Sunday, November 29, 2009

I Enjoyed My Century Bangus Fillet at Church with Modern Day Heroes

Jeff
It was an ordinary Sunday for me and many of our volunteers at church. I woke up early to pray and make my final preparations for my sermon. I would describe our Sunday as busy, a great contrast to how most people would describe theirs, because for many, it’s the day to sleep in, the day to relax.

Preaching a sermon in our 10:30 AM church service


I preach two sermons in three church services at our church in Guadalupe, Makati every Sunday. It is the church my family and I started in May 2003.

I packed the Spanish Style Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet in my things for church


Today, however, was busier than usual. After our first service at 10:30 AM we had a general lunch meeting with our church’s volunteer workers whom I regard as modern day heroes. We had to schedule it on a Sunday because that’s when most of them are available and we served free lunch because that’s the least we can do to show our appreciation for them for the work they put in week after week.

Posing for a group photo before enjoying lunch served with Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet



I am thankful for our volunteers, our partners in the ministry


Eating lunch after appreciating the volunteers and saying grace






A lot of the volunteers, mostly students in college, some still in high school, young professionals, and parents stay until 8 PM every Sunday until the end of our 6 PM service and arrive as early as 9:30 AM to prepare for singing or playing a musical instrument for our worship services, teach children in Sunday School classes, greet attendees and/ or facilitate small groups (we have a mother’s small group and youth small groups that meet every Sunday afternoon).

Spanish Style Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet and with Tausi: part of our lunch meeting agenda



One of our church greeters and usherettes is an elderly woman who is a cancer survivor - she serves God cheerfully and shares how God worked a miracle in her life


Our team of volunteers are composed of professional teachers, parents, young people and young professionals


Enjoying Century Bangus Fillet with the volunteers in our church


Providing our church volunteers free lunch and serving Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet is the least we can do to express our appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment every Sunday. FYI, our church is 98% dependent on volunteers – there are only two of us in the church who regularly receive a monthly financial support. Our church wouldn’t run without the sacrifices of our workers who willingly give of their time, talents and even treasure to support and help expand God’s work.

Volunteer singers and musicians serve in our music ministry


A volunteer Sunday school teacher preparing for his class


It was in our general meeting where I said my thanks to our volunteers for their hard work and where I rallied them with God’s word which says, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

The Century Bangus Fillet is a simple reward and token of appreciation for committed volunteers


Back to business after lunch

Looking back at the day that has passed, I would say that our church is blessed with people who are not only committed to the church, but to the Lord first. Having lunch together was really a special time of fellowship and bonding. If the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer,” I would say that we devoted ourselves to the same things. But we’re not breaking bread but instead, sharing Century Bangus Fillet with each other - it was great to see that we can enjoy not just a can of Century Bangus Fillet in church. We not only enjoyed sharing this but our lives as well - our time, talents and treasures. Praise God for these modern day heroes.








Saturday, November 28, 2009

How to Beat the Christmas Rush

Jeff
It's almost December and Christmas is in the air. What can we expect this next few weeks? Well, definitely, traffic during weekends along roads that have big shopping malls will be very busy.



People will be busy buying gifts such as truck accessories, picture frames, clothes or even unique gift suggestions. A tip to minimize the chances of being caught up in all these - shop as early as now. Actually, it's a bit late already. But, now would be a better time than waiting until it's close to Christmas itself. So, stop writing down your lists and shcedule your next shopping. Beat the Christmas rush!


Tipid Dauqs Budget Tips: Have You Heard This Contest?

Jeff
Have you heard of the Tipid Dauqs Budget Tips SEO contest? This contest was organized by the Tipid Squad and it started last November 20, 2009 and will run until Dec. 25. Creation and submission of entries must be from November 20 to December 18, 2009.

The prized for the Tipid Dauqs Budget Tips contest are:

1st prize - P700
2nd prize - P500
3rd prize - P300

Multiple entries are allowed.

Hurry! Join the Tipid Dauqs Budget Tips SEO Contest now!



Type rest of the post here

I Will Need to Raise $2,500 for Our 2010 Africa Missions Trip

Jeff
I am excited about May and June 2010. Our organization, Breaking Point Foundation will be partnering with Manna Worldwide for a missions trip to Kenya and Tanzania. We will be coordinating with a former team member of Breaking Point International who is now based in Kenya.



