Samsung Galaxy S5 Thoughts

MANILA, Philippines - Samsung Galaxy S5 is here! And all I can say is "Wooow!" Samsung is really giving Apple a run for its money!

The Samsung website specifically for S5 is up.. Now, the biggest question is.. How much will it be in the Philippines? Or when exactly will it be out? Pretty sure it's reasonable - seeing how special this phone is.

Samsung S5 as advertised -- very band-aidy.

Is it a phone that we must have as a sort of a"permanent phone?" Well I was thinking that way when I got my S3.. I was like "it will be a top phone after 3 years." But I was completely wrong. It's amazing how technology updgrades in just a span of a year or two. Can't imagine how good a Samsung S15 will be or Apple iPhone 13S.

Choosing A Call Center to Work With in The Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' call center industry is undoubtedly a massive money maker for the benefit of the economy -- with that, we are talking about billions of dollars. A growing industry means options, and with options, we are talking about really good options. There are probably call centers in every city in the Philippines, thank Filipinos for having English as an official language. Sadly, there are many agents who are called hoppers -- employees who resign to apply to another call center. For what reason? I don't freaking know exactly why.

Photo by contrapart

Photo by contrapart

I know I am not a call center expert. I haven't even in this industry for more than two years, but I am an observer. Luckily I got out of being an agent on my 365th day (thanks promotion.) By doing that, I was able to see a lot of possibilities and trends; and even the bad and the ugly.

Call centers are not temporary jobs. They are not there for the new grads to feast on and later forget because of a "better career opportunity." It's actually a great way to grow and start a career. And many do not understand this just because call center agents are usually stereotyped as how they are being stereotyped by the public. You know what I am talking about, don't you? But trust me, it's not an easy job. It never was. It's not as easy as it is. It's a network of the corporate world plus the manpower all in - working like a jetplane's engine.

Call centers are not "a boss and employees" type of company. It consists of departments with amazing expertise of their own. You'll be amazed as how intelligent the call center people are.

So, let's get going.. what are the factors to consider to find the right call center spot? IF you want to grow with the company.

10 UP Freshie Tips

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - It's a happy, jolly and merry Christmas for many 4th year students because UPCAT was just released, 2 months earlier than the usual which is around February.

 

Si Oble sa Quezon Hall

And so, today is the best time to let these new Iskolars ng Bayan to know the BEST (?) tips fresh from Twitter (or not so fresh at all - most of them were from @OverheardAtUP) on how to survive life in UP from the UPians (oooppps...) Iskos and Iskas themselves.

Isang Sulat Para Sa Mga Niloko

MAYNILA, Pilipinas - Niloko ka na ba? Nanloko? O tingin mo niloloko ka? Ito ay para sa iyo kaibigan. :)

Photo by: adamci.

Photo by: adamci.

Kaibigan,

Huwag kang malungkot.
Hindi mo kasalanan.
Huwag kang mag-alala.
Hindi siya kawalan.
Huwag ka ng umiyak.
Hindi siya kasing halaga ng bawat pagpatak ng luha mo.

Alam ko ang tanong mo sa sarili mo. Saan ka nagkamali? Ang sagot? Wala. Wala kang ginawang mali. Hindi mo dapat sisihin ang sarili mo sa kagaguhang ginawa niya sa'yo. Hindi kailanman naging mali ang magmahal ng totoo. Ang mali ay yung gagantihan ka ng kabaliktaran. Ang mali ay yung lolokohin ka sa kabila ng lahat ng pagmamahal na ibinigay mo sa kanya.

Marami kang tanong alam ko. At alam kong ang pinakamasakit sa ngayon ang yung wala siyang ginawa upang sagutin yun. Kung hindi ka iniwan sa ere na parang isang laruang pinagsawaan matapos mong madiskubreng meron na siyang ibang kalaro, e nagmamakaawa naman siya na patawarin ka dahil lang sa nahuli mo siyang nagkamali.

Tao ka. Maganda ka. Espesyal ka. 

