOR, Alex C.
290. CASTILLO, Eilyn Beverly Bless L.
291. CASTILLO, Jocelyn Perolina
292. CASTILLO, Marlon William M.
293. CASTILLO-LORENZO, Cesaria Dane D.
294. CASTRO, Fernand A.
295. CASTRO, Jesselito L.
296. CASTRO, Rainela D.
297. CAUDANG, Hashreen T.
298. CAVADA, Glenn M.
299. CAVISTANY, Debbie Liezl B.
300. CAYABYAB, Pamela Ann T.
301. CAYBOT, Cristina V.
302. CAÑAS, Reginildo R.
303. CELINO, Sarah Eufrosina D.
304. CENABRE, Ethan Allen F.
305. CEQUENA, Levie Lyn C.
306. CERILLO, Maria Theresa A.
307. CERVANTES, Paul Christian M.
308. CERVANTES-CABALATUNGAN, Milajoy D.
309. CHAN, Jordanne B.
310. CHAVEZ, Marvin Gregory R.
311. CHAVEZ, III, Cesar Angelo A.
312. CHENG, Charles Edward M.
313. CHING, Ronald Segundino C.
314. CHING, III, Benito S.
315. CHIONG, Naomi C.
316. CHIU, Karol Joseph P.
317. CHU, Emilio C.
318. CLAMOR, Antonette P.
319. CLARA, Barbra Jill B.
320. CLARAVALL, VI, Francisco M.
321. CO, Evangeline M.
322. CO, Karl Steven A.
323. CO, Rosalyn S.
324. CO, Ryan D.
325. CODA-MAMUKID, Monalisa B.
326. COLET, Juan Paolo E.
327. COLICO, Cristina T.
328. COMPETENTE, Joenel R.
329. CONALES, Christie Anne S.
330. CONCEPCION-MORAN, Juliana G.
331. CONCHA, Diana Charlette G.
332. CONCHA, Susan Espera L.
333. CONCHA, Val Angelo C.
334. CONSTANTINO, Pillar L.
335. COPAHAN, Levie U.
336. CORCEGA, Mediner M.
337. CORDERO, Felicito C.
338. CORDIA, Marthe Lois V.
339. CORONEL, Anna Karina A.
340. CORONEL, Jeffrey Jefferson Y.
341. CORPUZ, Emmanuel Rico C.
342. CORRAL, Claire B.
343. CORRO, Andrew C.
344. CORTES, Lee Owen P.
345. CORTEZ, Vida A.
346. CORTEZANO, Marwin M.
347. COSTALES, Leslie D.
348. CRISOSTOMO, Jeremiah N.
349. CRISTOBAL, Laurrie Layne P.
350. CRUZ, Anna Liza R.
351. CRUZ, Celeste Marie R.
352. CRUZ, Consuelo L.
353. CRUZ, Din-din A.
354. CRUZ, Elbert S.
355. CRUZ, Francis Joseph A.
356. CRUZ, Guia Perpetua C.
357. CRUZ, Jaymark SJ.
358. CRUZ-ABRENICA, Ma. Sophia Editha C.
359. CU, Robespierre S.
360. CUADRAS, Christian Arfel B.
361. CUBERO, Ela Michelle S.
362. CUDAL, Efren S.
363. CUNANAN, Rowena S.
364. CUPIDA, Febie A.
365. CURA, Amando M.
366. CURAMENG, Mary Ann T.
367. CURVA, Peter Marcu G.
368. DADULLA, Marites D.
369. DAGANTA, Shirley R.
370. DALIVA, Kristina Marie D.
371. DAMASCO, Alvy B.
372. DAMONDAMON, Mark Michael G.
373. DANCEL, Rojie G.
374. DAOAS, Pio Windale A.
375. DAPANAS, Lex Michelle M.
376. DAPON, JR., Loreto J.
377. DAPUL, Rhodalyne E.
378. DASING, Perlita DP.
379. DATUDACULA, Jamil D.
380. DATUDACULA, Normina M.
381. DAUZ, Roselea M.
382. DAVID, J. Krisley C.
383. DAYANDAYAN, Milreysa S.
384. DAYANDAYAN, JR., Remegio C.
385. DAYRIT, Chelin Y.
386. DAYRIT, Decruso P.
387. DE ANGEL, Jerlyn D.
388. DE AUSTRIA, Blisselda G.
389. DE CLARO, Christine Joanne F.
390. DE GUIA, Anne Mhiren Claudine D.
391. DE GUZMAN, Carmela Joy R.
392. DE GUZMAN, Ederlita V.
393. DE GUZMAN, Jay B.
394. DE GUZMAN, Soraida A.
395. DE GUZMAN, Vera M.
396. DE GUZMAN, JR., Glenn Ceasar T.
397. DE JESUS, Precy C.
398. DE JESUS, Remedios V.
399. DE JESUS, Roman Miguel G.
400. DE LA PAZ, Luis Gregorio Jesus B.
401. DE LA TORRE, Mailene M.
402. DE LARA, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary A.
403. DE LEON, Alaya M.
404. DE LEON, Dennis Carlos Rogaciano C.
405. DE LEON, Dino Robert L.
406. DE LEON, John Paul V.
407. DE LEON, Katrina P.
408. DE LEON, Pantas M.
409. DE LOS REYES, Kristine Margaret R.
410. DE LOS REYES, Teodula B.
411. DE LOS SANTOS, Mary Grace G.
412. DE QUIROZ, Napoleon C.
413. DE VERA, Celeste A.
414. DE VERA, Marichelle DT.
415. DEE, Ma. Gemma M.
416. DEGAMO, Wilhelmo M.
417. DEGOLLADO, Ethel Marie G.
418. DEL CASTILLO, Anna Patricia R.
419. DEL ROSARIO, Aldrich C.
420. DEL ROSARIO, Julie Fe A.
421. DEL ROSARIO, Rowena A.
422. DELA CERNA, Orville T.
423. DELA CRUZ, Joan M.
424. DELA CRUZ, JR., Anastacio R.
425. DELA CRUZ, JR., Epifanio C.
426. DELA FUENTE, Abigail R.
427. DELA FUENTE, Juan Miguel Victor C.
428. DELA PAZ, Ronald Ray O.
429. DELA PEÑA, Jonalyn D.
430. DELA ROSA, Abigail R.
431. DELAMIDE, Adan T.
432. DELGADO, Wilma H.
433. DELGADO, JR., Enrico B.
434. DELIMA, Ma. Chat H.
435. DELLOSO, Prince Gil F.
436. DELORIA, Kim E.
437. DELOS SANTOS, Josefina Maria Procesa L.
438. DEPASUCAT, Reyna Faith B.
439. DEQUILLA, Christopher L.
440. DERLA, Brenda Y.
441. DESAMPARADO, Ma. Johanna P.
442. DESCALZO, Jose Ariel M.
443. DETICIO, Aileen Grace U.
444. DEVANADERA, Anna Noreen T.
445. DEYTO, Melinda D.
446. DIAZ, Noriel D.
447. DIAZ, Rei Alessandro L.
448. DIMACALI, Adrian P.
449. DIMAILIG, Maricris T.
450. DIMALIG, Ma. Wengel Lou S.
451. DINAMLING, Dick Mark D.
452. DINGAL, Ailene L.
453. DIONALDO, Junald S.
454. DIOSO, Armand B.
455. DIRIGE, Chelsea Segunda G.
456. DIVINAGRACIA, Lenore Angeline L.
457. DIVINAGRACIA, Mae S.
458. DIVINO, Reichelle S.
459. DOMANTAY, Valerie Grace F.
460. DOMINGO, Andrix D.
461. DOMINGO, Osana Theresa D.
462. DOMINGO, Sherwin E.
463. DOMINGO, Tristan Dwight P.
464. DOMINGUEZ, Lovely P.
465. DONASCO, Edgar Alan A.
466. DORADO, Rilt Renart G.
467. DORIA, Marites Q.
468. DORIA, Richard Joseph C.
469. DOROMAL, Jose Joel P.
470. DUMAMA, Sha Elijah B.
471. DUMBAB, Harvey A.
472. DUMLAO, Jovian Jubert S.
473. DUMLAO, Melchor B.
474. DUMPILO, Eric Anthony A.
475. DUQUE, Gonzalito Nicolo E.
476. DURA, Blair M.
477. DY, Kristina Irene C.
478. DYBONGCO, Levi N.
479. DYCHIAO, Lorraine N.
480. EBILLO, Russel L.
481. ECHIVERRI, Juan Crisostomo M.
482. ECLAR, Clarence M.
483. EDDING, Jihan El R.
484. EDILLOR, Kathleen T.
485. EJES, Reynaldo R.
486. ELERIA, Elmer D.
487. ELIZALDE, Peter Bill C.
488. ELOPRE, Rojane C.
489. ELVEÑA, Christine Angelica B.
490. EMPINO, Arolf C.
491. ENTICA, Mellany V.
492. ERALDO-ARNUCO, Marcia Monina L.
493. ERNIE, Rachelle DG.
494. ESCUETA, III, Emilio D.
495. ESPAÑO, Mary Trish R.
496. ESPAÑOL, Diosdado C.
497. ESPAÑOL, Fritzzie Lyn F.
498. ESPEJO, Dhylyne Enchon B.
499. ESPERA, Woody John G.
500. ESPINOSA, Benjie G.
501. ESPINOSA, Maria Karla L.
502. ESPIRITU, Roel S.
503. ESTARES, Erwin P.
504. ESTAÑO, Heinjie B.
505. ESTILO, Chatru Anthony C.
506. ESTIMADA, Eric O.
507. EUGENIO, Christopher G.
508. EVANGELISTA, Ignacio F.
509. EVANGELISTA, Maria Ghia C.
510. EVANGELISTA, Ronald Brian G.
511. EXAMEN, Hannah D.
512. EXCONDE, Caroline G.
513. FABELLA, Caryl Kate S.
514. FABI, Joycery V.
515. FABILA, Eni Grace B.
516. FAJARDO, Ann Laurice A.
517. FAJARDO, Marlon G.
518. FAJARDO, Ria Divina I.
519. FALCULAN-MARI, Ma. Rowena D.
520. FAMA, Castelo Angelo T.
521. FANLO, Jaime Eduardo R.
522. FANLO, Mei Loraine C.
523. FANTONE, Ronald A.
524. FERNANDEZ, Francis A.
525. FERNANDEZ, Joselito D.
526. FERNANDEZ, Rommel P.
527. FERNANDEZ, Teodoro Lorenzo A.
528. FERNANDO, Janina Marie S.
529. FERRARIS, Wilt P.
530. FERRER, Dennis B.
531. FESALBON, Brenda Rhea F.
532. FESTEJO, Ryan Ed T.
533. FIANZA, Jinky Joar D.
534. FIDEL, Cyril C.
