Technology, the Internet and how Santa made my little boy cry...

Technology and the Internet have played a very important role in shaping the World as We know it and the way We will see the future. No longer is the Internet confined within the 4 corners of our homes and offices. but is now virtually everywhere.  The Internet is now part of our daily lives and has become an effective tool which joins family and friends together even to the far corners of the world. 

Recently, I came upon a website called the Portable North Pole TV (www.portablenorthpole.tv). The website allows you to make a personalized Christmas message for family and friends this Christmas season, personally given by the one and only Santa. The website allows you to make messages for both kids and adults in a fun and whimsical manner.  You can either choose to place someone on Santa's naughty or nice list.  I had loads of fun creating personal messages for my family and friends. Placing them in the naughty list made for lots of laughs as the messages were both witty and funny.  Out of curiosity, I decided to make a personal message for my son and decided to place him on Santa's naughty list.  I wanted to see how much effect Santa has on my little boy.  It was funny the first half as my son fully believed that Santa would grant him his wish this Christmas.  However, as Santa told my son that he was on the naughty list, tears began to flow on my little boys eyes.  Good thing Santa told him that it was still early and he still had some time to get to Santa's Nice boy list. I guess Santa's still got his magic, may it be on person or through the Internet.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All...

Aches and Pains, Modern medicine, and Acupunture Manila

I’m personally not a fan of going to the hospital and getting pricked by needles.  I'd tolerate just about any type of ache or pain, as long as it doesn't require any immediate medical attention.  So it’s very ironic for someone like me to consider trying Acupuncture.  Acupuncture has been here for as long as modern medicine.  Acupuncture consists of inserting a series of needles into certain pressure points in the body.  Even some medical doctors do prescribe Acupuncture, but only as a supplement to medical treatment.  Acupuncture, when administered properly has been said to relieve certain aches and pains.  Acupuncture also improves body circulation and proper absorption of medication.  Acupuncture has little know side effects as there are no need to use chemicals.  My wife actually introduced me to Acupuncture. She has been experiencing excessive vomiting and nausea during her pregnancy and was prescribed by her Obgyne to try Acupuncture.  After inquiring and researching through the internet she found an Acupuncturist located in front of Ospital ng Maynila. Fortunately, the Acupuncturist is also a medical doctor.  After a few sessions my wife’s condition gradually improved.  Ultrasound and laboratory results show that she was doing fine and there were no side effects.  During one of her sessions with the Acupuncturist, my wife suggested that I personally try the treatment as I was stressed out from work and experiencing recurring cough and cold.  Though not a firm believer of Acupuncture, I decided to humor her and try it out for  myself.  After all, if little children and pregnant women can do it, so can I.  Besides if Acupuncture was totally bad or destructive to your health it would have been banned or outlawed years ago.  I was first asked regarding the symptoms I was experiencing while my pulse was being checked.  If your afraid of getting an infected needle, don’t worry as they use fresh needles sealed in blister packs and used needles are properly disposed.  Though I could feel the needles going into my skin they were not as painful as getting a shot for vaccination.  After all the needles were inserted, I counted about 14 pcs., I think. I was asked to relax for 15 -30 mins.  I didn’t want to move, as I was afraid that the needles might sink deeper or get dislocated.  Actually, I felt relaxed and had a certain urge to sleep.  However, I wanted to observe myself for the last few minutes.  After the treatment, I felt a little better and my coughing settled down a bit.  I didn’t expect any drastic changes after the procedure, after all treatments need to be done over a period of time to regulate the body and to work properly.  All in all, it was a great experience and I will definitely return for another session if my schedule permits it.

Teresa Chu-Uy, MD

Acupunturist

PHYSICARE MEDICAL CLINIC

Unit B Manila Bay Arcade

Cortabitarte St. Cor. M.H. Del pilar St. (Infront of Ospital ng Maynila)

Malate, Manila, Philippines

Tel. No.: (02)5741524

www.accupuncture.com.ph

Superbowl of China Alabang Guest of the Week promo

After going to the grocery at Festival Mall Alabang a couple of weeks ago. We decided to have our lunch Superbowl of China, since it was already lunch time and We were already tired.  The mall was packed and since Superbowl was one of the restaurants nearest to the exits where we parked, so We decided to go there. Since, the place was packed, We waited for a few minutes to be seated. They served us chips to make our wait a little bit bearable. We ordered our usual, Birthday Noodles, a Dimsum platter, beef with broccoli, and Mango Sago for dessert. After We received our order, the service crew handed  us a short survey form to fill-up.

