REEL DEAL: Nestle Kasambuhay Habangbuhay Film Antology

Creative Blog Entries Dominate the Electrolux Dynamica Doom of the Broom Blog Contest

In photo are (from left): Electrolux Philippines
Product Manager Andrea Pionilla, Dynamica Doom
of the Broom Grand Prize Winner Iris Acosta and
 Electrolux Philippines Marketing Manager Terry Sales.

In line with its launch of the Dynamica vacuum cleaner, Electrolux, the global leader in household appliances from Sweden, recently concluded the much anticipated Doom of the Broom Blog Contest. Opened to all bloggers residing in the Philippines, 10 blog posts were chosen to win out of the many entries that made it to the April 30 cut-off. I wanted to join unfortunately, I was too busy and there was no broom at home. But with Dynamica, the future of the broom is doomed!

At the awarding night there were also games and prizes that everybody enjoyed as we  wait for the announcement of the winners. Winning the grand prize is “Doom of the Broom” by lifestyle blogger Iris Acosta of Pinay Ads. Iris Acosta demonstrated creativity by making an original comic strip that showed the difficulties of using a broom for everyday household cleaning. She described the special features of Dynamica vacuum cleaner which are perfect in saving her from the broom crisis. Also, the entry received the most positive feedback from readers, garnering an impressive number of 218 responses in the blog post. 

LRA and BPI Family Team Up for More Efficient and Secure Land Transactions

The Land Registration Authority (LRA) has recently ventured into a partnership with BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB) to work hand in hand for the success of LRA’s Land Titling Computerization Project (LTCP) which aims to ensure accuracy and eliminate fraudulent land transactions by automating the processing of land dealings.

  (Photo shows from left to right):
Hon. Eulalio C. Diaz III, LRA Administrator;
and Mr. Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco, BFSB President.

“Historically, BPI was the first to come up with the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in the Philippines,” says Hon. Eulalio Diaz III, LRA Administrator. “BPI is the best choice to pilot this project because we are new to this and they can share with us their experiences and we will learn a lot from them.”

Through this partnership, BFSB and LRA aim to make land verification process more efficient and secure for the transacting public through the creation of a web-enabled system that will allow land owners to make enquiries on the status of a land title anywhere and anytime as well as to speed up the turn-around-time for issuance of land titles. This is also in line with the LRA’s vision to create a “paperless” system and secure tighter control over land titles.

DAYS OF LITERATURE: Rizal sa Call Center (Part 3)

PART 3

"SAN MIGUEL CLEANERS" Ito ang kompanya ko ngayon. Ang ahensyang naglilinis ng maruming kapaligiran, ang nag-aayos ng matinding kaguluhan at ang isa sa mga hinahamak at minamaliit na trabaho sa bansa. Ang pagiging janitor.

Hindi ko rin lubusang maisip kung bakit ito ang kinuha kong trabaho. Dapat nga ay nasa Call Center na ako ngayon... pero kung sa bagay, isang call center nga ang pinagtratrabahuan ko ngayon. Yun nga lang hindi ako kumukuha ng tawag, kinukuha ko lang ay yung mga basura nila. Maskit man isipin na ako ay ganito, medyo nasisiyahan na rin ako dahil at least nasa call center na ako. At mayroon na akong trabaho upang pantulong kay nanay.

Sa pagdaan ko sa napakaraming cubicle ng telepono, kompyuter at walang tigil na nagsasalitang mga tao, napapaisip ako kung ako na yung nakasalang doon. mautuwa kaya ako o magsisisi? Marami ang naglalakad, marami ang nagsasalita, palipat lipat ang ilan. May ilan tila beterano na sa pagsasalita, pero may ilan din na halata ko na medyo kinakabahan pa. Malaki ang "compound" ng kompanya. At syempre hindi ko naman sakop ang lahat nito, kabilang lang ako sa isang parte nito.

Malaki ang utang na loob ko kay Ser Jun, ang tanong nagbigay sa akin sa oportunidad para sa kasalukuyang trabaho ko. At dahil nasa isang buidling lang kame, ay lagi kami nagkikita. Sa bawat araw ko sa Kol Center ay naramdaman ko na hindi na ako makakasubok o maging isang agent. Sa tuwing nakikita ko si Ser Jun may binibigay siya sa akin, mga DVD na Inglish. Ayaw ko man tanggapin dahil parang sampal sa akin ang karanasan ko, lagi akong pinapalahanan ni Ser Jun na tiyagain kong panoorin ang mga ito dahil papasok din ito sa utak ko. Bibigyan naman niya ako ng pagkakataon muli sa interview kapag handa na ako. Basic lang naman ang kailangan kong masterin at kahit bisaya ang punto ko ay mawawala din yan ayon sa kanya, purong bisaya rin pala siya.