535. FIEL, Jasmin R.
536. FIGUEROA, Eddalaine M.
537. FLORA, Vanessa B.
538. FLORES, Arthur C.
539. FLORES, Chuchie L.
540. FLORES, Galerie Gee Y.
541. FLORES, Milette Socorro S.
542. FLORES, Sim C.
543. FLORES, Zargibran Adolben R.
544. FLORESE, Jose Frederick P.
545. FONTILLAS, Hyacinth T.
546. FORAYO, Christina P.
547. FORTUNO, Loretta Renie R.
548. FRANCISCO, Carlos Raphael N.
549. FRANCISCO, Kristine C.
550. FRANCO, Fatima Kristine J.
551. FUA, Marforth T.
552. GABALLO, Joyce B.
553. GABRIEL, Abegail C.
554. GABRIELES, Omar T.
555. GACUTNO, Jerry V.
556. GADRINAB, Fermin Nestor A.
557. GADUANG-ROJALES, Anita A.
558. GALA, Ana Siela M.
559. GALAURAN, John Michael S.
560. GALAY, Lani S.
561. GALLEROS, Cecille P.
562. GAMALINDA, Cheryl S.
563. GAMBONG, Lilyn D.
564. GAMONNAC, Florendo D.
565. GAN, Paula Katherina A.
566. GAN, III, Joaquin N.
567. GANALON, John Paul R.
568. GAPOL, JR., Flaviano T.
569. GAPOY, Lei Adrian V.
570. GARCES, Michael M.
571. GARCIA, Czarina B.
572. GARCIA, Jorge M.
573. GARCIA, Katherine Mari S.
574. GARGARITA, Claire Anne R.
575. GARIANDO, Ivy P.
576. GARINGARAO, May C.
577. GARLITOS, Kenneth Vincent J.
578. GARRIDO, Maria Cecilia M.
579. GATCHALIAN, Michal L.
580. GAYETA-ANDAYA, Catherine Joy S.
581. GAYON, Dorothy L.
582. GAYOSA, Tracy Ann M.
583. GEMENTIZA, Frederick A.
584. GENETIANO, Maureen R.
585. GENISE, Henida G.
586. GERADA, Jay P.
587. GERODIAS, Jillina M.
588. GERONA, Christian D.
589. GERONILLA, Beatriz O.
590. GERONIMO, Cesar C.
591. GERVASIO, Lianne Marie R.
592. GO, Aaron D.
593. GO, Angel Love M.
594. GO, Helene D.
595. GO, James G.
596. GO, Kirby C.
597. GO, Madonna Santa D.
598. GO, Maria Leonita Q.
599. GO, JR., Lito A.
600. GOC-ONG, Vanessa B.
601. GODINEZ, Christopher Lyndon N.
602. GOLLABA, JR., Gabriel L.
603. GOMEZ, Armeen Alain B.
604. GONZAGA, Johans S.
605. GONZAGA, Rosanne Juliana R.
606. GONZALES, Gerald S.
607. GONZALES, Sheryl V.
608. GONZALES, II, Marcelino R.
609. GRAGASIN, Manny V.
610. GRAN, Adriel B.
611. GRANDE, Alexander Francis C.
612. GUANZON, Woodro L.
613. GUARINO-RIVERA, Leila Magda N.
614. GUERRA, Ed Anthony F.
615. GUERRA, Reah B.
616. GUERRA-DE LA VEGA, Anna Marie Mae R.
617. GUICO, Maria Laarni Sheila S.
618. GUILING, Hosni L.
619. GUILLERMO, Virgin Rose Sharon P.
620. GUIMBATAN, Sandra M.
621. GUINA, Rene Andrew A.
622. GUIPO, Maria Primarisa C.
623. GUMPAL, Dante Gil D.
624. GUTIERREZ, Andrea L.
625. GUZMAN, Jacqueline A.
626. GUZMAN, Josefina A.
627. HAMCHAWAN, Judith B.
628. HERMOSISIMA, Honorato Carlo C.
629. HERNANDEZ, Cheryl A.
630. HERNANDEZ, JR., Celso J.
631. HERNANDO, Cherry Chiara L.
632. HERRERA, Georgia May L.
633. HIZON, Joaquin Miguel Z.
634. HORCA, III, Jesus Manuel A.
635. HORTIZ, Michelle L.
636. HUBAHIB, Mariano C.
637. HUMILDE, Philip N.
638. HURTADO, Ghia Chrystellyne O.
639. IBRAHIM, Ysnaira A.
640. ILAGAN, JR., Casiano A.
641. ILAO, Julan C.
642. ILARDE, Maila Katrina Y.
643. IMPERIAL, Dinah F.
644. IMPERIAL, Paul Rodulfo B.
645. INDAR, Rahma A.
646. INOTURAN, Florinda P.
647. INTERIOR, Enrico S.
648. JABAL, Joel J.
649. JABSON, Eugene Oliver M.
650. JACOB, Jamael A.
651. JACOBO-GRECIA, Nemia S.
652. JANDUSAY, Marie Bernadette M.
653. JAPZON, Maria Jeanette A.
654. JARANILLA, Cedric S.
655. JATICO-NUÑEZ, Janeth G.
656. JAUD, Myra Jennifer D.
657. JAUDINES, Sheryl C.
658. JAVIER, Z 19 S.
659. JOVEN, Emil Karlo L.
660. JUMALON, Joel Jonn U.
661. JURIAL, Niño Jim B.
662. JUSTINIANI, JR., Romeo S.
663. KANAPI, Roberto Ricardo O.
664. KUONG, Dennis C.
665. LABIAL, JR., Ricardo P.
666. LABOG, Norberto Pocholo P.
667. LABRADOR, Chaveli Joan O.
668. LABUSTRO-GARCIA, Jacquelyn A.
669. LACAMBRA, JR., Modesto C.
670. LAGAT, Eileen Mae B.
671. LAGMAN, Mary Rosary D.
672. LAGMAY, Aries John P.
673. LAIZ-DE VILLA, Ma. Theresa S.
674. LAM, Jennifer T.
675. LAMA, Michelle T.
676. LAMIGO, Richard L.
677. LAMPA, Rex D.
678. LANTION, Maria Camille G.
679. LAO, Dave Y.
680. LAO, Jewelle Y.
681. LAPPAY, JR., Gregorio A.
682. LAPUZ, Rosalie T.
683. LASAFIN, II, Adler Mari Eriberto L.
684. LASCANO, Jasper Alberto H.
685. LASTIMADO, Marvin P.
686. LAURE, Adonis A.
687. LAURE, Quijano S.
688. LAUREL, Marivic DL.
689. LAYUMAS-CELESTE, Edelyn A.
690. LEAGOGO, Adrianne Daniel L.
691. LEGARTO, Mary Ann C.
692. LEGASPI, Faith Henriet B.
693. LEONARDO, Melissa N.
694. LEPAIL, Jehan-jehan A.
695. LERO, John Paul Huey V.
696. LEYSON, Ian Peter A.
697. LIBARDO, Arlene Mae L.
698. LIBRADO, Leah A.
699. LIBUIT, Grace P.
700. LIDASAN, Jehan B.
701. LILAGAN, Jean P.
702. LIM, Anthony Lemuel T.
703. LIM, Antonio Paolo S.
704. LIM, Beatriz Paz Dominique D.
705. LIM, Dominadoranne I.
706. LIM, Edward Allan P.
707. LIM, Eileen D.
708. LIM, Frederick Charles Y.
709. LIM, Irene C.
710. LIM, Joanne M.
711. LIM, Lloyd Steven L.
712. LIM, JR., Menandro T.
713. LIMA, Cherry Joie B.
714. LIMBO, Charo C.
715. LINSANGAN, Jose A.
716. LIWAG, Monica T.
717. LIWALUG, Fatimah S.
718. LIZA-TORRES, Connie P.
719. LLARENA, Geoffrey H.
720. LLAVE, Lynda
721. LLAVE, Maria Isabel M.
722. LLENARES, Kathleen E.
723. LLIDO, Christian B.
724. LLOBRERA, Santy B.
725. LOAYON, Wildebrandt C.
726. LOBEDICA, Clyde Lelith S.
727. LOBERIO, Jonathan D.
728. LOBIANO, Maria Lourdes M.
729. LOBO, Numer P.
730. LOMAS-E, JR., Bonifacio Craig Y.
731. LONGALONG, Carol P.
732. LONTOC, Maureen DR.
733. LOPEZ, Erwin N.
734. LOPEZ, Gloria Monica S.
735. LOPEZ, Grace Marie
736. LOPEZ, Irish T.
737. LOPEZ, Jose Manuel A.
738. LOPEZ, Lea Mabel P.
739. LOPEZ, Lionel L.
740. LOPEZ, Maria Aurora Celestina M.
741. LOPEZ-BILAOEN, Nancy R.
742. LOPINGCO, Sharina Marie U.
743. LORENZANA, Gina L.
744. LORENZO, Jason T.
745. LU, Anna Victoria M.
746. LU, Sheila U.
747. LUI, Jonah Grace L.
748. LUMAGUI-SAYOTO, Marinela D.
749. LUMBATAN, Alexis M.
750. LUNA, Don Angelo S.
751. LUNA, Sandra A.
752. LUY, Ruby M.
753. MAALAT, Yvanna DL.
754. MAATA, Michael Oliver B.
755. MABANAG, Zeus R.
756. MABANGLO, Mildred Ann Q.
757. MABANSAG, Ivy B.
758. MABAZZA, Cristina A.
759. MABUTAS, Jesus Servando S.
760. MACAPAGAL, Richelle Joy P.
761. MACARAIG, Allan Reiz C.
762. MACARILAY, Florante C.
763. MADAMBA, Marvelous M.
764. MADAYAG, Irene Mae R.
765. MADULID, Lea T.
766. MAESTRADO-APARICIO, Jona T.
767. MAGBANUA, Pearl Sheila S.
768. MAGBANUA, JR., Manuel M.
769. MAGCAWAS, Allison T.
770. MAGNO-ZARATE, Citedina U.
771. MAGPANTAY, Anthea A.
772. MAGPANTAY-NG, Maricel M.
773. MAGRACIA, Herschel F.
774. MAGSINO, Carmi D.
775. MAGUAD, Zha-zha R.
776. MAHAMUD, John-christopher T.
777. MAILOM, Renniel C.
778. MALASA, Angelica O.
779. MALIAWAO, Anwar Khalid U.
780. MALLARI, II, Roberto P.
781. MANALABE, Grandis Rem T.
782. MANALANG, Kristina C.
783. MANALO, Jose Miguel S.
784. MANALO, Juan C.
785. MANANSALA, Edwin C.
786. MANCAO, Cecille B.
787. MANINGDING, Cadeiah B.
788. MANIS, Teliano L.
789. MANLOSA, Armi Lyn B.
790. MANLUYANG, Jeoffrey C.