Hindi mo dapat ikubli ang iyong sarili sa katotohanang ang taong inaakala mong makakasama mo habang nabubuhay ka ay siya mismong sisira ng pangarap mo. Dahil bukas makalawa, may nakaplano na ulit na isang bagay para sa iyo. 

Tandaan mo: Hindi siya kawalan.

20 Tips You Really Need Right Now

MANILA, Philippines - If you are a fan of memes, then I am sure you know Advice Mallard very well - it's the mallard who gives GOOD advices to everyone. I compiled some of these advices that I believe YOU really need right now.

© Dmitroza | Dreamstime Stock Photos &Stock Free Images

Here's my list:

1. Food tastes so bad after brushing?

"To keep food from tasting awful after brushing teeth, rinse with hot water."


2. Your kids keeps on scribbling on your newly painted wall?

"You can use toothpaste to remove crayon marks from walls."


3. Want to know if someone's staring at you? 

"Yawn."


4. Did you get a pimple before an important meeting? 

"Use an ice cube to shrink it."


5. Want someone to add you on Facebook?

"Take a picture with them and ask them to tag you."

Paano Magmove-on ng Mabilis!

MAYNILA, Pilipinas - Oo, oo.. Alam ko. Masakit talaga ang break up. Pangalawa na ata ito sa pinakamasakit na bagay na pwedeng mangyari sa iyo, sunod sa kapag tumama ung hinliliit mo sa paa sa kanto ng aparador--walang tatalo dun! Anyway, isa sa naiisip mo sa ngayon habang nasa breakup stage ka e "hindi ka na makakapagmove on dahil imposible ito." You are wrong! Akala mo lang yan! Pero I know mahirap, hindi madaling gawin, or it takes time. Sure, sure, it takes time. Pero how long? 3 years? 7 years? Don't fret my love! Dahil eto ang kasagutan diyan. I will tell you the fastest way to move on! In an instant! Ang bagong Unilever MoveOn Capsules made with the finest coconut jelly and North Korean ginseng extract na mabibili exclusive sa Watsons! ..... Haha.. Wag kang tanga. Walang ganung instant pagdating sa nararamdaman. Pero try mo. Baka tumalab.

© Joseasreyes | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Heto na talaga.


Isipin Mo Siya Ng Isipin

Oo! Totoo.. Sabi nila forget him/her to move on. Oo nga. Pero when people tell you to do it, the more mo itong gagawin. Pasaway tayo e. Diyan tayo magaling. Now I dare you to think of him/her. Pagsawaan mo siya. Think of how much time you are wasting thinking of this person. And you know, studies show that when you repeatedly think (write or say) a word, you will have this weird thinking na this word doesn't have a meaning. It's called semantic saturation. A psychological thingy. Google it up. Malay mo. Manawa ung utak mo kakaisip sa kanya. Pero as much as possible stick to "forget him/her." :D

Helpful Tips On Teaching Korean Kids English

SEOUL, South Korea - Korean kids, as you already know, are mandated, if not forced, by their parents to learn English (one of the other things they must learn while they are young.) It's a funny reality that Korean children speak better English than their parents. English is a universal language. And in order to fulfill a Korean dream to be a fluent English speaker, parents hire the most efficient, most knowledgeable , and cheapest-to-pay English tutors.

I have become one of them (teachers) from 2008 to 2012. That's four straight years of having eye to eye contact with Koreans. I did online based tutorials and man-to-man classes. During those years, I learned a lot of things about the nature of teaching Koreans -- other than learning the Korean language.

Here are some useful tips that may help you.

1. Win your student's heart first

That's the first thing you must always think of. No matter how smart you are, no matter how cute you are, no matter how experienced you may be, if your Korean student doesn't like you -- then you may pack your bags now. Although kids are primarily attracted to good-looking teachers, most of them still stick with an ordinary looking teacher simply because they like them. These kids are picky. One of the English sentences they would probably learn is "I don't like Teacher Jed!"