I gave a favorable review and suggested some items that they could add to the menu and how they could present their promos to their guests better.  So We ate our meal, paid our bill, handed over the survey and left a nice tip.  A few days later I received an e-mail from them, telling me that I have been selected as their guest of the week for filling-up their survey. As a reward I get a free Braised tofu with mushroom when I dine-in with any food purchase at Superbowl Alabang from October 3-9, 2011. Unfortunately, I opened my e-mail too late. Non-the-less it was a good gesture on their part.

With or without the promo, We'll be definitely coming back to Superbowl of China Alabang. 

Superbowl of China Alabang

Address: 3rd Level, Chef's Avenue Festival Supermall Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Tel. No.: 556-4174

Telefax: 809-8968

BDO Credit Card Bench Promo

Found this great promo for BDO Credit Cards. When you use your BDO Credit card for gas, shopping and dining for a minimum of Php 2,500 you can redeem a free Php 100 Bench Gift Certificate.  For a receipt of Php 7,000 you can get a Php 300 Bench Gift Certificate, and for a Receipt of Php 12,000 you can redeem a Php 500 Bench Gift Certificate.  With prices of todays commodities a trip to the grocery store could earn you atleast a Php 300 Bench GC.   So if your gonna use it, might as well take advantage of the promo. 

The Bench Gift  Certificates  may be used and will be accepted in ALL branches of Bench, Herbench, Human, Bench Body, Kashieca, Charles and Keith, Aldo, Dimensione, La Senza, Celio, Pinoy Lab, FOX, Mothercare, Lyn, CC-OO, Pedro, CPS, Superbench, Bench Tofu, B/Tweeners, Patchi and Call It Spring. It will not be accepted in any branch of Be Connected, Personal Care Exchange and Bench Fix. Redeemed Bench Gift Certificates are valid for 1 year from redemption date. Redeem your Bench GC now as the promo is only good from August 1, 2011 to November 30, 2011 from participating Bench outlets.

Visit BDO's website for more details...

UAAP Season 74 Seniors Basketball Finals Schedule

After a fast and furious final four. The top 2 teams are set to battle once again for college hoops supremacy at the 74th UAAP Seniors Basketball Finals.  Come see the Finals where statistics  and advantages no longer matter.  Its back to square one, the rules are simple, beat your opponent twice in order to claim the crown.   Whether your an Ateneo or an FEU fan, you’ve got to love the 74th UAAP Seniors Basketball Finals.  Watch them live or on television, as Ateneo guns for its 4th straight crown or FEU shoots for redemption.  Either case it’s sure to be one heck of a ballgame.

UAAP Season 74 Seniors Basketball Finals Schedule:

Game 1 – September 24 (Saturday – 3 P.M.) – Smart Araneta Coliseum

Game 2 – September 27 (Tuesday) – Smart Araneta Coliseum

Game 3 (if necessary) – October 1 (Saturday)

Connecting to family, friends and loved ones and the power of the internet

I could still remember a couple of years back when I was still conducting and attending trainings overseas. During that time the Internet was still developing.  Dial-up connections was still the popular.  Though broadband connection was already available, it was still quite expensive and available to mostly corporate clients and a few selected hotels. I could still remember an experience I had connecting to 1 of the prime hotels in Singapore. During that time they were supposed to be one of the few hotels which offer premier Internet connections.  However, you still needed to dial-up to establish a connection.  The problem was, you had to pay for each connected or attempted connection. It was very difficult to establish an Internet connection and I ended up with a SGD 100 bill. So I resorted to use prepaid cards and mobile roaming calls. Overall, I paid a whooping Php 40k for a months usage of mobile roaming calls. As the Internet connection improved, messenger services became very popular and accessible. Yahoo messenger and Skype became very popular during that time as it allowed you to do PC to PC chat. However, I found Chikka messenger very useful as it allowed me to send SMS messages from PC to mobile phone and vice-versa. This used to be a free service, but now for a small fee you can still send messages from your PC to a mobile user. The recipient mobile user just needs to reply to the message sent from the Chikka messenger user. For a time mobile 3G communication became a fad, but eventually died out as cost of the service was quite expensive, both user had to have 3G capable phones and 3G service was network dependent. Eventually, Yahoo and Skype offered audio and and video calls.  This eventually became the standard for what we have today.  The improvement in Internet connection made this technology possible. Internet connection today is measured by speed and bandwidth. Broadband connection is no longer limited to offices and businesses, but is in fact a part of every house hold. Social media sites soon followed, and offered their own brand of communication.  Today mobile web browsing has enabled Internet access outside the confides of traditional PC and notebook user.  Today, using your mobile phone you can connect to other people around the world through mobile web browsing. You can answer e-mails, access messenger services, connect to social media sites or remotely connect to your home or office PC. Indeed technology has gone very far from its humble beginnings. I can wait to see what tomorrows technology has to offer.  We have truly been able to bridge the gap between people in different countries through technology. 