791. MANUEL, Harlynne Monette M.
792. MANUEL, Olive Jane S.
793. MARASIGAN, Christopher Rey C.
794. MARCOS, Mary Jenneane R.
795. MARMOL, Fidelito L.
796. MARQUEZ, Edwin U.
797. MARQUEZ, Jal A.
798. MARRERO, Evelyn A.
799. MARTIN, Monica M.
800. MARTINEZ, Cherry M.
801. MARTINEZ, Janet L.
802. MARTIR, Karla May O.
803. MASANGKAY, Emmerly Jane D.
804. MATE, Michael Vincent A.
805. MATIBAG, Julius G.
806. MATILA, Rodelio S.
807. MAULION, Mischelle R.
808. MAXILOM, Marvin S.
809. MAXINO, Nancy A.
810. MAÑAGO, Sheryl M.
811. MEDIJA, Louela Lynne M.
812. MEJIA, Cecille L.
813. MEJIA, Maritess T.
814. MELECIO-VILLEJO, Ruby L.
815. MELITANTE, Christian George L.
816. MENDEZ, Geraldine C.
817. MENDINUETO, Erwin Edward P.
818. MENDOZA, Anna Charisse L.
819. MENDOZA, Kim Grace A.
820. MENDOZA, Marlon M.
821. MENDOZA, Mary Ann P.
822. MENDOZA, Mayette M.
823. MENDOZA, Perfecto Justino A.
824. MENESES, Geraldine S.
825. MERCADO, Daiza Anne O.
826. MERCADO, Erickson Donn R.
827. MERCADO, Katherine C.
828. MERCADO, JR., Wilfred A.
829. MERNADO, JR., Michael M.
830. MEÑEZ, Kristine Joy M.
831. MIANO, Diana Marie P.
832. MIGRIÑO, Jason R.
833. MILAN, Jurgens SJ.
834. MILLA, Patricia C.
835. MIOLE, Kristofferlean A.
836. MIRANDA, JR., Reinerio G.
837. MISOLA, Gladys V.
838. MITRA, JR., Elmer R.
839. MONDRAGON, Iannoel V.
840. MONGAYA, Anna Khristine C.
841. MONTEALEGRE, Theodore Allan M.
842. MONTEMAYOR, Adrian R.
843. MONTENEGRO, Allen L.
844. MONTERO, Osmond M.
845. MONTEZA, Angelica Diane B.
846. MORALES, Anthony Lawrence M.
847. MORALES, Cynthia Evangeline D.
848. MORALES, Eufel N.
849. MORALES, Giovanni R.
850. MORALES, Leilani C.
851. MORALES, Michelle Frances L.
852. MORANO, IV, Rene Cornelio R.
853. MORENO, JR., Oscar P.
854. MORENO, JR., Paulino H.
855. MUYCO, Mary Love P.
856. NABUA, John Paul PA.
857. NACIONALES, JR., Rafael D.
858. NAFIANOG, Roger L.
859. NAMBATAC, Dave U.
860. NANGKIL, Philip Ray L.
861. NAPARATE, Arsenia A.
862. NARAJOS, Patricia D.
863. NARANJO, Christine Marie L.
864. NARISMA, Juevanrey A.
865. NATANAUAN, Klarisa L.
866. NAVARRO, Tina B.
867. NEFALAR, Marissa Corazon T.
868. NEIS, Maebe T.
869. NEPOMUCENO, Roviel B.
870. NERY, Melanie Johanna C.
871. NGOCHUA, Patricia Cristina T.
872. NICOLAS, Arvil Philipp A.
873. NICOLAS, Donnaliza A.
874. NICOLAS, Jonathan C.
875. NORA, Paula Katrina L.
876. NOVERO, Brian DS.
877. NUESTRO, Glenn Michael P.
878. NUEVE, Theresa Genevieve C..
879. OBILLOS, Maria Yasmin M.
880. OBIÑA, Eve Jonapaula M.
881. OCAMPO, Robert V.
882. OCAMPO, Shierma F.
883. OCAÑADA-ALEGRE, Amelie O.
884. OCFEMIA, Emil M.
885. OLAÑO, Sheryl L.
886. OLINGAY, Stephen C.
887. OMADTO, JR., Arnold Ninoy P.
888. OMELIO, Princess Claudin C.
889. OMPAD, Julius T.
890. ONA, Mercedita L.
891. ONG, Jennifer T.
892. ORBITA, Janis Mahalia A.
893. ORCULLO, Sora Dereka T.
894. ORENCIA, Janice Rhea B.
895. ORENCIO, Leah May L.
896. OROPESA, Cyril C.
897. ORPILLA, Michelle O.
898. ORTEGA, Noel M.
899. OUANO, Ethelbert B.
900. PABALINAS, Michael D.
901. PABELLAN, Abouben Jade R.
902. PABIONA, Esther Joy P.
903. PABLO, Jessibel M.
904. PACASEM, Nurhani C.
905. PADATE, Faizal A.
906. PAGAYATAN, Alfred T.
907. PALAC, Lemuel G.
908. PALENCIA, JR., Chulo B.
909. PALILEO, Alena Gale H.
910. PALINES, Erwin B.
911. PALMA, Pilipinas C.
912. PAMINTUAN, Dennis Albert S.
913. PAMMIT, Mari Khris R.
914. PAMONAG, Noli Rey L.
915. PAMPOLINA, Jonathan T.
916. PANER, Linda Lucky Grace C.
917. PANES, Anfred P.
918. PANES, JR., Rolando D.
919. PANGANIBAN, Avigail E.
920. PANGILINAN, Beverly F.
921. PANHON, Raymond G.
922. PARADELA, Glenn Raymond O.
923. PARAISO, Renato A.
924. PARAS, Joannah A.
925. PARONG, Joel Joselito G.
926. PASATIEMPO, Herlyn L.
927. PASCO, Novern Irish A.
928. PASCUAL, Joshua F.
929. PASCUAL, Urvi B.
930. PASION, Paul Emerson M.
931. PASTOR, Noel R.
932. PATALINJUG, Liza Marie S.
933. PATCHO, Jerry B.
934. PAULINO, Carlo A.
935. PAULINO, Paulo A.
936. PAYUMO, Caroline C.
937. PAYUMO, Marie Joy M.
938. PAZ, A.j. Gerardo T.
939. PAÑALES, Rhyan M.
940. PERALTA, Ramses S.
941. PEREDO, Eldric Paul A.
942. PERERA, Jason Bader LL.
943. PEREZ, Lyndon Gabriel C.
944. PEREZ-FERRER, Ruby C.
945. PEÑAFLOR, Aldrin G.
946. PEÑARANDA, Jose Rommel A.
947. PEÑARANDA, Rhyna M.
948. PEÑAS, Stella J.
949. PICCIO, Agnes A.
950. PICIO, Jubal R.
951. PILAR, Joy B.
952. PINEDA, Marco K.
953. PINTOR, Arminda T.
954. PIZARRO, Edwin Joy L.
955. PIÑGA, Vibenditho J.
956. PLACIDO, Lady Liza R.
957. PLAZA, Gaudenis Felix E.
958. POJAS, Philip John L.
959. PONDEMIRA, Katrina B.
960. POPANES, Alex Alberto M.
961. POQUIZ, JR., Eduardo U.
962. PORMENTILLA, Jeland Omer L.
963. PORTOZA, Elyjean D.
964. PORTUGAL, Russel P.
965. POSADAS, John Philip A.
966. POSADAS, Raymond Charles N.
967. POTICANO, Joselita M.
968. PRADO, Reigel A.
969. PREZA, Irma R.
970. PRIELA, Diomer L.
971. PRIETO, Mark Anthony S.
972. PUA, Ian Dominic M.
973. PUEDA, Anna Liza S.
974. PUGEDA, Jordan Neil S.
975. PUJANES, Jay P.
976. PUNO, JR., Rogelio D.
977. PY, Ailyn S.
978. QUANICO, JR., Leonardo B.
979. QUINSAYAS, Prima Jesusa B.
980. QUINTO, Salvador Henry H.
981. QUIROS, Jolex M.
982. QUIROZ, Bernadette V.
983. RABANES, Antonita C.
984. RABANG, Luisa A.
985. RABE, Mark Pepito J.
986. RACHO, Gerald B.
987. RAFAEL, Hyacinth E.
988. RAGSAC, Arceli C.
989. RAMIREZ, Cecily Nerisse C.
990. RAMIREZ, Doris G.
991. RAMIREZ, Renato Oliver A.
992. RAMIREZ, JR., Alfredo O.
993. RAMOS, Beatrix I.
994. RAMOS, Carmen Grace S.
995. RAMOS, Janice Kristine R.
996. RAMOS, Lesalie M.
997. RAMOS, Liza Michelle E.
998. RAMOS, Rechie N.
999. RAMOS, Reezann Keith E.
1000. RAMOS, Ricardo Victor K.
1001. RAMOS, JR., Eduardo F.
1002. RANGGA, Gleenes Dave T.
1003. RAVAL, Jose Roy B.
1004. RAYA, Brando Ray P.
1005. RAYEL, Rosette R.
1006. RAÑESES, Lezelda M.
1007. REAS-POLISTICO, Rosemarie Ann A.
1008. REBUYON, Wilfredo C.
1009. RECOLIZADO, Ma. Nerissa S.
1010. REGALA, Amie T.
1011. REGALADO, Ma. Ruiza L.
1012. RENTUMA, Juneth A.
1013. REPASO, Jayson G.
1014. REPOL, Judy Alice U.
1015. REYES, Ajay Noreen DS.
1016. REYES, Amanda Regina G.
1017. REYES, Ellen C.
1018. REYES, John Albert T.
1019. REYES, Luz Victoria F.
1020. REYES, Maria Teresa V.
1021. REYES, Mary Ann L.
1022. REYES, Mylene R.
1023. REYES, Ronces Anne S.
1024. REYES, Wendy S.
1025. RIALUBIN, Arlyne I.
1026. RICO, Reywin M.
1027. RIEZA, Sylvia Patricia S.
1028. RIGOR, Maritess R.
1029. RIODIQUE, Karen Anne S.
1030. RIVERA, Alexander A.
1031. RIVERA, Alexander Paul T.
1032. RIVERA, Dante Y.
1033. RIVERA, Jonah P.
1034. RIVERA, Maria Concepcion E.
1035. ROBLES, Joan A.
1036. ROBLES, Margarette T.
1037. RODRIGUEZ, Albert Leonard C.
1038. RODRIGUEZ, Christopher A.
1039. RODRIGUEZ, Irish Mae V.
1040. ROJAS-QUIAMBAO, Merriam Fe G.
1041. ROJO, Rosemarie A.
1042. ROMERO, Rowena V.
1043. RONQUILLO, Victor John Paul H.
1044. ROSALES, May Ann R.