Araw araw nanonood ako ng DVD na english. At sa mga gabing iyon, naghahanda na ako ng pamunas, ihinahanda ko na sa pagdurugo ng utak ko. Ginagaya ko minsan ang mga dialouge, "You can't understand me, look into my heart... ". Sa totoo lang, tama nga si Sir, may pagbabago nga. Pero hindi madali sa simula dahil iba nga ito sa nakasanayan ko. Pink...Fili...Philippines...tree.. three...Pi...Finish...amazing...Thank you.

Mahigit isang taon na ako sa Call Center, pero janitor pa rin. Malaki naman ang tulong sa akin ng indirect training sa english. Hinihintay ko pa rin ang pagkakataon ni Sir Jun na mag-interbyu sa akin muli. Pero pinapaasa niya lang ba ako o ginu-good time. Ayaw ko na ata umasa. I need to say goodbye to this dream.

Nagulat na lang ako isang araw nang sa halip na DVD ay isang sulat ang inabot sa akin ni Sir Jun. Akala ko termination paper. Huwag naman, wala naman akong ginawang masama sa pananatili ko...teka... English Course ....tama ba ang basa ko? 1 week ... with allowance.. Muy Saliente!

At alam niyo na ata ang susunod pero ikukuwento ko na rin. Matapos ang isang linggong training pinasubok ako muli sa application at sa interbyu. Kinabahan ako uli, parang mauulit lang ang nakaraan. Hindi pa ata ako handa... bumabalik mule ang nakaraan kong gawain...Filippines...tree tausand...thenk u... ngunit hindi ko pa nabuksan ang aking bibig... at naalala ko ang DVD na napanood ko, nawala ang kaba ko, napa-sigh ako at nag simula sa pag-introduce sa aking sarili. "Hi, my name is Rizalino Saliente, you could call me Rizal for short.." at matapos nun ika nga, the rest is history..

Summer is Not Yet Over at Fontana Independence Day Music Festival

Schools in but summer is not officially over as it also independence day at Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga. The party kick in on June 11, 2011 with a jam-packed array of singers and bands of different genres that everybody will enjoy. Fontana, known for its world class facilities that draws tourists to central Luzon,  boast this event to be similar to Spring Break parties in the United States. The main stage will be at the Olympic size pool and stretches to the wide area of the vicinity.

 At the presscon, it is revealed that the artists that will perform on June 11 consists of D-Coy (Beatmatics), Wika Artists, Artstrong Clarion, DJ Joker, Nyko Maca, DJ Arbie, and MIzz Snaper plus famous bands like Slapshock, Sandwich, Peace Pipe, Tropical Depression, Pop Shuvit and Kalayo with sexy acts like the Mocha Girls. Hosted by the alluring Paloma and MC Dash.

 Aside from the music one can also get into fun games and surprizes that will surely keep you entertained all day. And with Brazilian models who will also grace the event, its definitely a party to go to! Fontana also offers a free shuttle ride from Manila to Clark for those who wants to  escape the city for this independence day weekend. For tickets you can go to http://www.ticketnet.com.ph/ or visit the Fontana Leisure Park Facebook page and website.

 

The Grove by Rockwell Helps You Plan Your Own Kiddie Party

Need help planning your little one’s special day? Are you looking for that original party theme and the most creative giveaways your guests will love? Say no more to party headaches as The Grove by Rockwell invites you and the whole family to get tips and ideas on how to throw the best birthday bash ever at the second How to Plan a Kiddie Party Fair, to be held at The Grove by Rockwell this June 11, 10am to 7pm!

With the success of the first ever How to Plan a Kiddie Party last year, The Grove by Rockwell, in partnership with Mommy Mundo, is bringing together the top party suppliers to help you make that celebration extra special and even more memorable. From unique invitations, yummy snacks and exciting entertainment options, The Grove makes party-planning a breeze by putting an end to your frustrations in finding the best suppliers.

In line with Rockwell’s reputation of creating safe and close-knit communities through their premium developments, The Grove’s How to Plan a Kiddie Party is yet another testament to their commitment for family fun and neighborhood bonding.