UAAP Season 74 Srs. Basketball Schedule 2nd Round

The 74th Season of the UAAP is heating up as it enters the 2nd round of elimination, where each win is important as teams race to enter the final four. Go out and support your school. 

See the Schedule for the 2nd round of eliminations and catch them live.

August 13 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
NU VS. UE
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADMU Vs. FEU

August 14 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1  (1 P.M.)
UP Vs. UST
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADU Vs. DLSU

August 18 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (11 A.M.)
FEU Vs. UP
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADU Vs. NU

August 20 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game  1 (1 P.M.)
DLSU Vs. UE
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADMU Vs. UST

August 21 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
NU Vs. UP
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADU Vs. FEU

August 25 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
ADMU Vs. UE
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
DLSU Vs. UST

August 27 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
ADU Vs. UP
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
FEU Vs. NU

August 28 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (11 A.M.)
UST Vs. UE
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADMU vs. DLSU

September 1 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
UE vs. ADU
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
UP vs. ADMU

September 3 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
NU vs. ADMU
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADU vs.UST

September 4 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
FEU vs. UE
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
DLSU vs. UP

September 8 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
DLSU vs. NU
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
UST vs. FEU

September 10 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
UP vs. UE
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADMU vs. ADU

September 11 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum
Game 1 (1 P.M.)
NU vs. UST
Game 2 (3 P.M.)
FEU vs. DLSU

Share the Gift of life, become a blood donor

Life is such a precious commodity that we often take for granted.  We never truly appreciate the value of something unless it is truly gone and lost forever.  Advancements in technology, innovations and pressure from society has pushed as to live a careless and free lifestyle.  We indulge in drinking, smoking, eating unhealthy foods and other vices, not knowing we are gradually destroying our bodies.  Our bodies are unique in every aspect. It is difficult to repair, parts are not easy to find, and there is always a 50/50 percent success rate in repair.

Blood is such a rare commodity, though everybody has it, there are different blood types available.  In emergency cases, where a certain amount and type of blood is needed, it is very difficult to find a suitable blood donor.  Though a person may be willing to share their blood with a patient, one must first pass a series of tests and evaluations in order to become a donor.  Doctors are very meticulous and cautious when selecting a blood donor, because using the wrong or contaminated blood could have serious complications to the life of the patient.  Becoming a blood donor is a very good indication of living a healthy lifestyle. The requirements necessary to become blood donor means that you are in a good physical condition and free from all vices and sickness.  

So live a clean and healthy lifestyle. Stay healthy, live a long life and share your blood.  Though your blood will may not entirely cure the patient, it will definitely prolong their life and give them a fighting chance in living a healthy and productive life for the remainder of their natural life.  Become a blood donor, share your blood.  This is the 3rd time I have shared my blood and have not felt any side effects, but have felt as great as I have in the past few years.  I plan to donate my blood at least once a year or as often as I can for as long as I am able.

Father & Son Talk about a Windows Xp Error Message:

David: Daddy there's something wrong with the computer game I'm playing.
Daddy: What seems to be the problem David?

David: The game I'm playing is not working. A Message appears on the screen.

Daddy: What does the computer say?

David: "There is a problem with the game you are playing. Please call your Daddy or
        Mommy to fix the problem, or restart your computer and try again."

UAAP Season 74 Srs. Basketball Game Results (July 17)

July 17 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)
NU (75) Def. UP (66) 

Game 2 (3 P.M.)
UST (70) Def, UE (63) 

UAAP Season 74 Srs. Basketball Game Results (Jul 16)

Game 1 (11 A.M.)
ADU (78) Def. FEU (59)

Game 2 (3 P.M.)
ADMU (81) Def. DLSU (72)

UAAP Season 74 Srs. Basketball Game Results (July 14)

July 14 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)
UST (73) Def. NU (72) - OT

Game 2 (3 P.M.)
UP (69) Def, UE (61)

UAAP Season 74 Srs. Basketball Schedule 1st Round

The 74th Season of the UAAP has already started. Nothing beats the spirit of college basketball, where players play for pride and school.  Where players dive for every loose ball and fight for every ball possession. Where the energy is ecstatic and atmosphere is electric. Go out and support your school. See the Schedule for the first round of eliminations and catch them live.  

July 10 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

FEU VS. DLSU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

ADMU Vs. ADU

July 14 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1  (1 P.M.)

NU Vs. UST

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

UE Vs. UP

July 16 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (11 A.M.)

ADU Vs. FEU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

DLSU Vs. ADMU

July 17 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game  1 (1 P.M.)