1045. ROSALES, Rosario L.
1046. ROSARIO, Enrico R.
1047. ROSAURO, Allan A.
1048. ROSELL, Collin N.
1049. ROXAS, Vernidia M.
1050. RUBAYA, Maria Salve C.
1051. RUBIN, Krissi Shaffina Twyla A.
1052. RUBIO, Maria Catherina G.
1053. RUCKENBROD, Janis Roselle S.
1054. RUIZ, Erwin G.
1055. SABADO, Susan Phoebe R.
1056. SABANGAN, Charina G.
1057. SABER, Raya Avariza V.
1058. SABITSANA, Clemens Angeli B.
1059. SABUNDAYO, Maria Lourdes A.
1060. SACABEN, Rico Leo R.
1061. SACEDON, Janice S.
1062. SACEDON, Oliver M.
1063. SADURAL, Emma Rhea B.
1064. SALAGAN, Decimary DC.
1065. SALATAN, Gideon C.
1066. SALDUA-CASTILLO, Cherry Vi M.
1067. SALEM, Sylvia Jean P.
1068. SALIBAD, JR., David S.
1069. SALINAS, Frances Shanelle G.
1070. SALINAS, Pierre Nikolai M.
1071. SALOMEO, Conrado A.
1072. SALVADOR, Noel N.
1073. SALVANERA, Christian Joyce P.
1074. SALVE, Lalaine P.
1075. SAMANIEGO, Windel Z.
1076. SAMERA, Maria Lovella C.
1077. SAMONTE, Erwin Jonas A.
1078. SAMPAGA, Steven M.
1079. SAMPANG, Darrell Enerico I.
1080. SAMPAYAN, Rexreginald T.
1081. SAMSON, Sean Blenn E.
1082. SAN JUAN, Ernesto C.
1083. SANCHEZ, Analiza D.
1084. SANCHEZ, Dionne Marie M.
1085. SANCHEZ, Donna May P.
1086. SANCHEZ, Yehlen D.
1087. SANDE, Stephanie P.
1088. SANDOVAL, Ronald C.
1089. SANGALANG, Marlene O.
1090. SANOY, Sharon Grace S.
1091. SANTIAGO, Dominador O.
1092. SANTIAGO, Gwen Manuel P.
1093. SANTOS, Agnes B.
1094. SANTOS, Angelo Niño B.
1095. SANTOS, Charlie O.
1096. SANTOS, Rhoesel Ammiel M.
1097. SAQUING, Christine C.
1098. SARCEDA, Ryan R.
1099. SARINAS, Karen Mae G.
1100. SARMIENTO, Jorge Franco S.
1101. SARMIENTO, Maria Robina C.
1102. SARMIENTO, III, Jes Gal B.
1103. SARMIENTO, III, Leonardo A.
1104. SAULOG-MARASIGAN, Macy G.
1105. SAWIT, Clifton James F.
1106. SAY, Loma Linda A.
1107. SAYOG, Arnolita F.
1108. SAÑOSA, JR., Juanito L.
1109. SEBASTIAN, Mia Mary G.
1110. SEBASTIAN, Yolanda S.
1111. SEBIANO, Teresa G.
1112. SEMPRON, Josie C.
1113. SERON, Eugene S.
1114. SEVILLA, Anna Camille L.
1115. SIAPNO-CAGUNGAO, Alma E.
1116. SIBUYAN, Brian Gale T.
1117. SICANGCO, Maria Cecilia T.
1118. SILLA, Merielle T.
1119. SILO, JR., Benjamin H.
1120. SIMTIM, JR., Eufemio A.
1121. SINGSON, Ma. Veronique R.
1122. SINGSON, Michael Thor C.
1123. SIOCO, Kyan John B.
1124. SIONGCO, Emmie-lou L.
1125. SIRON, Jennifer G.
1126. SISON, Aireen D.
1127. SISON, Emmeree C.
1128. SITES, Nilda V.
1129. SITOY, Leighna Katrina S.
1130. SOBREJUANITE, Roev Bryl T.
1131. SOJOR, Ryan T.
1132. SOLIS, Ceasar Anthony S.
1133. SOLIS, Edson S.
1134. SOLIS, III, Emmanuel B.
1135. SOLOMON, JR., Juan B.
1136. SONGCO, Amiel R.
1137. SOPEÑA, Joicel C.
1138. SORIANO, Jerrylee D.
1139. SORIANO, Omar A.
1140. SORIANO, Zeldania DT.
1141. SORILLA, Mark Anthony C.
1142. SORILLA, Mark Christer A.
1143. SORIÑO, Paul B.
1144. SOTTO, Rhine F.
1145. STA. CRUZ, Benedict S.
1146. STA. MARIA, Odessa T.
1147. STUART DEL ROSARIO, Rendo C.
1148. SUAREZ, Dario O.
1149. SUAREZ, Juan Alfonso D.
1150. SUAZO, Alvin G.
1151. SUMEDCA, Rommel H.
1152. SUPERABLE, Clarissa M.
1153. SURELL, Ma. Excelsis R.
1154. SURIL, Ethel Rea G.
1155. SUYAT, Franklin L.
1156. SZE, Abigail T.
1157. TAACA, Baby Lyn B.
1158. TACIO, Swanerrie Sangshell C.
1159. TADENA, Rex A.
1160. TAGARDA, Luis Karlo R.
1161. TAGLE, Sharon D.
1162. TAMAYO, Kristine Jazz V.
1163. TAMAYO, Zulieca L.
1164. TAMBOL, Jonathan B.
1165. TAN, Janice Jade V.
1166. TAN, Ma. Cecilia S.
1167. TAN, Rose Macrina Q.
1168. TAN, Vivian S.
1169. TANDOG, Jonathan G.
1170. TANSINSIN, Arthur G.
1171. TAPIA, Judilyn H.
1172. TAVAS-TAN, Marichu G.
1173. TEH, Shergine C.
1174. TEJERO, Robert John M.
1175. TENG, Bavilyn C.
1176. TEOXON, Art R.
1177. TEVES, Eugene C.
1178. TEVES, Irene Joyce T.
1179. TEVES, Niña Rica R.
1180. TI, Marl Chester Y.
1181. TIANCO, Elizabeth Amelia V.
1182. TIBON, Rheia G.
1183. TIMBOL, Jennifer L.
1184. TIN, Jovy June E.
1185. TINGSON, Mary Genevieve F.
1186. TIUNAYAN, Rolan A.
1187. TIZON, Sheryl Ann D.
1188. TOGLE, Maria Inez C.
1189. TOKIAS, Joey G.
1190. TOLEDO, Hermie Jun S.
1191. TOLENTINO, Claudette C.
1192. TOLENTINO, Jose Mari F.
1193. TOLENTINO, Nadia Marie D.
1194. TOLENTINO, III, Avelino D.
1195. TOLETE, Gladys Pinky D.
1196. TOLIMAO, Sandy J.
1197. TOMAS, Eric M.
1198. TOMON, Edwin M.
1199. TOMOTORGO, Ricky P.
1200. TORBELA, Venus A.
1201. TORIBIO, Elmer G.
1202. TORRALBA, Mary Grace Y.
1203. TORREGOSA, Jonell M.
1204. TORRES, Gregorio C.
1205. TORRES, Jason C.
1206. TORRES-ELACION, Chares Marie R.
1207. TOTAÑES, Maria Guillermina G.
1208. TRADIO, Alexander J.
1209. TRINIDAD, Cheryll Ann R.
1210. TRINIDAD, Christine S.
1211. TSANG, Jocelyn T.
1212. TUAZON, Ford G.
1213. TUBIGON-BACANG, Jerefe D.
1214. TUMAMPOS, Iris P.
1215. TUMANENG, Felix Jasper DC.
1216. TUMANENG, Rochelle Marie A.
1217. TUMBALI, Mediatrix S.
1218. TUMULAK, Maria Rosario Consuelo S.
1219. TUNGPALAN, Cheryl Ann A.
1220. TUPAS, Charo N.
1221. TUPAS, Rexter C.
1222. TUPAS, III, Alejandro M.
1223. TURIANO, Gerard N.
1224. TUTICA-VALLES, Genevieve B.
1225. TY, JR., Alfredo B.
1226. UAL, Jasmine Anne M.
1227. UMADHAY, Apollo J.
1228. UTZURRUM, Joanna Ruth T.
1229. UY, Jonathan Herbert C.
1230. UY, Voltaire S.
1231. UYAN, Aguinnaya D.
1232. VALDEZ, Almira B.
1233. VALDEZ, Edgard E.
1234. VALDEZ, JR., Rodrigo C.
1235. VALENCIA, Ian Christian M.
1236. VALENZUELA, Cyrus Paul S.
1237. VALENZUELA, JR., Carmelo L.
1238. VALERA, Charmi Christine F.
1239. VALLECER, Jan Hendrik I.
1240. VALLESPIN, Alex O.
1241. VARGAS, Ananias Christian G.
1242. VASQUEZ, Zarina Marie M.
1243. VELANDREZ, Jehn Louie W.
1244. VELASCO, Tricia Nicole Q.
1245. VELICARIA, Anthony Raymond M.
1246. VELOSO, Christine Antoinette M.
1247. VENTURA, Charissimae Y.
1248. VERDE, Rico O.
1249. VERGARA, John Dave G.
1250. VICERA, Christopher G.
1251. VICTORIO, Fides C.
1252. VIDAD, Owen M.
1253. VILLA, Oliver E.
1254. VILLALUZ, Randy S.
1255. VILLANTE, JR., Romeo L.
1256. VILLANUEVA, Emily Kristine C.
1257. VILLANUEVA, Henry C.
1258. VILLANUEVA, Jeremiah V.
1259. VILLANUEVA, Lovelyn A.
1260. VILLANUEVA, Marcianelle C.
1261. VILLANUEVA, Yolanda Y.
1262. VILLANUEVA, JR., Carlo C.
1263. VILLARIN, Earl Charles N.
1264. VILLARUBIA, Roseller P.
1265. VILLARUEL, Anthea R.
1266. VILLASERAN, Joel N.
1267. VILLEROZ, Francis C.
1268. VILLORDON, Jose Jonathan R.
1269. VINLUAN, Amiel Ronald R.
1270. VISTA, Guyla A.
1271. WAHAWA, Leticia P.
1272. WONG, Maciel C.
1273. YAMBAO, Kenneth B.
1274. YAMBOT, Rodrigo Dante C.
1275. YANCHA, Dashell C.
1276. YAP, Jeffry Jude T.
1277. YAP, Norman Brian P.
1278. YAP, Phillip John F.
1279. YAP, Rafael Christopher L.
1280. YAP, Raymond B.
1281. YAPHA, Maria Honeylette P.
1282. YMBALLA, Ragem V.
1283. YU, Ma. Felina Constancia B.
1284. YUHAYCO, Babel U.
1285. YUMUL, Ily Grace T.
1286. ZABALA, Jocelyn C.
1287. ZARAGOZA, Charmian Wyanet S.
1288. ZOLETA, Mark D.
1289. ZUÑO, Froilan Yñigo B.

