Butterfly Releases: Captivating or Cruelty?

I went home last Sunday for our annual Grand Alumni Homecoming. It was a good opportunity to catch up again with my high scool batchmates, schoolmates and friends. Our annual homecoming activity coincides with the death anniversary of Fr. Al, now a Servant of God.

After the ceremony to give thanks and remember Fr. Al at the Virgin of the Poor Chapel, there was a balloon release as well as butterfly release. It's a sort of symbolic rituals rituals celebrating transitions, letting go and hoping that a wish may come true.

Butterfly releases are quite common during the weddings, funerals, birthdays and other celebrations. I've got issue with that.

At first, I thought it was cool. Seeing those butterflies fly again and land on a flower is captivating. But I also saw butterflies that can hardly fly and literally landed on the ground probably due to stress after being stuffed into envelopes for hours.

I look at it as cruelty against butterflies.

Global Gifting Connection | Gift Giving or Online Business?

Yesterday, a friend from Canada asked me if I'm interested with online business. Because I'm into making money online, I got interested asked for the details. She told me it's actually a gift giving concept and introduced the Global Gifting Connection.



Global Gifting Connection
My friend explained to me the concept. My first impression is that it's one of those Ponzi Scheme. But my friend told me that it's not a pyramiding type of networking. Then again, if it's gift giving, why call it online business? She was quick to tell me that it's only her who call it that way. But the way I see it, most of those who will join look forward to receiving the returns - you give a one-time "gift" of $150 to a stranger and after indefinitite period, you will also receive $150 from 8 strangers. It depends on how fast you can invite other people to do the same. Yes, it involves recruitment, networking.

She gave me a password to access the Global Gifting Connection Website (www.globalgiftingconnection.org) and I was able to read few information about the concept. It's a provate group, no officers, no business address etc. If you join, you will then become part of a team and later on will become a team leader. With Global Gifting Connection, there simply is no transparency and accountability. And aside from the fact that you give money to stranger for whatever motive you may have, what have you really accomplished by doing it? If I have extra $150 to give as a gift, I would rather pay it forward. By doing that, I know that I am able to help poor students get an education.

I also searched the net for feedback and found this: Global Gifting Connection Revisited. The author has got problems and regret joining Global Gifting Connection.

Global Gifting Connection, in my opinion, is just one of those get-rich-quick schemes. Pretty much like Francswiss.

I once joined a networking business, First Quadrant, and learned my lessons there. Yes, I made money from First Quadrant but, sadly, some of my downlines never made it and I felt guilty. There simply is no shortcut in getting rich. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Global Gifting Connection may be legitimate and all that. But it simply isn't for me.

Home Lighting & Moving Out, Moving In Woes

We recently had no choice but to move out of our apartment. Termites have long established its colonies within the wood structures of that unit and it is only now that the owner finally decided to have it renovated.

We were offered a nearby unit that is smaller in size which we accepted after renegotiating a lesser monthly rental fee.

One of the first discomforts we initially encountered in our new apartment is installing a light bulb over the stairs. The location is in the middle and hard to reach. Floor lamps might be more suitable and might enhance that part of the house.

Our new apartment seemed designed for less use of appliances. Each room has only one electrical socket, allowing only two appliance to be plugged good enough for each of our electric fans and laptops . We had a hard time deciding to ditch our table lamps or risk tripping with extension chords.  We're geeting ideas from LampClick.Com

Home lighting is just among the many discomforts we had to endure by our transfer. But we are ready to look beyond that and the ensuing period of adjustment.

We really loved our current location. It is a common point to our workplaces. It is within the vicinity of vital establishments such as the wet market, public transport terminals, hospitals, utility offices and the likes.

After all in real estate and in business, its location, location & location.

Don't drink and drive

October 10, 2010 (10-10-10), they say, is a lucky day. But if you drink and drive, good luck to that!