Our organization works with high schools, and even drug rehab centers, and we present a unique anti-drug program that addresses the problem of drug abuse at its root. We will be raising $2,500 for this missions trip and I am already starting to pray that God would start touching the hearts of people He would use to provide this. I will also start saving what I can so as not to depend on other people's efforts alone.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Black Friday Ads, Sales,Coupons in Walmart, Target, Sears and Office Depot

Jeff
A few more days to go and the internet will be filled with searches about Thanksgiving cards, greetings, gifts and even Black Friday ads, sales, coupons in Walmart, Target, Sears, Office Depot and other big shopping venues. This is because majority of the US population is online and have become dependent on the internet for information. The last time I heard, at least 80% of the US population is connected to the internet.



On the eve of Black Friday, people awaiting sales, coupons, discounts and ads will line up outside Walmart, Office Depot, Target and Sears stores and on Black Friday itself, will tire Honeywell Barcode Scanner units in these stores. Last year, I made my own attempts to buy something for myself a discounted laptop but stores ran out of stocks right away.

I am glad that this year i already have a laptop that I can use. What my wife and I are planning to get for Christmas is a netbook so she can have her laptop serviced and that I can be more comfortably mobile. I also am thinking about getting a 500GB external hard drive and I hope that stores here would give discounts, coupons, ads and sales for the Christmas season similar to Black Friday 2009 in the US.


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Maka-Manggagawa Toots Ople's Agenda as Senate Candidate

Jeff
I don't usually endorse or write about politics, but I am doing so now because I like what Susan Ople stands for - "Maka-Manggagawa". The daughter of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary and Senator Blas F. Ople was the former labor undersecretary during the time of Labor Secretary Patricio Sto. Tomas. "Toots" Ople used to work as presidential speechwriter and eventually resigned to oversee the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute which is a non-government organization which helps distressed OFWs.

Some other credentials of Susan "Toots" Ople are:

*a Master's Degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University where she was given the Josephine Vernon Award for excellence

*one of the founders of the Tulay Program which is a partnership among Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA), Microsoft and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center; this program gives free computer classes to OFWs and their dependents

Susan Ople has announced her senatorial bid last November 12, 2009, and I have personally met her and heard about her advocacy which is all for the benefit of the labor force. In an interview with her among bloggers, I heard first hand how radical the principles she stands for are. Her standing up for the labor force would mean going against many powerful and influential business men but I have felt her very down-to-earth attitude and sincere desire to make a difference for the Filipino working class.

Photo with senatorial candidate Susan "Toots" Ople

Her agenda are as follows:




1. A strategic long-term employment plan to address the classic mismatch between available jobs and available skills.

2. Structural reforms within OWWA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). The reforms are all to provide better service for the people concerned - OFWs, job seekers of both local and international jobs and the existing labor force.

3. Fight against the labor-only contracting which is a loop hole used by employers to abuse employees. (One of the things I like best because it concerns a majority of the Filipino people's concerns.

4. Aspiring to lessen the number of women and men to go and work abroad by providing better opportunities locally.

5. The strengthening of trade unions.

I got this information from the speech that Susan "Toots" Ople gave when she announced her intention to run as senator. Reading her speech gave me goosebumps. I support her agenda and am even willing to promote her agenda because it is what I, myself, have been looking forward to be addressed in our country. I pray that she would be elected as a Senator.


Monday, November 23, 2009

Still Praying for Peace and Confirmation

Jeff
It was a few months ago when a pastor from Canada visited our church. He turned out to be a friend of a friend pastor who is now back at our mother church as one of their pastoral staff.



He offered me help in case I would need it in the future as I have shared to him my desire to visit the US in the future to get some sponsors as our church is moving towards becoming independent from our sending church. He offered to provide accommodation because Toronto hotels will cost more.



Last Sunday, there was another pastor, but based in New Jersey, who visited our church and also offered the same kind of assistance in case I ever set foot on US soil. As I have been praying about applying for US Visa next year, I guess these are little confirmations that that direction is indeed what God may allow me to do. But I am still praying and asking for a more definite answer and of course some peace about this.

Where to Buy Football Jerseys in Divisoria

Jeff
On my way to Divisoria this morning, I was thinking about where to buy a football jersey in Divisoria. I remembered buying one, the England jersey which they used in the 2002 WOrld Cup, in 168 Shopping Mall.

I was trying to remember again where I could buy the football jersey in 168 Mall, Divisoria. I had to walk around the 1st building of 168, the one closest to Tutuban Mall, and their second building.