Should you feel the need to verify the list, recheck it at the SC website.

2007 Philippine Bar Exams Results

2008-03-29T12:05:00.002+08:00

(UPDATE: 2007 Philippine Bar Exams Results here)

I am sure plenty are sweating right now as they wait for the results of the 2007 bar exams. The Supreme Court website says that the result will be released today, March 29, 2008. Plenty may have been camping at this moment now at the SC grounds waiting for the promised LCD projector that will display the names of the fortunate examinees. Others, including their relatives are probably holed up in some café or rooms with PCs and internet, scouring the web for the results.

A total of 5,626 law graduates from 109 schools nationwide took the bar exams held at the De La Salle University on Taft Avenue in Manila in the four Sundays of September 2007. The average passing percentage is 29%, or 3 out of ten.

Who will top the 2007 Philippine Bar Exams? This might be the question schools like UP, Ateneo and San Beda would ask. In Cebu, the question will be, “Who will land in the top ten and from what school?” The last time, UC produced a topnotcher. The year before that, it was USC. A classmate from high school even landed in the 3^rd place a few years ago. He is a graduate of UP and Ateneo.

I just wish all the best to the examinees. If you pass, well, congratulations! If you fail, it’s not the end of the world. You can always retake the exam.

Red Roses For The Sweetheart

2008-03-26T12:57:00.002+08:00

Why does it have to be red?

A friend, when he ordered flowers from us last Valentine’s Day, emphasized the color red. “Red roses symbolize deep love, respect and romance” he says. I just can’t help but smile. Indeed, red roses continue to be the most popular among the roses’ color, and it is the easiest to find on the market on V-day. It is also the most popular and convenient way of saying “I love you” to the girl closest to your heart.

There is actually history and meaning to red roses. In mythology (which is not to be confused with history), the red rose is closely associated to the god and goddess of love. So the early Greeks and Romans are endeared to this red rose for its beauty, fragrance and symbol of love and passion. Oh, bloody red! Is it also the color of the heart?

In all honesty, I am not really familiar with color symbols until lately. The first bouquet of roses I gave to my wife (when she was still my girlfriend almost a decade ago) was pink. She told me afterwards that she loves pink. But actually, the reason for me was that, red is so tied up with tradition that I do not know of and the common practice of every young man (insanely) in love. I wanted it to be different. My heart’s intention was the same: deep love and respect. And I think the intention matters more than symbols.

Flowers For The Graduates

2008-03-24T18:04:00.004+08:00

I remember those "everlasting" flowers sold at school during graduation. These are usually the flowers for the graduates. Ah, those golden yellow flowers tied in a nylon thread, or those rose corsage they pinned on the graduates. I can remember the itchiness the small petals bring to my neck. Usually, it's the honor students that gets them. Or sometimes, proud parents just buy these for their children.

But aside from the usual leis, parents, boyfriends or husbands can actually give a bouquet of fresh flowers to a female graduate. No, not just one stem but a large bouquet. Just imagine the scenario. Much more if she graduates with honors or special awards.

The thoughtfulness would really mean much more to her.

Officially Miley Cyrus

2008-03-23T03:07:00.002+08:00

I came across her name, Miley Cyrus, in the internet many times, but didn’t really bother to investigate who this kid really is.

Born Destiny Hope Cyrus, she became famous for her as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana role in one of the hit series of Disney Channel. And now, she officially changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus. It sounds like that of his father, famous country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

That change of name would not really be a problem for her or her fans. As a matter of fact, it is a good thing. Names are really confusing to those who don't really know the real person behind the name.

And as for my blogging, I wouldn’t trade my real name for the many other names I used in the internet. Those are just pseudonyms in the likes of Rizal and other early heroes.

American Idol 2008: David Archuleta Makes A Comeback

2008-03-20T00:01:00.000+08:00

The boyish look plus a great voice singing “Long and Winding Road” enables David Archuleta to make a strong comeback in this week’s round. It’s usually Simon Cowell’s reaction that counts here. Randy and Paula are too nice.

Only 17 and yet he is so professional in his performance. Even his last blunder was replayed on TV, but he bounced back pretty well.

In reality, I’m not an idol fan. But there are episodes that I happened to watch, like tonight’s performance. I even thought it was David Archuleta who failed the cut last week because Simon gave him a scare. Forgive my ignorance. Thank God the kid survived! He’ll surely go a long long way. Perhaps a slot at any of Disney’s Musical would be fantastic for him.

Rules Of Flower Arrangement

2008-03-14T19:11:00.002+08:00

A friend mentioned about rules in floral arrangement and it tickled my curiosity to scour the internet for these rules.

Rule No. 1: There are no rules.

What? No rules? Because it is art, and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It is about creativity and your instincts. What pleases the eyes is all that matters. As long as you like it, as long as the recipient likes it and is happy, then, that is a beautiful floral arrangement.

What about symmetry and asymmetry? These spoke of balance, and again, it goes back to the basics of beauty. Everyone of us can try floral arrangement. I did, but my wife just laughed at my end result. At least the effort was appreciated and so I got a kiss as a reward.

So if you really like reading more about floral arrangement, here are two other articles from different authors:

1. Rules of Floral Design for Beginners
2. Flower Arrangement

Fiction: Missing The Bus

2008-03-04T16:20:00.001+08:00

It was just one of Tinang’s regular trips to the city, but this time, his stubborn kid insisted of going with her. The boy even went to the extent of stealing and hiding her slippers.

This led to a chase and a brutal spanking of the boy. But in the end, she realized something else.

Read the story here >>>

Home Plans: Buying vs Renting

2008-03-03T12:51:00.002+08:00

Renting a home may be good at the moment, but eventually, you would seek for something permanent. Home rental prices are always increasing, and there is also the inconvenience of moving once the property is sold by the landlord. It is always good to have a property that you can call your own. But with the current high prices of house and lot in the city, it is not easy for the normal wage-earners to buy a home.

So the next best option is to apply for a loan from a mortgage company. Of course, you need to shell out a certain amount at the beginning, but in the long run it benefits the buyer as compared to long-term rentals.

You can choose from the various available mortgage terms like 15-years or 25-years term, fixed rates or variable rates, etc… For the fixed amortization, the value of the money paid today would not be the same as the value of the money in the future. You wage will most likely increase in the future but your amortization will not. For variable rates, it will depend on the external forces that affect the economy. In good times, the amortization is lower. But in crisis, interests are higher.

MoneyMagic is a good online resource for making informed choices regarding mortgage. Check out their site now and the options available. They can assist you in your plans.

Announcement

2008-03-01T17:25:00.004+08:00

Even before my new blog is christened, it has reached the doorsteps of the Composed Gentleman, and even got a nomination as Filipino Blog of the Week for Week98 (March 1-7, 2008).

I don't know how and why, but what the heck! So, this is both an announcement and a campaign. My new blog is BLOGCEBUWORLD.COM. Help me welcome this baby.

And please vote for me. Please visit this SITE and on the right sidebar you can find the poll widget. Vote for Blogcebuworld once everyday till the end of the week.

Thank you very much for your support! I'm still gonna keep and maintain this nifty universe site.

The Funeral Flowers

2008-02-23T09:30:00.003+08:00

The bouquet we gave to our aunties a day after valentine's day must have been fully appreciated. An uncle ordered another bouquet for her mother. An aunt even whispered to me that she's very happy with the flowers. "It's very professionally arranged. Your wife is really gifted" she remarked.

But one of the aunties was not really feeling well. There was a blank expression on her face when she looked at the flowers. I could not find her usual smile that day. It was obvious that she was in pain. She had been in and out of the hospital for the last five years (both here and in the US) and was even told by her doctors in Chicago a couple of years ago that she will not last longer than two months. But she braved it all and prayed that she can return to the Philippines to be with her family.

Thursday morning that auntie died in the hospital ICU. My wife cried very hard as she was very close to her. She told us that she dreamt of auntie that dawn. They were surrounded by plenty of beautiful flowers and that auntie smiled and requested that she arrange beautiful flowers for her funeral.

I guess the flowers she arranged were really appreciated after all.

Flowers for the Aunties

2008-02-19T15:47:00.005+08:00

It would have been a family dinner on Valentine's Day but the prevailing powers postponed it to the next day. 6pm is 6pm. But we arrived an hour and a half late. Excuses here, excuses there.

I arrived at the house past 6pm to pick up my wife and my parents-in-law. My wife was still arranging the bouquet she planned to give to our aunties. So we waited for another hour. Follow-up text messages came saying they're almost done with dinner.

Honestly, we're starving. But my wife wanted to finish the floral arrangements. She wants nothing but the best for them.

When we arrived, they were amazed at the bouquets. Maybe they've forgiven us for being late. And I just filled myself with the plenty leftovers on the table.

Discounts on Online Shopping

2008-02-19T15:28:00.003+08:00

Online shopping has become very popular these days and that many bigtime retailers are now venturing into online stores. They are bringing the store to your home, without the inconveniences of parking and long queues. And these retailers are also giving away discounts to their online customers.

Take Dell for example, they give coupon codes for discounts as much as $450. Some items are sold at 30% discount and free shipping. This is really great coming from Dell, one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers.

If you also want to buy HP products from HP Home Store, they also got coupons available. Or maybe you want to shop at Best Buy, America’s no.1 retailer of consumer electronics, PCs and appliances.

CouponChief.com, the online leader in coupons, deals and discounts, have up to date promotional deals from leading stores that is unequalled in the online shopping industry. Convenience, discounts and great deals: What else do you ask for in online shopping?

Flowers to Cebu: Post-Valentine's Joy

2008-02-15T11:24:00.011+08:00

For some who inquired and asked for pictures, sorry I wasn't able to give you pictures prior to Valentine's Day.

But now, I'm sharing to you the pics of my wife's floral arrangement. My customers were very very happy and satisfied. They really got an excellent bargain from a start-up flower shop like us. Their spouses were surprised and happy as well. My niece, whom utilized to be our delivery girl, even reported that officemates of the recepient gathered around the bouquet amazed and even inquired about the name of our flower shop. She just smiled because we didn't have a name for now.

From a business point of view, we really didn't capitalize enough. But me and my wife are very happy. We made other couples happy on Valentine's Day. And it is something that is priceless.

Bouquet of Flowers

2008-02-14T20:17:00.000+08:00

She'll never forget the day you first gave her a bouquet of flowers. It could be your first date or your first valentine's as a couple.

You can always remember the smile on her face, or even the blush, and her gentleness in greeting you while caressing the beautiful bouquet in her arms.

No, she can't accuse you of being 'corny'. There is something in flowers that can melt a woman's heart.

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. "
~Emma Goldman

-----* * *-----

We're selling bouquets and baskets of flowers on Valentine's Day, 10% off the selling price and free delivery within Cebu and Mandaue Cities. For orders or inquiries, email me at noverei@gmail.com.

Are You Insured?

2008-02-14T18:55:00.004+08:00

When one is young, he doesn’t really concern himself about insurance, as if death and tragedy exempts those who have not yet lived life fully. But for practicality, it is the best time to buy one when you are young and healthy. Premiums are low.

So, are you insured? If your one dollar buys $50,000 “no medical exam” life insurance, wouldn’t you grab the opportunity? It’s actually a protection for the family left behind in cases of untimely death. Buying one is a very important choice.

Term life insurance is the most basic and simplest of all life insurance. You pay premium on the period that you are covered. Whole life insurance protects the beneficiary and it also builds up cash value. The insurer can loan against that cash value.

Most insurance companies let you undergo medical examinations. Your health is considered as a factor in computing the premium. But there are others that offer “No Medical Exam” life insurance packages. You only have to answer some checklists though. But nevertheless, it’s hassle-free. It’s time to think about getting insurance now.

Saying You Love Her With Flowers

2008-02-11T18:14:00.000+08:00

I don’t know much about the history of flower-giving but I know that women always love receiving flowers.