So for you to be a likeable teacher to a kid's view, don't show your diplomas, your certificates nor your college grades, these kids do not care at all! What you needed to do, is to try to please them. You must make them feel like you are more of their friend. Be friendly. Try to play games as ice-breakers. First impression lasts, right? Treat them like your little brother or sister. Love them like your son or daughter. And I am sure as soon as you become  friends, teaching them would not be a pain in the ass.

A student I am so attached with. He is Won Mo.

A Step by Step Guide on How to Have a Philippine Driver's License (Non-pro)!

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Driving could be hard for newbies. But getting a driver's license (DL) is a little bit harder.  You need to tell yourself "I won't give up!" Why hard you ask? Well, first of all, if you really want a legit DL, you must follow all the instructions, pass all the exams (driving test included,) and go through the exhausting process--and that means by waiting and waiting and waiting in long queues.

Here is a step by step guide on how to get a DL.

1.  Obtain a Student Driver's Permit to any LTO branch near you.

The first thing you needed to get is a Philippine Student Driver's permit. This is not intended for school students. I have a young friend who thought that the Student Driver's permit is the driver's license for young kids 16 and above. No. This ain't it. Okay? In fact, all drivers (no matter how old) must get this in order to get the DL itself. This is a primary requirement!

But hep-hep, please make sure you are qualified to have one. Here's the deal:

Qualifications:
1. Must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
2. Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
3. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.

Are we good? If so proceed. Here's what to do next.

A.  Prepare the following docs:

1. Original with photocopy of birth certificate.
In the absence thereof, any of the following:
a. Joint affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons who know the applicant and who can attest to his/her age and identity accompanied by non-availability of record from NSO or local civil registry office.
b. Any legal document to prove his age and identity such as GSIS, SSS, Passport or any government issued identification card.
2. For applicants below 18 years old, require parent’s or guardian’s written consent with photo copy of ID Card to prove his/her identity. If not accompanied by parent/guardian, the written consent must be duly notarized.
3. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) if employed
4. Duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License (ADL)

Make sure you have your TIN document ready. It could be your TIN ID, any tax form or a legal document or ID that's showing your TIN. In my case I showed them a tax form that is verifying my RDO. And it got approved! AND DO NOT FORGET TO PHOTOCOPY YOUR DOCUMENTS!

B. Go to the nearest LTO servicing branch (One Stop Shops included.) Yes, you don't have to go to LTO East Avenue (for NCR applicants) to get this.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Proceed to the Customer Service Counter to get your checklist of requirements and secure a Driver’s License Application Form.  Get a queue number and wait for your number to be called.
2. When your number is called, proceed to evaluator counter and submit all the required documents and have it checked for completeness and authenticity.
3. Proceed to the Photo taking /Signature Area to have your picture and signature taken when your name is called.
4. Proceed to the Cashier when your name is called to pay the necessary fees and obtain an Official Receipt.
5. Proceed to the Releasing Counter when your name is called and present the Official Receipt and claim the Student Driver’s Permit.
C. Please take note of the fees:

Application Fee 100.00
Computer Fee 67.63
Student Permit Fee 150.00
TOTAL 317.63

This process may take up to 1-3 hours, depending on number of customers they are assisting. I remember going to LTO One Stop Shop Cubao (near TIP) in the morning and got it a little later after an hour and a half. And that's it! You now have your Student Permit! Weeeeee!

Work or Study? Choose School.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Working while studying is not the best idea ever. If I were to choose one, I'd rather study... no.. I'd rather work.. Hmm.. Ok.. I'd rather do none of them.. I want to be the world's most famous bum.

How does it feel like to work and study?

It feels awesome (and tiring.) Awesome in the sense that you have two worlds to manage. School papers to finish and a job to master. But it is tiring. It's difficult. If you were in a situation that you were to choose one, choose your studies. Trust me.

Why?

I am currently enrolled in UP Diliman taking ONE subject in the residential mode--meaning I still go to a regular class with regular classmates; and taking THREE more in UP Open University--this time I do classes online.