My new Spain replica jersey set from 168 Mall, Divisoria




I eventually found the two shops that sell football jerseys and got me an Spain replica jersey set for P400 (almost $10). They sell the shirt for P350 and the shorts for P100 but you get them cheaper when you buy them as a set. They also have shirts with print, if you want a jersey with the number and name of your favorite football player, for the international league, premiere league and even the LA Galaxy jersey.

The first shop I went to was located at the second floor of the second building of 168 mall, right beside the escalator. the second one, where I used to buy jerseys and where I got my new one, was at the first floor of the first building. I hope this post helps those who are looking for a shop where they could buy replica football jerseys in Divisoria.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

A Blessing for Our Church

Jeff
Here is a story on the spirit of generosity. Last Sunday, in our church offering, somebody donated a certain amount (nothing less than $50) for our church’s aircon maintenance. It does need maintenance now - I don’t know what in particular but all I know is that it doesn’t have a central vacuum. That was a great blessing especially for a church like ours which is not so big.

Our schedule of church services are every Sunday at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM. We also offer a service for the youth at 3:30 PM. We have a monthly prayer service, every second Friday of the month. Learn more about our church at www.sbcmakati.org.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Traveling in 2010

Jeff
Year 2010 will be a year of travel for me. I have traveled in different parts of the country and have been to places like Cebu, Davao, Tagaytay, Boracay and Surigao, but, I have never experienced going out of the country.


This past two weeks I suddenly found myself planning for a trip to Malaysia in September and a big possibility of being on a trip to Kenya and Tanzania in May or June. There are so many places that I would love to go to like Israel, costa rica, Brazil, Argentina and other parts of Europe.

I never thought I would see myself traveling out of the country soon but the opportunities presented are just so amazing that traveling to different parts of the world in a year is just so overwhelming. I just thank God in advance for these opportunities to see the world outside of the Philippines.


Press Release: Havaianas Unveils Newest Fashion Must-Hav

Jeff
Genetics has gone beyond science and has found its way into fashion.

Havaianas, the world’s best rubber flip-flops, now shares its DNA to the newest addition to their family.

“True to the innovative characteristic of the brand, we are introducing a new line of bags that carry the same elements as the Havaianas flip-flops,” says Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director for Terry S.A., Inc., the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in the Philippines.

With the same sense of functional style, these new fashion statements from Havaianas showcase the basic features that define the chic brand. Aside from using the same rainbow of colors as the flip-flops’ palette, the different bag styles are subtly ingrained with distinct Havaianas elements: the rice pattern on the soles and the Greek pattern on the straps are integrated into different details of all the bag styles. Reinforcing the bag’s durability are familiar rubber elements that provide sturdy yet stylish bases, straps and locks. The round rubber buttons used to keep the flip-flops’ soles and straps together can also be found detailing the bags, locking-in the Havaianas DNA.

“The original design elements of our flip-flops are stylishly transposed to this latest must-Hav. This new collection has been meticulously designed with the same originality, creativity and style that are inherent to the brand,” says Gonzalez.





Havaianas Mega

Similar to flip-flops, an understated handbag such as the Havaianas Mega can be the most versatile item in your bag wardrobe, adding a punch of color to any outfit. Havaianas Mega comes in two orientations, with the vertical Havaianas Mega NS currently available in Navy Blue and Black, and the horizontal Havaianas Mega LO currently available in Light Green and Red. Through careful attention to detail, the solid hues of Havaianas Mega underscore flexibility without compromising fashion or style.

Havaianas Mega Printed

Havaianas Mega Printed takes the same silhouette of the Havaianas Mega and adds a playful print. With its intricate design of flip-flop flowers, the Havaianas Mega Printed currently comes in Yellow|Gray and Light Blue|Brown. The added print makes the style a perfect option for the multi-faceted modern woman with an eye for style and a need for adaptability.

Havaianas Sack

Nothing beats the functionality of a durable carry-all, and Havaianas takes it a step further with the introduction of the Havaianas Sack — perfect for men and women who prefer a simple, subtle, ever-so-versatile style. Mirroring the variety of color found in the flip-flops, this style is currently available in nine different colors - Black, Brown, Gray, Lawn Green, Light Blue, Navy Blue, Orange, Pink, and Red – and each Sack features a detachable rubber strap that you can mix and match to suit your mood and style.