This just happened yesterday, October 10, 2010, in Brgy. Magtaking Bugallon Pangasinan. Nobody died but slightly injured were a mother and her less than 1 year old baby on board this unregistered vehicle driven by a drunk driver.



A cousin and her friends were inside this Mercedez Benz van, when that overspeeding vehicle hit it. No one was hurt from their group.

It's better to be safe. Don't drink and drive.

Sales is Problem Solving

He who solves the problem, gets the business. This is something that I have learned from my boss. Sales, according to him, is just like problem solving. Not many telemarketers, salesman and vendors understand this concept.

Here's a sample.

A telemerketer for hotel membership promo, sent her resume for assessment. She's interested to live and work in Canada and wanted to know if she will meet the pass mark using Canada Points System. On her email, she took the opportunity to offer me a membership.

PLEASE SIR I NEED YOUR HELP, I HAD A 6 QUOTA EVERY WEEK.....PLEASE SEND ME TEXT AT 0928******* REGARDING THE DELIVERY OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP UNTIL FRIDAY,YOUR COMPANY NAME,YOUR COMPANY ADDRESS AND THE MEMBERSHIP THAT YOU WANT FOR ME TO DELIVER ON FRIDAY AT 2 PM.....OR YOU CAN TEXT ME YOUR NAME AND YOUR LANDLINE FOR ME TO CALL YOU TOMORROW AND EXPLAIN ABOUT THIS MATTER.....

She wants me to buy a membership to help her with her quota!?! This style is similar to those kids selling dried mangoes saying it's for their tuition. It may work to some extent but it's not gonna work for me.

Do you have similar experience?

No Problem Videoke Bar

How's that for a name of a videoke bar? :-)

Discount Cards

It's my lucky day.

I've got two discount cards today - a discount gift card from Western Union and a prescription discount card from Pfizer!

I took a day off today to see a specialist due to frequent muscle spasm in my neck and left shoulder. I was actually thinking of going to Makati Medical Center but decided to got to San Juan de Dios instead because of its proximity to my place.

Before going to San Juan de Dios Hospital, I dropped by a nearby Western Union outlet to say hello to Roche, the cute teller send a couple of million pesos to my mom. To my surprise, I was given discount gift card after my transaction was done.

I have until July 9, 2009 to claim my free halo-halo from Chowking

The second discount card I received today came from my doctor. The doctor prescribed Celebrex to ease the pain caused by the muscle spasm in my left shoulder. He gave me this discount card from Pfizer.



I don't have any idea yet how much I'll save with this prescription discount card but just the same, I'm going to use it later when I go to the drug store.

During these tough economic times, discount cards such as discount gift cards, prescription discount cards, merchant discount cards, discount gas cards and the likes are of course welcomed by most of the consumers. I do.

Guess what happened here....

I'm a regular commuter and I often witness this scenario near Pasay Rotonda MRT Station.





They say a picture is worth a thousand words. What do you think happened here?

Saturn Cars

With gas prices on the downtrend, and the effects of the economic crisis looming next year, some observers in the automotive industry say that this may be a good time to buy your first car or get a new one.

If you are either of the two, you might want to check out Saturn Cars. Saturn, a division of General Motors, offers smaller cars that are not only fuel efficient but also easier on the pocket. Plus, Saturn cars boast of dent-resistant bodies. These cars had reaped awards and citations for design and engineering.

Aim for the sky, I mean, for the Saturn Sky Red Line. This good looking convertible will surely turn heads towards its driver. More importantly, it promises the ultimate road experience with a powerful engine that can set you on the road in a jiffy, optimal safety features and comfort-laden interiors.



The 2009 Saturn Sky will even feature Bluetooth connectivity.

Saturn also offers a wide variety of models to suit every driver's needs and desires. You can choose from the VUE, AURA, ASTRA and OUTLOOK models. All of them equally fuel efficient and beautifully designed.

Everyday driving becomes easy and in style with Saturn cars. Make that smart choice now and go for Saturn Cars.

To loan or not to loan?