So are you looking at a simple gathering with family? Or do you want a big themed party with games and fancy giveaways? Either way, stop by The Grove’s “How to Plan a Kiddie Party” Fair and make it the most fun family celebration yet! For inquiries, visit The Grove Community Center along C5, near Ortigas Avenue, www.facebook.com/thegrovebyrockwell or call 571-8151. For pre-registration, visit www.e-rockwell.com/grove..

CONVERSE BLOCK PARTY Celebrates Individuality, Independence and Relates The Story of Being an Iconic Shoe Brand

MALL-GOERS ENJOYED AN ALL-DAY BASH at the Converse Block Party. The party, inspired by the Fourth of July block parties in the U.S. told the story of the iconic Converse shoe brand: the activities included street games, basketball-skateboard-and-dance exhibitions, graffiti art, spray-painting, musical performances and a raffle for fun and fabulous prizes.

“The Converse Block Party is a global activity. In fact, Singapore and Vietnam and Australia have already finished their block parties. The activities at our party were chosen as a way of telling the story of Converse. That’s why we have basketball, skating, music, dance and other street activities.

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: X-men First Class

X-MEN FIRST CLASS

The world of X-men is one of my favorite things I love even when I was still a kid. The vast number of characters and personalities that shroud each character makes is appealing to everyone. And with the x-men movie series, there are also high hopes to give justice to plot and the characters.Though some of you was very disappointed with X3: the last stand. X-men first class is the Marvel's redemption from it. 

X-men first class tells the story of the two most prominent and former best friends Charles Xavier (Professor X) played by James McAvoy and Erik Lensherr (Magneto) played by Michael Fassbender. And with the appearances of mutants like Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost, Azazel, Banshee, Angel , and a young Mystique. But also be surprized for another cameo of a Marvel favorite in the film. I know this would be a spoiler but to save you the hassle of waiting until the final credits, that there is no easter egg at the end. However, the movie itself promises a sequel.

In the movie, the questions about their past and the history of the Xavier School is revealed with the first class facing a world wide crisis. The rise of the brotherhood of evil mutants, and change of affiliations and the evolution of the more mutants and their personalities. The scenes of family and memories are so touching that almost made me cry, a thing that action films tries but fail to present. As of the moment we hope to see a sequel rather than the rumored X4. As it also awaken the mutant in each one of us, it was able to capture our imagination and our hearts.

  

Deliberation time kids!

Movie summary in 3 lines: MUTANT AND PROUD

Technical Effects: 3 out of 5 stars (though the timeline is set in the 70's, some of the effects seems vintage too)

Plot 4 out of 5 stars (answers all questions about their past and their present)

Popcornmeter (the rating if this movie would make you hungrier while watching) 3 out of 5 (i hope your stomach does not mutate, lol)

Acting and Actors 4 out of 5 stars (James McAvoy, though not bald is perfect for professor X!)

DVD worthiness 5 out of 5 stars (But must be separate from the other X-men trilogy)

Sequel worthiness 5 out of 5 stars (X-men Business Class perhaps?)

Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars (the x-men movie so far!)

DAYS OF LITERATURE: Rizal sa Call Center (Part 2)

Part 2

Natapos na ang interbyu. Tulad ng dati, lagpak. Ang sabi nila sa akin marami daw akong dapat pagbutihin at ayusin,tulad ng pagbigkas ko, halata daw na bisayan aksent ko. Pati daw grammar ko, mailito daw ang kustomer. At isa pa daw ang sagot ko sa ilan tanong ay sabog sabog. Sus Ginuo! Ano ba yang pamantayan nila! Hindi naman ako perpektong tao! Bakit ba kailangan ng ganung mga pamantayan, eh sasagot kalamangng tawag, di ba? Kung may pera lang kami, sana ay nag-aaral pa ako hangang ngayon. Pero hindi eh, mahirap lang kami, ito ang katotohanan.

At bakit ba dito (Call Center)? Kasi "sabi" sa akin ito ang usong trabaho at hindi na kailangan na makatapos ka ng kulehiyo. Di naman ako mapili sa trabaho, lalo na kailangan namin ng pera. Kung iniisip niyo kungbait ayaw ko ng service krew sa fastfood ay dahil nabaon kami sa utang sa pagbabayad ng nawalang pera sa kahera na duda ko yung manigir ko ang kumuha. Dahil dito, hindi ko na napagpatuloy ang kurso kong narsing. Naisip ko ring mag-care giver, pero wala na kaming pera para sa pagte-training ko at placement fee. Sabi ng mga kaibigan ko na pumasok na lamang dito kasi, yun nga. Tapos di ko na kailangan na umalis ng bansa. Makakahalubilo daw ako ng mga mayayaman ay sosyal na tao, yun nga lang hindi rin ako ganun. Sabi rin nila na kapag nakapasok ako dito, matututo ako sa kultura ng mga Amerikano. Kaya nga nung mga unang araw ng pag-aaplay ko ay bumili pa si Nanay ng mga DVD na Inglis para matuto daw ako, kaso nga lang hindi ako natuto, dumugo lang ang ilong ko.