Havaianas Side

Havaianas takes the basic messenger sling bag to fashionable new heights with the Havaianas Side. This style features a rubber bottom for a sturdy and unique base, while a similar rubber brace keeps the bag cover in place while adding a distinct edge to the style. Available in Black, Brown and Navy Blue, the Havaianas Side is ideal for the dynamic lifestyles of youthful and fashionable individuals who value ease and practicality.

Havaianas Tote

One can’t help but love the simple yet functional construction of the Havaianas flip-flops and now, the Havaianas Tote. By inserting a colorful printed drawstring bag into the traditional tote silhouette, this bag – currently available in Light Blue, Pink, and Yellow - provides a fashionable way to secure your essentials. Add in the internal pockets, and the Havaianas Tote is perfect for every woman whose life is filled to bursting – from the chic career woman with her pens and papers to the stylish mommy with her baby’s bottles and diapers.

Havaianas Zip

The brand’s originality and innovative spirit shines through with the introduction of the cool, new bag concept of the Havaianas Zip. With wide-open sides, and numerous pockets, the Havaianas Zip allows you to conveniently tote items you would normally hand-carry, such as skateboards, yoga mats, jackets—even puppies. Currently available in two sizes and six colors – Black, Navy Blue, Orange, Red, Pink and Yellow - the Havaianas Zip is perfect for diverse girls and guys who are willing to break out of the traditional bag mold.

Bags with Your Personality

With this newest offering, Havaianas does for bags what it did for flip-flops: it offers the fashionable set an alternative that will let them live an active and versatile lifestyle without sacrificing fun, fashion or function.
“Havaianas has always espoused the concept that style should be personal and fashion should allow one to live their vibrant lives without any obstacles,” explains Gonzalez. “Our bags fit into the wearer’s lifestyle. The wearer doesn’t have to change their lifestyle to fit the bag.”

As the Havaianas portfolio grows, its style chromosomes can’t stay in one place. And if its predecessor, the flip-flops, is anything to go by, the new bag collection from Havaianas is set to take the fashion industry by storm.

Carry the Havaianas Lifestyle at www.havaianasphilippines.com/musthavs. The all-new Havaianas Bag Collection is out now at selected All Flip-Flops stores nationwide: Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, SM Megamall, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City Davao, SM City Iloilo, SM City Lipa, and SM City Naga.



Sunday, November 15, 2009

MTV Emerge Equals Seven recording Contracts for New Filipino Artists

Jeff
I was there at the press release of the MTV, Jeepney Music and Department of Tourism collaboration and was impressed by Apl De Ap after learning the story behind his advocacy to promote Philippine Tourism and to help discover new talents. It was Apl De Ap’s initiative, through his recording company Jeepney Music, DOT’s willingness and MTV’s support that made this project possible. This collaboration is called MTV Emerge.


Collaboration of MTV, Jeepney Music and the Department of Tourism

In this endeavor, the MTV – DOT – Jeepney Music collaboration will give away seven recording contracts whose official judge is Apl De Ap from Black Eyed Peas. Voting has begun and I have voted for “God Bless Philippines” by RapnoPhobia. I like the title and the genre of their music. They remind me of the great Francis M.







I am excited to hear the new groups that will be discovered. I am sure that the 7 winners will be truly deserving of the opportunity that will be presented to them. A few of the other emerging artists who will not be chosen, I predict, will be discovered by other recording companies. This MTV Emerge project is something that I am proud of. I hope all Filipinos who read this post will help promote MTV Emerge and support unsigned Filipino music talents.


Press Release: World’s Largest Air Cleaning Paint Trial Shows That Boysen KNOxOUT Lowers Air Pollution

Jeff
For the past year, the Guadalupe MRT Station has been the site of the world’s largest air cleaning paint trial. The station was painted Boysen KNOxOUT, the world’s first air cleaning paint, and data from the trial indicates that the paint on the walls is cleaning the emissions of over 30,000 vehicles that pass by the area daily. As a result, the station has earned a most unlikely distinction.

“In effect, the Guadalupe MRT Station is now the biggest air filter in the world,” says Johnson Ongking, Vice President of Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. “The trial shows that KNOxOUT transforms an ordinary wall into an air purifier that helps protect people from the ill effects of air pollutants such as NOx.”

NOx, or nitrogen oxides, are harmful gases mostly generated from motor vehicle emissions. Trial data indicate that NOx levels in the vicinity of the Guadalupe MRT Station are at times over 200 micrograms per cubic meter -- a figure that’s more than 5 times that of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 40 micrograms per cubic meter.