With a highly commercialized educational system here in the Philippines, education is now just like a commodity. Education is a right guaranteed by our constitution. But in reality, it is just a privilege for the few who has the money to get it.

Although the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has a loan program for college students called Study Now Pay Later, it really can't accommodate that many students. Worst, they are now having collection problem and the program may no longer be sustained. This is where the significance of Private Student Loans program comes in.

Student loans program may indeed help students who want to pursue a university education, but it doesn't really address the real problem. It would be best if the government allocates a bigger budget for education, it must not abandon its responsibility to educate its constituents.

How to face your problem if the problem is your face?

Acne is a common problem faced by most teenagers. Lesions produced by acne is what we commonly called pimples. This is not only a physical problem. Because it is unattractive, it may also reduce one's self-esteem especially teenagers. If not treated properly, scars that will be left on your face will be there forever.

If you have this kind of problem, Murad Acne Complex could be of help.

This formulation developed by a dermatologist, Dr. Howard Murad, boast of 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. It cleanse, treat and hydrate your skin using the acne complex.

If your acne is not treated properly, the scars it will leave on your face will be there forever. Early treatment is best if you want to lessen, if not avoid, its ugly marks on your face.

2008 Audi A6

Based on the 2008 Audi A6 reviews so far, it looks like Audi made a great improvement on Audi A6, which was last redesigned in 2005. The 2008 Audi A6 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan or wagon, equipped with with modern technology. It is available in 4 trims ranging from 3.2 to 4.2 automatic transmission.

Standard features for 2008 Audi A6 includes a headlight washing system, Sirius Satellite Radio and S-line exterior trim. This comes with optional features including a standalone navigation system, Audi lane assist, RS 4-styled 19-inch wheels, and an S-line interior package that bundles together front sport seats, Milano leather upholstery, aluminum door sills and a three-spoke steering wheel.The Audi lane assist warns drivers when they are drifting out of their lane. How cool is that?

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Those who experienced driving the 2008 Audi A6 praise this sedan for its solid performance and detailed interior cabin. If you are into luxury sedan with sporty dynamics, it is the ideal car for you. The 2008 Audi A6 is priced lower than most competitors in the luxury sedan class.

Early this year, I blogged about my plan to get a car before the end of this year. It's already October and it looks like it's not gonna happen. Maybe next year. I'm not hoping for a 2008 Audi A6, if that's what your thinking. Yes I want it, but I can't afford it. hehe!

Village Luggage and Gifts

If you are a frequent traveler and is looking for durable and stylish luggage, Village Luggage and Gifts may be the answer to your quest. It offers a wide variety of designer luggage for you to chose from. Their luggage brand includes Hartmann, ProLite, Boyt, Delsy and many more.

Village Luggage and Gifts is not just a luggage store. It also offers leather goods, travel accessories, and some unusual gifts and corporate giveaways.

You can find more information about Village Luggage and Gifts at www.villageluggageandgifts.com.

Make a way for Sarah Palin

A pastor prays and gives some anti-witch assistance for Sarah Palin. This reminds me of Jesus Declaration of Victory during the 1998 Philippine presidential election.

Bro Eddie Villanueva proclaimed Jose De Venecia (JDV) to be the God-mandated next president of the Philippines during a campaign rally. He said JDV was ordained by the Divine providence to fulfill his vision for the Philippines as a great nation of God. JDV did not win.

Few months ago, a Republican supporter made a prayer for rain to disrupt Democratic National Convention. It did not rain. Instead, a hurricane disrupted the Republican National Convention.

It looks like God really works in mysterious like what they say.

So, will this prayer help Sarah Palin become the Vice President of the United States?

And the christmas season begins

In the Philippines, christmas season starts in September. This early, you will start to hear christmas songs being played everywhere. And for the business minded, this is another opportunity for them.

Now let me be the first to greet you, Merry Christmas!

White Christams is perhaps one of the most popular christmas song. It's actually my favorite. Here's the lyrics

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Are you dreaming of a white christmas, too?