UP Vs. NU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

UST Vs. UE

July 21 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

ADMU Vs. NU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

FEU Vs. UE

July 23 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

DLSU Vs. UP

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

UE Vs. ADMU

July 24 (Sunday) - Philsports Complex

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

NU Vs. FEU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

UST Vs. ADU

July 28 (Thursday) - Philsports Complex

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

ADU Vs. UE

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

NU vs. DLSU

July 30 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

UP Vs. ADMU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

UST Vs. FEU

July 31 (Sunday) - Philsports Complex

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

DLSU Vs. UE

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

ADU Vs. NU

August 4 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

UP Vs. FEU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

ADMU Vs. UST

August 6 (Saturday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

UE Vs. NU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

DLSU Vs. ADU

August 7 (Sunday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

UST Vs. UP

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

FEU Vs. ADMU

August 11 (Thursday) - Araneta Coliseum

Game 1 (1 P.M.)

UP Vs. ADU

Game 2 (3 P.M.)

UST Vs. DLSU

UAAP Season 74 Seniors Basket Ball Game Results

July 10, 2011 (Sunday)

1st Game

FEU (74) Def. DLSU (65)

2nd Game

ADMU (55) Def. ADU (51)

UAAP Season 74 Seniors Basket Ball Team Standings

As of July 10, 2011

                  W               L
FEU            1               0
ADMU       1                0
DLSU         0                1
ADU           0                1
NU             0                0
UST            0                0
UE              0                0
UP              0                0

The Feast Festival Mall Alabang

Gone are the days when masses were just conducted inside the confines of traditional brick and mortar churches. The advent of technology, the change in work hours, the  demand of modern society has forced the church to adapt to the times. The average working hour is 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., this besides those working overtime and shifting schedules, weekends and holidays. Normal church masses are usually conducted from 7 A.M., 5 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. in the evening which is difficult to catch specially if your working in the metro.  To address this situation the church has made some innovations to bring the word of God to the people.  Masses are now being conducted in office lobbies, schools, shopping malls, super markets and even online.

One place to catch the First Friday mass is at the Feast Alabang which is located at the 2nd flr. Festival Mall Alabang just above national bookstore near the entrance. The Feast Alabang conducts First Friday masses at 7 P.M. This is ideal for those people going to work near Madrigal Business Park and near areas. 

Website: http://www.feastalabang.com/
Contact Numbers
(02) 659 82 99
(0916) 593 2845 (Globe)
(0919) 950 0027 (Smart)

My Number 1 Priority...

There are important things in life that we often take for granted.  Little things from a beautiful sun shine, a majestic sunset, a breathe of fresh air, or laughter of a little baby. Yesterday, my Son & Wife went to the Zoo. My son apparently had a great time as he asked his mother to call me up from the office to tell what he saw from the zoo.  As soon as I picked-up the phone my son told about all the animals he saw from the zoo in less than a minute... "not to mention the Lion, the king of the jungle, rarrrgh..." I was so happy for him as he had a wonderful time and also sad at the same time as I wasn't there to experience those moments with him. I was glad though that he wanted to call me up and update me on his day as though I was actually there to experience it with him.

I went home early as I wasn't feeling well and feeling burned-out. Probably this is the highlight of my day, as I usually leave home early to find my kids sleeping or go home late to find my kids going to sleep.  AS soon I opened the gate, I head the loud footsteps of my son charging to meet me at the gate. For I moment I thought I was going to be run over by a train or trampled upon by a stampede as the force of my son's charging bear hug was enough to knock me flat on my back.  The force of that hug was so strong that it was able remove all the stress I was feeling.  This reminded me why I get up early everyday, to share a moment with my kids before I leave or arrive home from work.  This is my number one priority. My job maybe my profession, but my family is definitely my number 1 priority.

It's A bugs life...

Yesterday morning as I was about to leave for work, I noticed a noticed a strange visitor waiting for me at my gate... At first, I thought that it was a huge cockroach hanging by the side of my gate. You could image my shock as I saw it by the corner of my eyes. The size of my visitor could have frightened even a bear at first glance.  However, looking at my visitor more closely, I realized that it wasn't a cockroach.  It was in fact a butterfly, a wonderful majestic butterfly.  It had been raining for a whole week now and it was nice to see a butterfly. Maybe the rains will finally stop and nature is slowly recovering it's grounds.  I live near the city and honestly say that I could not recall the last time I saw a butterfly.  I can't really remember the last time I actually stop and admired a butterfly close up.  I've been so busy with work and my personal life that I haven't stopped to think and reflect.  Seeing the butterfly was a breath of fresh air as it allowed me to slow down and appreciate life.  It was natures way of reminding me to slow down and recover my bearings.  A butterfly is truly one of the greatest miracles of life.  Image that this beautiful butterfly as once a small caterpillar.  In order for the caterpillar to evolve into a butterfly is must undergo a transformation stage.  Much like persons, We don't really have much to start with in life, but as we mature, we develop characteristics that make us wonderful human beings.

Good Day World, have a blessed life...