Dr. Abundio A. Balgos, M.D., MHA, Tolete-Velcek Professor of Medicine, says that these figures should be a cause for concern. “At elevated levels, NOx can impair lung function, irritate the respiratory system and, at very high levels, make breathing difficult.”

He notes that among those most at risk from the effects of NOx are vehicle drivers, traffic enforcers, field workers, garbage collectors and scavengers, and those with compromised immune systems including the children and the elderly.

NOx are highly reactive gases, and is not only a health hazard in itself, but when it combines with other gases. In the presence of sunlight, it reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form ground level ozone, more commonly known as smog. NOx also reacts with other compounds to form small particulate matter. Both smog and such particles cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and reduction in lung function.

Until the introduction of KNOxOUT, there has not been a way to clean NOx once it’s in the air. In an ironic twist, Boysen Paints and its technology partner, Cristal Global, developed a paint, which has long had a reputation for fouling the air, to actually clean the air.

Cristal Global, the world’s leading producer of ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO2), developed CristalActiv technology, which breaks down noxious air pollutants into harmless substances through an environmentally safe process called photocatalysis. The process requires only light and humidity for activation, and because the air cleaning TiO2 is merely a catalyst in the reaction, it does not get used up and is able to continuously clean the air.

Cristal Global had been the supplier company to European Union funded consortium called Photocatalytic Innovative Coatings Applications for De-Pollution Assessment (PICADA), which did small trials that showed that the technology could indeed reduce the level of air pollutants in real life settings. Cristal Global were involved in several more trials in Europe – a tunnel in Milan, a school in London, and an indoor parking lot in Paris that all showed promising results".

Cristal then worked with Boysen to do the world’s largest air cleaning paint trial in Manila. The trial was a partnership with the DOTC-MRT 3 and the MMDA, and involved painting the whole Guadalupe MRT station as well as an embankment wall opposite the station along EDSA. In all, over 6,200 sq. meters of area was painted with close to 740 liters of KNOxOUT.

The trial was overseen by Conexor, a Swedish environmental project management company and the Manila Observatory, the Philippines’ oldest scientific research institute and a leading authority on air quality studies in the country. Data analysis was done by the Philippine Institute for Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) at Ateneo de Manila University. The trial involved 18 NO2 monitors, nitrate boxes, a series of traffic counting carried out by the National Center of Transportation Studies, and a weather mast to account for meteorological factors.

Data from the trial suggests that Boysen KNOxOUT, the first commercial paint in the world with CristalActiv technology, is cleaning the air at a significantly higher rate than those achieved in European trials. Initial estimates are that the KNOxOUT used in the trial will take out over 1,3 metric tons of NOx in a year.

As the country observes the 10th year anniversary of the passage of the Clean Air Act, the need to clean the noxious air of Metro Manila has never been more urgent. A study of the World Bank and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimates that up to 5,000 people die prematurely due to air pollution in the metropolis every year, accounting for 1 of every 8 deaths.

“KNOxOUT not only provides every Filipino with a way to help protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution,” says Ongking. “It also gives everyone a chance to be part of the solution to air pollution.”



”Everytime we travel with a motor vehicle, we add things to the air that harm people. Painting a wall with KNOxOUT is one of the only ways to take out the NOx that we put in the air,” he added. “It’s like planting a tree to neutralize our carbon footprint. Now we can paint walls to neutralize our NOx footprint. Every wall is a potential air purifier.”

That’s the idea behind the company’s One Wall One World Advocacy – a way to empower people to do something against air pollution. “People feel that air pollution is beyond their control, that there’s nothing they can do about it. With KNOxOUT, we’re giving people a way to fight back, so they’re no longer powerless against air pollution.”

Every little bit counts in the fight against air pollution. A study in Europe by APHEIS (Air Pollution and Health: A European Information System) found that even very small cuts in pollution can benefit health, and a recent Harvard University study found that people living in cities where air pollution decreased in recent decades saw their life expectancy increase an average of five months as a result of cleaner air.

“We have one world and we breathe the same air; therefore we have a common responsibility to improve its quality. If everyone gets involved, we can neutralize our NOx emissions one wall at a time and make the air safer for all of us.”