Maybe I can recall one instance, though we were just in our early teens then, that a girl cried after receiving a bouquet. She said she’s embarrassed receiving it from a guy she dislikes. Well, what do you expect of teens?

In another instance, being a pledgee of a campus org, I was tasked to delivery a bouquet to a girl who happened to be my classmate. I remembered full well her blushes that day. She demurely smiled but was able to utter thanks.

I can narrate more stories but really, flowers go a long long way. Ladies feel more loved and appreciated when given flowers. You really don’t have to whisper the words close to her ears. Just bring that beautifully arranged bouquet and hand it to her.

Growing Old

2008-02-09T14:23:00.000+08:00

Like a delicate rose, we shall all wilt, grow old and lose that outer beauty and strength. But that does not mean that we lose the right to glow and be happy. We can still laugh and live life at the fullest despite the brief time left.

In less than 30 years from now, I’d join the senior citizens. What will I do then? Stay in a nursing home and enjoy the benefits of being cared of by carers along with other old people? Should I just stay at home? How would I care for myself? I hope I still have the strength to carry for myself and perhaps read online resource like Bettercaring.com. It has information on many things about caring, like searching for a care home, suitable caring arrangements, and care news and tips. It makes old age something not to be afraid of.

I wouldn’t know about the future and how I will cope up with old age. But I know I should be happy because I know who holds my hand.

Monetizing 102: Blogsvertise

2008-02-02T16:48:00.001+08:00

I joined Blogsvertise and will soon write posts for their advertisers. This is jut one of the opportunities bloggers can monetize their sites. Joining is easy. Register and blog about them. Once approved by the administrator, you will get writing assignments. You need to write about 2-3 paragraphs ( or a minimum of 75 words) and link to the advertisers’ websites at least 3 times in your blog posts. You can accept or decline the assignment within 5 days or the offer expires.

Writing an entry for Blogsvertise is not really difficult as you can write it your style. You can make a review, or just relate to it in your everyday happenings. Approval of the entry made is fast. You get paid thru Paypal 30 days after the post is approved. If you don’t have a paypal account, go get one now and start getting paid to blog.

Flowers to Cebu: Early Orders

2008-02-02T13:14:00.001+08:00

I got friends and colleagues who ordered early. They are also very excited about it. I gave them 10% discount plus free delivery within the City.

I still have to tell some of my bosses here about this project of mine. I'm sure they too are contemplating on giving something for their wives. Valentine's Day is fast approaching.

Fiction: The Red Car

2008-02-01T11:43:00.000+08:00

Maggie was on her way to meet her best friend when she witnessed a road accident. The driver of the red car which sideswept an old woman did not even bother to step down and check on the hapless victim.

She was deeply bothered and was about to cancel her appointment, though she arrived early at their meeting place. But when her friend arrived, she was in for a surprise.

Read more here>>>

Domain Registration

2008-01-31T23:15:00.001+08:00

I’m very close to a domain registration. What should I name my online flower shop? I’ve listed a few possible nifty names but could not seem to make a decision. I checked the first two names in my list and the dotcoms are very much available. This is quite a relief but deciding on which name to use is really the hard part. I will not reveal them now. I should be able to decide soon. I stumbled on one informative web page which gave me a valuable idea on choosing a domain name.

Domain registration is easy and inexpensive. I already checked some web hosting sites. At Payless Domains, you even get discounts for a two-year or more registration. They also have special pricing if your get more domain names. They are Australia's favorite domain registration site for buying cheap Australian domain names like .com.au. They also provide affordable web hosting packages, using high performance web servers. Check out their site now.

Cebu Weddings: The Photographer

2008-01-28T17:29:00.002+08:00

It’s always nice to look back at your wedding day with those beautiful pictures. You scan them back and forth, smile and held the pictures near your heart as you want to relive those moments of joy.

You look lovely on that wedding dress, and he is handsome on his suit. You held hands, kissed and everything were captured on the camera for you to remember. It is where the wedding photographer is really vital on your special day.

The picture above is from the portfolio of one of Cebu’s up and rising photographer, Mr. Allan Restauro, one of Cebu's best photographer. You can check out his website for more of his skillfully taken photos.

Blogging 101: For Ms. Rose

2008-01-24T14:47:00.000+08:00

What is a blog? Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines it as, “a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer”. It is short for a weblog.

Think about those diaries you used to hide under your bed, wherein you put daily entries about your thoughts and experiences. Sometimes, you even put codes to hide the real names of your crushes. Think about those formal themes you used to do in elementary and high school, and those scribblings you do for fun. Think about those unsent letters of hate and love, and those parting words you drafted when you think you could no longer take it anymore. Think about those stories formed in your mind, or those critical book or movie reviews you want to write.

Those I mentioned above can be posted online to form a blog. For a start, one can use free hosted sites like blogger (owned by google), wordpress and i.ph. I love the layout of i.ph but sorry I have to leave them. Firewall problem. I’ve never used wordpress, but it has better-looking templates. I don’t want Multiply because people there only want the pictures. Those at friendster are concerned only of their friends’ lists and not their friends’ blog content. I am happy at blogger. But I certainly want my own domain.

In a blog, you can either use your name or an alias (if you’re shy or just want some mystery). There are pros and cons to both, but it really depends. You can have fun in either or in both ways. Identity confusion would be a problem later if you use both.

If you think you don’t know how to write, think again. Unless you commence writing, you can never write better. Maybe we can’t read your mind, but you can type in the keyboard and write your thoughts, free-flowing like the wind outside the corners of my cubicle. Don’t mind the monsters that will attempt to discourage you. We’ve got more than 14 years of schooling to learn how to write. It may not be perfect though.

Who are we to judge the writer because of the misfired metaphors and the feeble grammatical constructions? That blog, that website that contains your precious thoughts, is yours, with or without readers.

Techie Gifts For Valentines

2008-01-22T22:24:00.000+08:00

Aside from flowers, what else can you give to your valentines date? Think about some romantic ideas aside from the huggable stuffed toys and chocolates. Or maybe a candlelight dinner for two at some romantic setting would be delightful.

What if this time around you add a nifty gadget on that bouquet of roses? Say a pink-colored ipod or the latest mp3 player in the market. Then you share the ear phones and begin to sway, with your bodies closer to each other and you dance with the sweet music played on the little gadget. The stars would love to join you in that ecstasy of the moment. And the moon could just wink in approval. Wouldn’t that add a little twist to your evening?

A great source for mp3 players and other portable devices is Savebuckets, a website wherein you can browse, search, select and buy those gadgets that you need at great-value prices. It is simply practical shopping at the comfort of your own home.

Online Flower Shop

2008-01-21T14:21:00.000+08:00

I’ve been thinking hard about the subject, though I must admit that it’s a tough climb if I should really pursue on one. I heard of success stories, and there are not so easy challenges too. My wife’s floral arrangements can match or even look better than those of the other shops. I almost threw a bouquet I bought for my wife in the past. I was so disappointed at its quality and not to mention the steep price. She accepted the bouquet though, but the detailed analysis was made days after enjoying the Valentine’s Day date.

Maybe for now, the online shop resides in this nifty universe blog. I still have to purchase a domain and from there, set up everything. It would be just a business from home. Of course, I need an ecommerce solution as a boost to my store. A shopping cart software would be handy. Ashop Commerce provides great-value features and designs for small to medium sized online businesses. It would be a perfect partner for my future online business endeavor.

Fiction: Flowers for Rachel

2008-01-19T19:02:00.000+08:00

It took Anton many years and many miles to find the opportunity to give flowers to the girl of his dreams. He decided to forget about her until that fateful night in Makati when he saw her pass by the window of Starbucks.

They finally met and he handed her the flowers, but things didn’t go out his way.

Read the story here….

(photo credit: sunjun)

Monetizing 101

2008-01-19T13:53:00.000+08:00

In a post I mentioned before, there are ways of monetizing one’s blog. One is to get paid to blog. So I joined Smorty and got my blog approved in less than 48 hours. That how fast they approve blogs to get you started immediately.

Smorty is a service connecting advertisers with thousands of blogs. When an advertiser starts an advertising campaign to advertise on blogs, bloggers write unique reviews and link back to the advertiser’s website using specific keywords. The buzz created can eventually benefit the advertisers as these increase their product exposure and search engine rankings. It’s a great feeling to be on the internet’s no.1 spot.

For bloggers, you get paid for writing about the things you love. You can forget about ranting and blogging about nothing when don’t have anything else to keep your blog moving. You can certainly blog for money. There are plenty of paid blogging opportunities with Smorty, and the good thing is, they pay you on paypal weekly.

Flowers For Your Valentine's Date

2008-01-17T21:35:00.000+08:00

You might end up picking flowers on the streetsides or in your backyard if you fail to order in advance that beautiful bouquet of long stemmed roses for your valentine's date.

Worst, you if were forced to buy the expensive yet with wiltering petals because you were running late.

Valentine's Day is less than a month from now. It's a big day for lovers and it could be for you.

A Cebuano Blogger's Frail SEO Attempt

2008-01-16T21:19:00.000+08:00

Thanks to google’s webmasters tools and to the posts of Marhgil. I’m learning fast on how to improve traffic to my blog. Cyril, my cubicle neighbor, is also excited on this SEO thing.

There are few keywords where I’m on google’s page 1. It brought considerable traffic to this site (though not really converting into adsense clicks). Take for example the GMA vs ABS CBN entries that I have here. Though there is not enough content here about their age-old rivalry, still, plenty stumbled in this site. So I’m constrained to give updates.

In last night’s news, ABS CBN brought to open their witnesses. GMA, however, claimed that there was nothing new to the allegations, and even sought swift court action on their suit. But the judge might inhibit himself. His cousin works for ABS CBN.

Here’s a new one: GMA said that AGB Nielsen reported that ABS CBN also contacted metered homes. Hmmm…That would probably make them on equal footing.

But we viewers are not really concerned about their feud. Give us good shows. I’m really getting redundant here.

Ok, back to SEO. The truth is: I want to optimize keywords like “Flowers to Cebu” and “Cebu Weddings”. This site is on page 3 for the former and page 1 on the latter. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. I know I’ll be competing with flower shops and wedding planners on this. But these are something that my wife is really good at: floral arrangements and coordinating weddings. I’ll see how far I can get before getting a dotcom for an online flower shop. Getting a small pie of this industry won’t hurt the big players.

Flowers To Cebu

2008-01-16T20:18:00.001+08:00

The basket of flowers on the left is arranged by my wife Emily four years ago for a client who wanted to surprise his wife on Valentine's Day. Upon seeing the basket, he was overjoyed and hurried to bring it to his wife. He was all smiles the next day narrating how his missus loved the flowers.

Friends, if any one of you wants to order flowers and send it to someone dear to your heart here in Cebu City, we can help you. Whether it be a bouquet or a basket of flowers, we will beautifully arrange and deliver it for you.

We don't have a flower shop yet but we do accept orders. For details, you can email me at noverei@gmail.com.