Let there be light

One of the most important details of interior designing is the indoor light fixtures. You need different interior lighting fixtures in order to light up each of the rooms based on your preferred mood.

Because each of your room needs to be dealt with differently, home lighting is quite a difficult task. You need different fixtures for your bathroom, kitchen, and living room, etc.

If you are looking for Chandeliers and other lighting fixtures, Farreys.com could be of help. They offer wide selection with different styles for you to chose from and you can buy it online.

Ang maswerteng aso at si Mr. Shooli

Nang nakita ko ang asong ito, agad pumasok sa isip ko yung mga batang pulubi na madalas ko makita tuwing sumasakay ako sa MRT o tumatawid sa mga kulay pink na tulay.



Mabuti pa ang asong ito at may sapatos, samantalang ang daming batang pulubi ang yapak na pakalat-kalat sa kalye at namamalimos para lang may makain. Hindi makatao ang sistemang panlipunan na nagapapanatili ng ganitong kaayusan. Hindi naman ito kasalanan ng aso. Syempre.

Pero, payag ka ba sa ganitong kaayusan?

Kagabi ay may napanood akong patalastas sa TV na kung saan ay nananawagan ng pagbabago Mr. Shooli, kasabay ng pagtuligsa sa pagkahilig ng mga Pilipino na sumasama sa rally. Ilang people power na raw ang nangyari at ilang kudeta ang naganap pero wala naman daw pagbabago. Ang pagbabago daw ay nasa sarili.

Sa patalastas ding ito ay pinalalabas na may bayad yung mga sumasama sa rally. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, flag ng LFS yung isang nakita ko. Nakakainsulto ang bahaging ito lalo pa nga at naging kasapi din ako ng LFS noong nasa kolehiyo pa ako. Mas malamang pa na may bayad si Mr. Shooli para sa patalastas na iyon, para sa isang propagandang nagbabalewala sa mga sama-samang pagkilos ng mamamayan. Pero ang mga kilusang gaya ng LFS ay hindi tulad nyang nababayaran.

Ang pagbabago'y nasa sarili?

Siguro nga. Pero mahirap ito lunukin ng mga manggagawang di sumasahod ng tama, ng mga magsasakang inagawan ng lupa, ng mga maralitang taga lungsod na nakagisnan na ang lansangan bilang tahanan at iba pang aping sektor ng ating lipunan na walang oportunidad para sa maayos na buhay. Ang suliraning ito ay bunga lang ng di makatarungang sistema ng ating lipunan, na siyang dapat baguhin.

Sabagay, kung nakikinabang ka nga naman sa ganitong sistema, bakit mo nga naman ito babaguhin? May mga nagsasabi pa ngang tamad lang mahirap kaya naghihirap.

Mata'y ko mang isipin, napakaswerte talaga ng asong yun. Pero darating din ang araw na magkakasapatos din yung mga batang nakikita ko sa tulay. Mababago rin ang sistemang kumukonsinte sa ganitong kaayusan. Mahaba man at mahirap na lalandasin tungo dito pero darating at darating yun.

Sana.

Kumikitang Kabuhayan

Noong may opisina pa kami sa Makati, madalas kong makita ang eksenang ito doon sa panulukan ng Pasong Tamo at Gil Puyat tuwing pupunta ako sa opisina.

Mas makapal ang umpukan ng mga tao tuwing hapon, kapag oras na ng meryenda. May nagpapanukala pa nga na magkaroon ng numbering system gaya sa bangko, para daw maayos ang pila.

Kapag nagkataon pa na naubusan ka, pwede mong aliwin ang sarili mo sa pamamagitan ng panonood kung paanong maluto sa kumukulong mantika ang pinipilahang putahe.

At luto na ang Kamote! Kung talagang magkakagipitan sa bigas, pwede na siguro itong pamalit. Yun nga lang, mas magiging mabagsik ang amoy ng utot mo. hehe!