To find out more about air Boysen KNOxOUT and to find out which companies and citizens are stepping up to clean our air check out www.onewalloneworld.com.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Here is an Early Gift Suggestion

Jeff
Holidays are here again and some gift suggestions are the $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses. These are not expensive eye accessories but they do not look cheap at all. Their Holiday Fun Eyeglasses selection are great gift options for Thanksgiving or even the Christmas and New Yeas holidays. You can browse for some New Arrivals at zennioptical.com.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Press Release: Honda’s over 100,000 Civic owners Build The Civic Republic

Jeff
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently celebrated over 100,000 Civic units sold in the Philippines at the Fort Strip Plaza. The entry of the Civic in 1991 stirred the local automobile industry and set a new benchmark in its class. Gaining the attention and approval of car enthusiasts, the Civic became the country’s number one compact sedan for 5 years.

With over 100,000 Civic owners sharing the same passion for excitement and innovation, Honda builds THE CIVIC REPUBLIC – a republic of like-minded people exhibiting the same character as the Civic: attractive, fun-loving, gadget savvy, reliable and responsible.

Photo with Honda Cars Philippines President and General Manager, Hiroshi Shimizu at the Civic Republic celebration


Free gas cards raffled out to some Honda Civic owners


“We have more than 100,000 Civic owners to thank for their constant trust and confidence in the Civic brand. Their support allows us in reaching another Honda milestone that we deeply value. To show our appreciation, we at Honda will not stop in looking for ways to serve our customers best.“ said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.





Throughout its heritage, the Civic always stands at the forefront of innovative advancements to meet the changing needs of the times. As years go by, the Civic has become a successful global car that provides new levels of values in its driving performance, fuel economy, ride and interior comfort, safety and environment features.

The development of the Civic is an embodiment of Honda’s challenging spirit as it defied the norms of early times to pave way for technological evolution. Rolling off in 1972, the first generation Civic was designed as a compact and nimble car to suit people’s lifestyle worldwide. The first generation Civic had front-wheel-drive to maximize space. Cars back then had rear-wheel-drive orientation. Nowadays, front-wheel drive is the mainstream system for cars around the world.

Essential in strengthening Honda’s reputation overseas was the introduction of Civic CVCC in the U.S. back in 1974. The Civic CVCC was the first car to pass the U.S. Clean Air Act, the so-called ‘Muskie Law.” The evolution of the Civic also benefited from Honda’s expertise gained from its Formula One experience. From the CVCC engine, its F1 experience led Honda in applying double wishbone suspension system to the Civic. It’s the very same suspension design that could be found in F1 racing cars and luxury vehicles. In the late ‘80s, the Civic SiR model with DOHC VTEC engine was introduced. With its VTEC technology, Honda realized an ideal engine performance that combines high power output and low fuel consumption by varying valve timing.

Through the years, the Civic brand has successfully created a name in the field of cutting-edge technologies, sporty performance, modern-day styling, remarkable fuel economy and clean emission. For these reasons, the Civic has earned several recognitions from different awarding bodies here and abroad. Internationally, the Civic has been named Japan Car of the Year for four times, AJAC (Auto Journalists Association of Canada) Car of the Year and North America’s Motortrend Car of the Year to name a few. Back here, the Civic has taken the Philippine automotive industry by storm as it won back-to-back recognitions specifically, the CAGI (Car Awards Group Inc.) Car of the Year and Auto Focus People’s Choice Automobile of the Year awards. In addition, the Civic has also won the Auto Focus People’s Choice Compact Sedan of the Year for three years in a row.

Winning the preference of car markets all over the world, the Civic has exceeded 18 million sales mark in over 160 countries. Overwhelming support of the customers has pushed the Civic in becoming Honda’s best selling model for more than 25 years.

To be part of the Civic Republic, visit any of Honda’s 26 authorized dealership in the country. For more details, check out www.hondaphil.com.


November Holidays and Black Friday Coupons

Jeff
It’s November again and holidays are here, left and right. After a long weekend in the beginning of the month because of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I remember this time last year I was already surfing the internet for the best thing to buy. You may wonder why but it’s because of the day after Thanksgiving which is Black Friday!




Black Friday in the US is the biggest sale day of the year. It’s the day when many people do their shopping for Christmas because prices are so, so low. Friends in the States are now trying to look for Black Friday coupons and discounts. But, for me, I do not have plans to buy anything this year. First of all, I have no one in the US to ask a favor from. Actually, there are but I feel that it would be too much a favor to ask them to start falling in line the night before Black Friday just to make sure that they’ll get what needs to be bought. I will probably just wait for prices to drop here for what I plan to buy.