If you want to see some of the pics, just click on any of the flower pictures below my blog header. For the 2009 orders, click here > > >.

Page Rank Update, Traffic, and GMA vs ABS CBN

2008-01-15T11:01:00.001+08:00

It was Saturday evening when I saw my Page Rank rise from N/A to PR3. I could not contain my joy. This blog is barely 75 days old and the PR3 is really a surprise. I've seen lots of blogs with no PR at all. They could have been hit by the google penalization sometime in October considering the tons of sponsored banners and posts on their site. But I'm sure they're still earning pretty well, though it's unlike those days when they have higher PR.

Traffic. My site meter and feedjit recorded visits from those who searched sites about GMA vs ABS CBN. The latest update is that: cases were already filed. I hope they stop their media tirade and start again to challenge each other's shows and pit each other's young rising stars. Who's prettier: Marian Rivera or Angel Locsin? I'm starting to get annoyed at the story twists in Marimar.

GMA 7 vs ABS CBN : Court War

2008-01-12T23:30:00.000+08:00

The court junked the P63-M suit filed by ABS-CBN against the research firm AGB Nielsen. Earlier, GMA 7 filed a P15-million civil action suit against rival ABS-CBN over what GMA 7 said were “false and malicious” allegations of ratings manipulation.

But I don’t really think any of these cases will prosper. At the end of the day, or when new ratings will be released, they’d kiss and make up.

But I’d like to see their new movies square up in the primetime: Cesar Montano vs Robin Padilla, Angel Locsin vs Marian Rivera and Richard Gutierrez/Marian Rivera vs Sam Milby/Toni Gonzaga.

In our home, the reality is: We’ll watch the channel which has a better reception in our TV. Too bad it’s not ABS-CBN.

Cebu Weddings

2008-01-10T14:35:00.000+08:00

Cebu weddings, December weddings, whatever weddings! Googlesearch listed 182,000 results for Cebu Weddings. Maybe I’d start with this one in my frail attempt at SEO. I hope I’m in the right path.

December is a month full of weddings. My parents had their wedding in December of 1974 in a small Christian church in Mambaling, Cebu. My dad recalled that he only spent a month’s salary for that wedding. That could already be a big amount at that time.

My moms’ elder brother and younger sister had their weddings on Christmas Day. I can count a number of others who got married on December. My sister had her wedding last December 15 at the pool area of Metro Park Hotel. Why poolside? Because they like the idea.

December weddings is convenient to most people because: 1) Vacation time 2) Important people can attend 3) Wedding anniversaries and Christmas parties can be celebrated together and 4) Bonuses are released on December – for the couple’s added finances and for guests to be more generous on gifts.

The downsides: 1) Most venues are booked for parties and 2) Prices are higher. But with early bookings and proper planning, hitches can be avoided.

Below is a wedding pic of my sis and her husband. I hope they won’t mind being featured here.

Tears From A Presidential Candidate

2008-01-09T18:26:00.000+08:00

I didn’t know that tears and a broken voice can alter the voters’ choice. And that the Americans choose the underdog instead of the leading force.

After coming out third at Iowa last week, Hillary Clinton bounced back and captured the voters’ hearts in New Hampshire, edging the erstwhile leader, Barack Obama. A picture of a teary-eyed and wearied presidential candidate seems to be everywhere in the news. Some credited it to the women’s votes which gave her campaign a new lease of life. The tough lady has a soft side too.

The race for the Democrats is getting to be more exciting. We’ll hear more in the coming days.

$25 Bonus

2008-01-09T09:48:00.000+08:00

Do you see that widget on my right sidebar that flaunts something like $25 bonus? If you click that and subsequently register with them, you get $25 bonus upon approval. Then you can begin placing relevant ads on your site and you can start earning more.

By the way, referrers also earn bucks.

New Year's Resolution

2008-01-07T19:09:00.000+08:00

I don't really have something specific right now. I quit thinking about how to trim down and lose weight. I've been including that in my yearly list since 2002 when I started to expand horizonally. But I had zero success.

I'd slow down in badminton. I can't go back to my fighting form unless I'd shape up and trim down. I have to forget about winning trophies again. I got plenty of invites from various groups but I got my arsenal of excuses. Busy here, travel there. Actually, it's my knees that has been bothering me.

I'd blog more. But it won't just be about blogging. There certainly are plenty of opportunities online that I have to explore. Perhaps this is my new "New Year's Resolution".

Published

2008-01-04T13:17:00.000+08:00

My first ever Cebuano short fiction got published in yesterday's (1/03/08) issue of Sunstar's Superbalita. It is entitled "Ang Babaye Sa Payag Daplin sa Sapa". I just can't contain the joy I'm feeling right now.

The link can be found here but can't be accessed for now until it is properly archived. Or you may read it here in my other blog. An officemate saved an online copy yesterday. Too bad I wasn't able to buy the tabloid yesterday. But I will get my copy soon and have it laminated. Hahaha.

Ratings War: GMA vs ABS-CBN

2008-01-02T18:00:00.000+08:00

The other day, I was really surprised to see a text message from a friend regarding the latest TV controversy. It seems like I haven’t watched TV for a couple of months coz I already forgot about the saga of Marimar and Juday’s Ysabella. I also don’t have any idea about the latest of the ratings war, though I may argue (in a friendly way) in favor of the shows I watch.

My daily routine (that is if I arrive at home before 7pm) includes Saksi, Deal or no deal, Zaido, Kamandag, Marimar, Ysabella, PBB, and 24 oras. I guess these shows are leading their respective timeslots. I also enjoy watching Jojo Abellana’s show in QTV.

But what is this that I saw on GMA about the allegations of its rival network? So today I made a little research through the ever reliable google search engine. One accused the other of “influencing” the results, then pointing a finger at the rating agency for its failure to correct. Both accused filed libel charges against the accuser.

With all the problems our country is facing today, we need better information and entertainment. I wish both can come up with nifty and informative shows. The ratings war is the least of the viewers’ concerns.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-01T13:20:00.000+08:00

My newphew and godson enjoying his moment in the gift box designed to be his custome in a contest at the church christmas party. He took the runner-up honors.

* - * - *

So, we already said our goodbyes to 2007 and welcomed 2008 with gladness. Here's a verse from the Bible that I'd like to share:

Jeremiah 29: 11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

Happy New Year to each one of us! God bless us all!

Halo-halo Stories: A Year-Ender Post

2007-12-29T14:20:00.000+08:00

Former Pakistan PM Bhenazir Bhutto was assassinated the other day. After many attempts, a suicide bomber finally succeeded in getting close. She was immediately buried yesterday. Not enough time for her supporters to mourn. Again, fingers are pointed at Al-Qaeda.

“Dumbledore is gay!” says JK Rowling, author of the famous Harry Potter series. Should we expect a new book to expound on this declaration? Nah! But why didn’t Dumbledore declare it in Hogwarts? Oops, enough said. It won’t make any difference to the story anyway.

Sex scandals, pinay scandal, Cebu scandal, whatever scandals are there to create a spark on the imagination, and of course, internet hits. Yesterday’s issue of the local daily contained news of a scandal that happened in the adjacent city. Two female job-order employees of the City Hall were allegedly made to play with the genitals of their senior male superior. No play – no pay, so they complained. Hmmm…waiting for a follow up news on this, as investigations are still on-going.

Shit explodes, kills 11 and wounds 100 others in Glorietta. That should be the headline if it can be proven that it’s gas, not bomb, that caused the explosion. I hope for swift justice and compensation for the victims, though.

Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton seemed to have hugged the entertainment highlights this year. I’m sure we’ll hear more of them in 2008.

GMA is still the President of the Philippines. Trillanes wasn’t able to get enough support since his friends were somewhere else. We’ll just hope Mrs. President do better for the country in 2008.

The peso closed at P41.401 as against the US dollar for this year 2007. That’s more than 35% reduction from the high of P56 three years ago. And the sad thing, prices of almost everything are still high. So, my friends who are living outside the Philippines, you need to pour in more dollars for your families here.

Goodbye 2007, welcome 2008! Happy New Year everyone! I wish we’d all be better off next year.

Badminton-less Life

2007-12-27T16:33:00.000+08:00

If you remember sometime in 2002 or 2003, badminton reemerged in the Philippine scene. Plenty got hooked immediately, even shifting sports from tennis or basketball. Badminton courts, like mushrooms, sprouted everywhere.

But for us Cebuanos, it was only in 2004 that we were infected with the craze. Groups were formed, new friends found, and even to the extent of calling them family. It’s hard to forget the lovely days when everyone else was a newbie and it was really really fun. The shouts and screams were much louder than the sound of the shuttlecock hit by the racket. We ran like crazy, bumped into each other, and laugh inside the court. After every game, the group troops to the nearest fastfood to replenish the calories and fats lost on the games. What a way to exercise!

Then, after months of training and skills improvement, some had become much better players, in fact overtaking me in terms of skills and agility. The tournaments aroused the competitive spirit of the players that even those who just started out with the game as an excuse to exercise, joined every tourney that comes their way.

But then, almost four years after, the fad seemed to have died down, and players are now mellowed with injuries, unfair and controversial competitions and well, back to their real lives. I have taken easy on badminton too. I’m back playing with beginners once a week. No more of the hard games that leaves my arms aching for days.

The last competition I joined early this month was really a heartbreaker. We were winless in three games. The only consolation was that, all were closely fought, and for our level, everything was just fair. It’s a different story though with my wife’s participation in another level. They were victims of bad leveling.

For 2008, I don’t really have a bright outlook on my badminton career. It’s now a downhill for me. After many days of being absent in the badminton court, and indulging most of my time in front of the computer and in travels, I think I can now live life apart from badminton.

Gift-giving

2007-12-24T10:37:00.000+08:00

What should I give to my 2 dozen godchildren this season? And for those of the manito-manita? I bought some of the gifts a couple of months ago. But I had not managed to shop for more. Today is already the 24th and is not really a good day to go the mall, unless the long queues won’t matter to me. I told two children to come back next Sunday to claim their gifts. But I'm not sure if I'd be ready by then.

And you know what? A parent even asked me for a gift, which he says is, in behalf of his child. Ah, pressure! But it’s okay. Even if any of my kumpares and kumares visit this site and happen to read this entry, they can claim the gift for their child. We’ll just set the date, next year. LOL.

But seriously, gift-giving should not be a burden, though at times we feel the pressure. Let us give as our hearts desire and as our wallets permit.

Enjoy the season everyone! Merry Christmas!

My Jumbled Writings

2007-12-21T23:19:00.000+08:00

My fiction and poetry blog is now up. Click on the image to go to the site.

Feel free to drop by.

Earn Online Thru Sponsored Posts

2007-12-18T17:18:00.000+08:00

I mentioned in my previous post some ways of earning money thru blogging. One of them is by making sponsored posts. This feature post is a continuation, not a duplication of what I posted before.

These are some of the sites wherein you can earn thru sponsored posts: Smorty, Pay Per Post, Blogvertise, BlogToProfit, Bidvertise, SponsoredReview, PayU2blog, Bloggertizer, etc… I’m not providing the link, but you can just googlesearch them if you’re really interested.