AND

I am currently employed full time, working for Telus International. I also have just started a small online business selling websites to small businesses.

Studying is DYING literally. I mean, how could I even manage to go to school in the morning after work. And to tell you Math building in UP Diliman is situated at the worst place.. It's so far, even the moon is nearer.

Okay, enough with the exaggeration.

Another downside is that it costs you more to study while working--with UP's STFAP system at least.

I was bracketed STFAP B by the Office of the University Registrar (all UP units.) That means it costs P1000/unit to study; while without work, I would probably be in Bracket D (P300/unit) or E (P0/unit)--and that's way, way cheaper.

Here is my FORM 5 for a MATH11 subject this SY 2012-2013, second semester.

3k for a subject?

My FORM5: a single subject.

STFAP bracket B.

Although working gave me the opportunity to earn money, it all goes to my studies (I pay for my schooling.)  So, it's somehow useless if you ask. Unless you have rich parents to help you out, then that is great.

5 Benefits of Biking In The Morning

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - I went biking this morning.. Just want to share how awesome it feels to do it in the morning, when everyone's still asleep. Hahahaha.. So here is the story..

My bike is equipped with Shimano.

It's my off today! Friday. And I wanted to do something fun. I decided that I would go biking.. I haven't touched my mountain bike since I bought it last Christmas (it was a gift from an ex-coworker.. yes, she's that rich.)

I went around our subdivision (wow! just kidding though, it's not even gated.) So, again, I roamed around our area--Project 4--and discovered a lot of things. Biking, other than being beneficial to our health is also an awesome way to know yourself. Yes.. So true, you can forget yoga.

Here, I am listing down those other benefits I think biking has.

Suspension, baby.

1. Biking All By Yourself Helps You Reflect

..about life, of course. For every bumps, not of life but of what the humps cause, you'd definitely  realize "what the heck am I doing with my life?" Well, biking helped me think about my life's up and downs. Although, it's gets better day by day (hopefully,) there are still challenges that I am facing. But about yours, not really sure how to assist you. Just go biking, and you will see.

Sweet.

2. You Can Catch the Early Food

 Saw a woman selling cariocas (kariyokas.. not sure how it is spelled) and decided to buy one. It's 7AM in the morning for heaven sake, don't expect me to buy something better. But it is indeed better than any other street food out there.  Honestly, I don't like cariocas. I like sugar but not these. But I was surprised that it tasted better in the morning! It's crunchy and hot. The funny part is when I was looking for a bananacue I actually asked her "Do you have barbecue?" Stupidity at its best.

So my point is, if I didn't go biking, I wouldn't appreciate this little wonder right here.

Collection Idea: Tomica

MANILA, Philippines - The only thing I collect is Tomica (aside from downloaded pirated games. ) Tomica is not Tom and Mica dolls (if ever they exist and if that makes sense.) It is a brand of toy cars--diecast metal cars--from Japan that feature real life cars.  From Honda Civic to Mitsubishi Lancer, name any Japanese car and they got it. So far, I have 24 in total. I started collecting once a month last year but hasn't purchased any for months now. I removed it on my priority list because I have got lots of bills to pay: cable, internet, mobile phone (credit card), and phone line.. Oh crap. That's too much for a working student like me. A normal Tomica isn't expensive, though. It is PHP169.95 (USD 4.18) a piece while the limited edition can be as much as PHP350.00 (USD 8.60) a piece.

I won't be showing you all my cars, but let me feature some of the ones I really love.

Here is Hummer H2. It is my Collection No. 005-111015. Scale 1/67. The good thing about this is that it is really huge! I mean, it is still small but compared to the others, it so fat ass! And that's what I love about it. It's ready to kill!

Hummer H2 posing for the camera.

This is a rare find.  Collection No. 006-111127. Scale 1/64. I had not much money when I saw this in a mall and that was the only time I actually saw one. So I grabbed the opportunity! If only I could ride it home, that would be an appreciation.

Jeep Wrangler is really awesome!