Monday, November 9, 2009

Press Release: Kraft Calls for Help to Break Guinness World Record

Jeff
The Spirit of Bayanihan Gets Cheesy

If there’s one distinguishing feature about the Pinoy, it’s that they love a challenge. We have epic tales of Lam-Ang conquering various tasks and earning his place in the mythic pantheon of Filipino heroes. We sought our independence from Spain , from America and other countries that sought to subjugate us. In the 20th century we distinguished ourselves with EDSA 1 or the first People Power Revolution. After years of preparation, not only did we have an all-Filipino team conquering Mt. Everest , but an all-Pinay team as well after a few years! These real-life victories have been underscored with a sense of joy, achievement and pride.

We also have other characteristics that define us as a nation: the achievements of our inventors and artists. Through their creativity, originality, inventiveness, ingenuity, and innovativeness, they contributed in giving the country a sense of pride. Mr. Ramon del Rosario is the man we thank for the “karaoke”. Lea Salonga defined the title role of Miss Saigon on the West End and Broadway. Rafe Totengco conquered the hearts of fashionistas all over the world with his accessories, while Brillante Mendoza triumphed in Cannes for “Kinatay.”



And when it comes to putting our country in the record books, imagination and resourcefulness is what will see our culinary geniuses through this particular task: crafting 5,000 (yes, FIVE THOUSAND) dishes out of cheese to best the previous Guinness world record of 4,668 set by India.



Despite the devastation wrought by “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” we have demonstrated our gifts for networking and coordinating rescue and relief efforts through various media, giving hope to the many that lost their homes during the storm. In a similar spirit we are enjoined to come together as a nation and mobilize our gifts for creating, inventing and innovating –to showcase our Filipino food culture in 5,000 dishes as a unique, wonderful and utterly tasty experience. On December 14, we will gather cooking enthusiasts, culinary students, kusineros, chefs and foodies for one battle royale featuring cheese, with Kraft Eden products demonstrating their versatility in various dishes, from the savory to the sweet.

Enhanced with creamy and nutritious buttermilk taste fortified with Lusog-Sigla nutrients, Kraft Eden cheese is the choice for any woman who aspires to show off her flair, creativity and confidence in the kitchen. From simple snacks to sophisticated main courses, Kraft Eden cheese products can be relied upon to deliver great-tasting meals by making simple recipes extra special. Lending itself to a variety of dishes, the use of Kraft Eden cheese products is as limitless as the imagination of its user. And in the hands of some pretty creative people from various culinary backgrounds, December 14, 2009 is going to be one red-letter day as all these people work with each other in landing the Philippines in the record books with the most number of cheese dishes.

In a country that loves a fiesta, with various culinary traditions from many regions and 7,107 islands, where almost any snack worth enjoying can be improved with the addition of cheese: ensaymada, puto, bibingka, pichi-pichi –coming up with 5,000 dishes should be a piece of, well, cheese.


Finding Out About Globe GCASH and GCASH Click

Jeff
I have been curious and interested to use Globe GCASH, one of the sponsors of the 2009 DigitalFIlipino E-Commerce Summit, for a long time now. I have been a Globe user ever since I started using a cellular phone and have gotten used to no other service but theirs. In my cellphone’s menu, I have always noticed the GCASH option but haven’t tried it.

The Official Globe GCASH logo




Being a member of the DigitalFilipino online community I came across this blog post about Globe GCASH and a cool online service known as the GCASH Click. I found out that it allows Globe and TM subscribers to pay or transact for domestic and international remittances, utility bills, interest and amortization of loans, insurance premiums, donations to various institutions and organizations, sales commissions and payroll disbursements, school tuition fees, micro tax payments and business registration, electronic loads and pins, online purchases via GCASH Click, airline tickets using a mobile phone.

Because of their tie up to BPI Mobile Banking, Globe and TM subscribers like me can do various bank transactions through the cellular phone. That is definitely mobile banking with services like text-a-deposit, text-a-sweldo, text-a-withdrawal, text-a-payment, text-a-remittance. For more details about Globe GCASH or GCASH Click you can visit the DigitalFIlipino E-Commerce Summit page.


Experiencing Dégustation at the Academy for Inernational Culinary Arts (A.I.C.A.)

Jeff
Almost two weeks ago, my wife and I finally experienced Degustation courtesy of The Academy for International Culinary Arts (A.I.C.A.) and their 22nd and 23rd batch of graduates. Degustation is a culinary term meaning "a careful, appreciative tasting of various foods" and focusing on the gustatory system, the senses, high culinary art and good company (according to Wikipedia). Dégustation is more likely to involve sampling small portions of all of a chef's signature dishes in one sitting. Usually consisting of eight or more courses, it may be accompanied by a matching wine degustation which complements each dish.