The basic requirements are very simple and are mostly similar among these competing sites. You need a 90-day-old blog with at least 20 posts, written in English and with correct grammar. Register, submit your blog, and wait for approval. They evaluate your blog based on certain criteria and they email their approval as fast as 12 hours, and as long as 5 days. Once approved, they gave you the writing assignments, or they serve as a link between you and the advertiser. But these assignments vary and depend on the following: URL, Location, Categories and PR (and other rankings)

URL. Blogs are not created equal. Many advertisers prefer dotcom over others. Other free sites like wordpress do not allow paid posts. There are bloggers who, in their eagerness to earn more, maintain two or more sites, one of which is a dotcom.

Location. The bloggers’ geographic location also matters. Don’t ever think of racial discrimination here. Advertisers just prefer bloggers who are nearer to their target market.

Blog Category. It is always suggested that bloggers write and develop content on certain categories, one that they’re really good at. Advertisers prefer blogs with contents that are more or less related to their products or services.

PR. Some blogs are just too good that they rose above others very fast. Blame that on their owners’ knowledge of SEO. But that can be learned too. Blogs with more traffic and higher PR get more paid opportunities. Advertisers believe that when their site is linked to a site that has a higher PR, their own PR also increases. (Oh PR! No one can really fully explain how google does its math.)

If you think you are qualified and have a chance to make it big, join now in the bandwagon of paid blogging. But be sure to open a paypal account first. They pay you through it.

Skipping Christmas

2007-12-17T10:47:00.000+08:00

I skipped the company’s Christmas party last Friday. Or was there a party? It’s my first time to have done this. I have a valid reason though. I don’t know if someone ever looked for me.

In the next few days, there will be plenty of Christmas parties that I have to attend. If I have my way, I’d like to skip them all and go someplace else, perhaps in a white sandy beach far from the city. But I can’t. Not now, and not here in the Philippines. Someone will surely look for me. And if I happen to skip any, my absence would surely be a topic in conversations. No excuse would be valid enough.

Remembering Names and Faces

2007-12-12T12:55:00.000+08:00

In a fine day and in a good mood, if ever we meet and get introduced for the first time, I’d smile, say hello and have a little chat. And then we accidentally meet again a week after in a mall or in a crowded place and you smile at me and I appear to have a blank expression, don’t feel bad. The surest thing is that, I can’t recognize the face and associate it with a name. And if you’d say hello, and I managed to reply despite a startled gaze, it’s just that my brain is still deciphering who you are, where and when we first met. I need a second introduction or maybe a reminder, which may be embarrassing for me. But then, I can now remember you for a very long time.

In another scenario, if we meet for the first time in a foul mood, you ranting and cursing, and hurling expletives at me or any of my companions at any moment, and I happen to get your name, my brain will work in a certain degree to imbed your name and face. I shall certainly remember you for a very long time.

Is there a cure for this malady?

The Power of Blogs

2007-12-11T17:39:00.000+08:00

The power of blogs is no longer a secret to most people. We all know that blogs raise awareness of almost everything. Blogs update us about the situation in Burma, or the latest restaurant in New York. We may even know what Juan De La Cruz ate for breakfast. I mean, even lies and urban legends are blogged about.

But I would be concentrating on the blogs’ economic power as a marketing tool. If you look at some of the ads in adsense, you’d most likely see something like, “Your blog’s a money maker”. Do you believe that? You may raise an eyebrow at these stuffs. Honestly, I haven’t clicked that ad in my sidebar.

In the internet age, companies now realized that they should not be left behind. They put up websites here and there, and even do online business. But the web is too large that some companies’ sites remained hidden in the vastness. Others resort into Search Engine Optimization (SEO), improving the volume and traffic to their websites. Then they looked at blogs and considered its unlimited potential. More traffic, more links, improved searchability, more income.

And bloggers are benefited too. Companies hire bloggers to review their products and services. Or they may just want a link to their site. The power of blogs can no longer be overlooked. Just look at the post and the sidebars of many bloggers. There’s no stopping them from dreaming of millions.

Money in Blogging

2007-12-09T17:49:00.001+08:00

How long have you been blogging? A month? A year? What have you gained so far? Friends? Readership? Experience? Freedom? Self-expression? PR? Everything else but money.

How much does a writer earn for a column, a story or a book? For Filipinos, not much, unless he or she happens to write something that gets the attention of Hollywood. And that opportunity seldom happens.

You see, the wonders of the internet make it possible to get paid with the thing you love. That means getting paid thru blogging. Well, you might say that it’s a sacrilege to blog for money, and that yours is an unadulterated personal blog. But it really depends.

The following are just some ways to monetize your blog:

GoogleAdsense. Do you see the ads on the left side of this blog? These are from googleadsense. (Duh, as if you don’t know) If you write in blogger, the invitations are somewhat built in. All you have to do is click away the link then start the registration. You have to insert some codes into your template. After approval, which normally takes a week, you start earning on per click or per thousand impressions. If you write in wordpress without paying a fee, somewhere in their terms prohibits you from monetizing. As for i.ph, I can see that they’re already allowing it.

The cashing in may be very slow. Mine is still under 50 cents after more than a month. But the internet is rich with articles (and even videos) on how to maximize Adsense. I guess I have to reread and apply them thoroughly.

Sponsored Posts. Some internet companies hire bloggers to write a review for their advertisers. The basic requirement for approval is a 90-day old blog, written in English and with at least 20 posts. (As of today, Nifty Universe is not qualified). They evaluate your blog (usually the PR and Alexa Rank) and then give you posting opportunities. These opportunities maybe as low as $2, or as high as over $1000, and that is dependent on your PR or some other rankings which, in the end, probably goes back to PR. This is where the PR is important to the problogger.

So what are these writing opportunities? You simply write a positive review, minimum of 150 words (though some require only 50), and put the link in the required anchor text in your post. You publish the entry in your blog, and then submit the link for approval. If approved, you get paid.

Balancing your posts is also important. The blogger should maintain 3:1 ratio between non-sponsored and sponsored post. The blogger may be suspended if he fails to maintain this ratio.

Sometimes, in a haste to earn more, quality of the individual posts (sponsored or not) is sacrificed. But nobody cares anymore about quality when everyone else in your blogging circle is doing the paid thing. Or it is like saying that, “If they get paid for a crappy entry, why can’t I do the same?” But we are not the judge here. It’s ultimately the sponsor of your post, who approves or rejects them.

Banners and Widgets. There are others that pay you by just placing a widget or banner in a visible area in your site.

Referrals. You refer someone to their program, and then you get paid. I saw someone posting something about $25 for each approved referral.

The above are just samples of making money out from your blog. There could be new opportunities that may come out tomorrow or in the next week. The internet world is just so full of surprises these days. If you don’t have a blog yet, better start now, develop your content, and join all the blogging networks available just to be seen and noticed.

But in the end, you know what’s best for you and your blog. You can always pass on these opportunities.

Read, Dream, Write

2007-12-07T15:14:00.000+08:00

I started writing short stories in high school. There were four or five of us wannabes at that time. We were not part of the school paper, actually. Ours was just some sort of a secret writing society, perhaps influenced by a lit professor and Mr. Robin Williams in the "Dead Poets Society".

We typed a single copy of our works in a short size bond then passed it around for a selected few to read. There was no one to edit our works. So the readers’ gauge was purely on the imagination, not necessary on the literary. We were even hiding it away from our teachers’ eyes.

I remembered well the stories of Russian spies, Vietcongs and the slaughter of American soldiers. One even had stories about ninjas and samurais. The main characters were usually the jumbled spellings of our classmates’ names. It was fun. Really, really fun. I don't know if any of our works survived these days. Mine were already in ashes a decade ago. I wish I could have edited them and posted them in my blog.

Then, in some forum, a year ago, my interest in writing fiction resurrected. Anyone can write, so they say. In a flash, stories are created in our mind. Realities though bury them deep into our subconscious selves. Both worries and happiness hinder the flow of creative juices. It is in the in-between state that we are able to beautifully scribble our thoughts and the stories overflowing in our mind. You just have to write and write and write. It is not wrong to dream of becoming the next Dan Brown, Paulo Coelho or even J.K. Rowling. (grins)

So I wrote a love story. After 17 years, what I came up for my first story is about unrequited love. Shallow and mushy as it may seems, but who cares. But I know I should not dwell on one genre alone but learn to write and explore more.

Well, a year after my first short story, I was able to write 6 more; five in English and one in Cebuano. I plan to submit my Cebuano work on a local paper, so I won’t be posting it here until it gets published or trashed.

I'm not paid to read and write fiction. But the lure, especially now that I discovered the sites of some famous Filipino fictionists, is too tempting. I should finish the drafts in my PC, or I might lose them in the flood of numbers (my real work) and the new stories created in my mind. Multi-tasking is not that easy.

A Badminton Story

2007-12-06T19:11:00.000+08:00

I was 8 then one summer I first got hold of a badminton racket. I was hitting the shuttlecock quite well when an older man (in his 20s) played opposite me. The wind was against me and I had to hit the bird harder. Then he stretched forth his racket hand and smashed the bird towards me. All of a sudden, the world turned black. The shuttlecock went straight into my right eye. I thought I was going to be blind. I cried. And for days, I vowed revenge. But I could no longer remember his face, for it was the first and only time I saw the guy.

Badminton was just either a backyard or a street game for me back in the early 90’s. Neighbors played in their yard or in the streets with cheap rackets. Girls, including the maids, loved the game. They think it was so sissy of us to play with them. No jumpsmash, no drives, no tricks. We were just hitting the cheap plastic bird to our delight. It was fun.

Then the boys started to play the game, outnumbering the girls. We hit the bird hard, and tried every smash and every trick. The goal was to keep the bird within the boundary and to hit the opponent very hard. So I mastered my defense, having experienced the pain of being hit in the eye a year before. We also improved our lift, lifting the bird higher than the coconut trees. It was really, really fun.

Now came the school intramurals. With only my knowledge in street badminton to back me up, I joined the badminton competition. Nobody in school thought that I could play. They thought I was only good at academics. I was out to prove them wrong.

So, what is it in the street game that helped me improve my game? Control. We were playing with an imaginary net. The street lines served as our boundaries, so we had to control the shuttle to keep it in. Drives. In an open space, sometimes we played against the wind. So we had to hit the bird hard. Lift. Aiming to hit higher than the coconut trees strengthened our wrists. Smash. To be able to hit our opponents, we had to smash them hard and in the area where their defense was weak. We usually target the backhand side. Defense. To defend ourselves from those killer drives and smashes, we had to be on the proper stance and racket position. I knew what it is to be hit on the eye. Footwork. We kept on running in our imaginary court. The right footwork made it easy for us to cover all corners. Placing. Since my opponents ran faster than me in an open field, I had to properly place my shots to all corners to get that precious point.

That year, I beat the favorites, topped the competition and represented the school in the district tournament.

It's Christmas Again

2007-12-05T15:50:00.001+08:00

That's my wife decorating our aunt's 7-ft Christmas tree.

As early as today, I would like to greet all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!