Parehong bisaya ang mga magulang ko. Kapwa taga Cebu, na lumuwas ng Maynila upang makipagsapalaran. Hindi kami pinalaki sa pagsaslita ng Inglis kundi bisaya. At ano ba ang makukuha namin kapag nagsasalita kami nun, wala di ba?

Hirap pa rin ako makaintindi lalo na kapag Inglis ang usapan. At batid ko na hindi talaga ako matuto kapag wala akong kausap ng diretsong Inglis? Magulang ko? Mga Kapatid ko? Kaibigan? Maging gf ko nga hindi ko kinakausap ng Inglis, sa tixt lang siguro..

Pero ang mahalaga ay ang makakuha ako ng anumang trabaho, 'wag lang yun nabangit ko. Malapit na kaming putulan ng kuryinte at tubig. Maging an g renta sa bahay ay pinagbantaan na kami na umalis kaagad kung hindi kami makakbayad.

Kung pwede lang magmakaawa, sana ginawa ko na sa interbyu, matangap lamang ako. Pero wala talaga akong magawa kundi ang magbuntong-hiniga. At magdasal na sana ay may milagrong magyari sa akin, makapulot man ng limpak na salapi, o tumama sa lotto.

Isang araw habang patungo ako sa department store ng isang mall upang maghanap ng trabaho, ito man ay maging saleman o tindero, Ok lang sa akin. malayo pa lamang ay nagdadasal na ko na mayroong bakante sa kanilang bulletin board. Ngunit habang palapet na ako sa department store ay mayroon akong nakitang pamelyar na mukha. Tila naklala ko na siya noon, pero di ko maalala. Teka... Oo nga! Siya yung nag-interbyu sa akn noong isang araw sa isang call center na malapit lamang. Nang makita niya ako, kaagad niya akong nakilala, di ko alam kung bakit sa lahat ng mga taong tinatanong niya nalala niya ako.

"O, musta? di ba ikaw yung nag apply ka sa amin noong isang araw di ba? Nakahanap ka na ba ng trabaho?" sa kanyangpagbigkas ng Tagalog natuwa ako at hindi ako duduguin sa pagsagot sa Inglis. "Di pa po eh. Eto nga po eh, naghahanap po ako ng dito sa mall, nagbabakasakali na may trabaho akong makuha dito" may pakiramdam akong sana ay matulungan niya ako sa pag-bukas muli ng kaso ko sa kanila. "Talaga?, well di kta matutulungan dahil hindi ka nga pumasa sa interview namain" sa pagbangt niya nito, gumuo na ang panibagong pag-asa ko ngunit may humabol na pasalta, " Pero kung gusto mo talaga ng trabaho, marami kaming kailangan sa maintainace namin... dun sigurado matutulungan kita, yun ay kung hindi ka mapili...

"TRABAHO?"... napaisip ako kaagad... deal or no deal? Tila nagbago ang kapalaran ko, nilalapitan na ako ng pagkakataon, magulo ang isip ko, hindi ko alam kung sasagot ako agad o mag-iisip ng matagal. "OK lang po hindi naman po ako mapili"

itutuloy...

Shop Digitally With Multiply.com!

Safe, convenient and hassle-free, Multiply connects virtual shoppers to 88,000 online stores

With 88,000 shops accessible with just a click, Multiply has officially become the country’s largest digital mall that offers everything from today’s hottest fashion finds, gadgets, mobile phones to the latest in beauty, mommy and baby products.

What began primarily as a social networking site where millions of people went to share photos and videos, Multiply has evolved to become a fully functioning e-commerce site that not only connects shopping success for virtual shoppers but also real-life business success for its merchants.

“When Multiply made the shift into becoming an e-commerce site, one of the first things we wanted to accomplish was to be able to offer more than convenience and variety to the Multiply shopper,” said Jack Madrid, country manager of Multiply Philippines. “We also wanted to create an e-commerce platform that was reliable and secure that will be able to connect entrepreneurs to their market,” he added.