The Academy for International Culinary Arts Logo


Part of the program of The Academy for International Culinary Arts or A.I.C.A. for their culinary course for a Diploma in International Culinary Arts and Professional Kitchen Management is what they call the hell week. In this final part of their 9-month program, graduating students take part in real restaurant setting for one whole week and the degustation is the climax of this week. This course includes local and international on-the-job training.



The dégustation experience was new to me and tasting the different samplings of the eight courses served made me discover some new tastes that I have not tried before. I felt like I was Remy's cousin in the movie Ratatouille having his taste buds awakened. The graduating student of A.I.C.A. or the Academy for International Culinary Arts did an excellent job in exercising my taste buds that if I wasn't told that they were just students, they would have passed as professional chefs for me.

Having our photo taken with Ms. Nora Daza at The Academy for International Culinary Arts


I also enjoyed learning a bit of science behind culinary arts as things were explained by Chef Jerome. We had the opportunity of getting our photo taken with the big name in Filipino culinary arts, the great Nora Daza. This experience of dégustation at the Academy for Inernational Culinary Arts was truly any eye opener that I am looking forward to doing it again.


Thursday, November 5, 2009

Globe Tattoo Broadband's New Skins Look Cool

Jeff
Have you used a Globe Tattoo Broadband lately? As a blogger, I find it important having internet connection anywhere, anytime I need it. That is why I bring my MSI EX400 along almost all the time. Even with a desktop computer at my office, I still bring my laptop along so I can work any time I need to.

Some of the other stuff I need are an external hard drive and, of course, a wireless broadband connection. These two are important because I carry in the hard drive important files I need. I also use my e-mail for storing some of my needed documents (through attachments) and to access them, I need a reliable wireless broadband which I can take anywhere.

A screenshot of the Globe Tattoo Broadband New Skins' page




With the Globe Tattoo Broadband New Skins, even though there are other options out there for a wireless broadband, just by how cool they look, any mobile net user will be attracted to Globe’s wireless broadband. You can check out their new skins at the Globe Tattoo Broadband Gallery.

But looks are not enough when it comes to mobile internet and computing. So, to help you maximize your Globe Tattoo Broadband experience let me suggest a few tips on using Globe Tattoo.


When configuring your Globe Tattoo settings, make sure to set it to
3G only to get the best connection possible. Depending on how you will use the internet connection, you can actually switch from kb-based charging to time-based charging. I prefer time-based charging. To check your default browsing, text STATUS to 1111. To switch to Per-KB browsing with the Globe Tattoo Broadband, text KB to 1111.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Press Release: Del Monte Dare to be Fit ‘N Right Fun Run

Jeff
Del Monte Fit ‘N Right continues its commitment in promoting a healthy lifestyle with the Dare to be Fit ‘n Right Fun Run on November 22 at the Mall of Asia with over P300,000 cash and products at stake! Organized by CEMG and supported by the Manila Bulletin, Solar Sports and Lenovo, the 3K/5K/10K Men and Women Open Run will benefit the victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng through the SM Foundation.


Registration fee is P300 inclusive of singlet, race bib and Del Monte products withe the Fit 'n Right drink which has fat burners. Participants can register at the (1) CEMG Office – Unit 3A Vernida I Bldg., Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City (look for Marianne Tapales (892.5842/09155498282), (2) Dare to be Fit ‘n Right booths in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig plus SM Hypermart in Mall of Asia, Sucat, Pasig, and North EDSA, (3) Fitness First branches on November 16.


Popular vs Unpopular Job Search Sites

Jeff
There are many job search sites out in the internet and a few of the ones I came across were the not so popular ones. There are popular job search and resume submission sites but a person does not have to go to the popular sites to find a job that fits them perfectly.



The information available in the not-so-popular sites are the same information available in the popular site. When you try to do a Miami Job Search you can be provided with the same information from sites like CareerEmploymentOpportunities.com and WorkJobsOverseas.com.


Sunday, November 1, 2009

The Civic Republic: Honda Celebrates Another Milestone

Jeff



Since the Honda Civic's introduction in the Philippines in 1991 over 100,000 Civic units sold. This milestone will be celebrated by over 100,000 Civic owners with shared character forming THE CIVIC REPUBLIC.




This momentous and meaningful achievement will be celebrated on November 7, 2009 as Honda celebrates another milestone.