School Projects Lurking

In a few days, the school break is soon to end and normally, while students and teachers enjoy the long breaks, the vacation can mean more projects to end for 2012 and exams too. As I type, I am helping my kid review for his third quarter exam.

But, I am quite sure that a good number of students are working on their IT projects which will require an extensive documentation including dvd duplication  for project submission.  Further, teachers can be quite busy preparing for exams or grades.

With remaining days ahead before classes resume in January, I hope that everyone, students and teachers, have made their vacation fruitful and happier.

Happy 2012 Everyone!

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Schools, Government Agencies Plus More for Typhoon Sendong Victims

photo source: GSCPO Facebook Page

The Typhoon Sendong in early December caused an alarming havoc in Northern Mindanao where to date, more than 1000 are dead with hundreds more are missing and injured. And, it is in this moment of  tragedy that the entire nation grieves and supports the victims.

So, help from the unaffected areas, schools, NGOs, government agencies and business establishments,  nationwide including the Filipino communities abroad and other symphatizing countried have given their resources to help  the  affected 29 municipalities, 278 barangays and 53,240 families (161,437 persons) as reported by Red Cross.

While help has been pouring, the victims are still in need of food, medicines, water, beddings among others. So, if you like to donate, you can course through DSWD centers, LBC and Red Cross. You can also coordinate with your government agencies as to where you can drop your donations.

Criteria for Best Web Hosting Services

I recently made a new website for another personal passion, running. And, since we shall have a fun run to host as part of the city's celebration of Kalilangan, I personally decided to create a website intended for online race registration and a portal for running articles among others.

But, to make the website more effective and efficient, I need a web hosting service provider to make the site available with all the features needed to make it more interactive, thus, the need for CPanel and Email to name a few.

We can  find free  web hosting service provider but since hosting is free, we can assume that the free web hosting is integrated with endless and uncontrolled advertisements from other support parties.  To address this, we can purchase the best  commercialized web hosting to provide our needed features and services at reasonable rates.

So, when  you need to find web hosting, you can look for the  following criteria:

1. Price


Different web hosting services provide cheap or expensive services but their price can be justified by their features (e.g speed, domain, customer service, reliability,  overall performance, bandwidth). So, look for services that meet your needs and the price can be appropriately justified.


2. Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the amount of data/information transferred over a period of time. Some web hosting providers give a limit on the bandwidth that if your website and all the attached pages have exceeded the bandwidth allotment, your website shall be inaccessible to your viewers. So, go for unlimited bandwidth requirement if your website is loaded with information including media types.

3. Space

Bigger space means more files to store but this is relative to price. So, go only for the space you need. For a personal website, a small amount of space shall suffice.

4. Customer Service

Does your web hosting provider 24/7 technical support? Imagine if you encounter problems on a Friday or during the evening, you just have to wait for the morning or Monday to come to help you with your website hosting  problems.

5. Other Features (email, control panel, domain, FTP, etc.)


Depending on your needs, you can look for a web hosting provider that offer other features including email account, CPanel, multiple domains and sub - domains, FTP, shopping cart, MySQL,  telnet to name a few.

A Teacher's Heart for the Less Fortunate

the grateful indigenous B'laan kids of

Pao Pao Elementary School, Sinawal, General Santos City

with our partner, the General Santos City Police Office

Last December 18, 2011 was a lovely day for me and my family as we raised more than 200 sets of slippers and school supplies with toys among the indigenous kids of a remote school.

Only after a week of raising for donations, we had made more than 300 kids happier with candies and goodies that we brought along with the hired clown to entertain the kids.

It warmed my heart that kids were indeed grateful but we were informed they still need more including some medical and dental attention. And, come next year, I shall try my best go and see them again with their needs.

I am however more proud that a good number of people are around to help us help others.

Schools Enjoy Holiday Vacation

This week seems to be the last week in December for schools to hold classes and  while some schools commence the year with a term exam, other schools would have to set their examinations after the two - week holiday vacation.

The young kids at home shall have their third quarter exam when the get back in January while my school just concluded with their Prelims exams.

So, to make the vacation and holiday celebration worthwhile and accident - free, make sure that your holiday decors are of quality and safety standards. And, since December is oftentimes swarmed with rainfalls among others, we can only be more careful, so, protect your home and cars with  whispbar roof racks at cracksandracks.com   and buy only safe fireworks  for New Year's eve.

Have a safe and happy vacation dear students and teachers!  See you all next year!

A Teacher's Advocacy

In Milo Davao Marathon helping kids have running shoes

with doctors and bloggers at indigenous community of Mt. Matutum on Christmas dental and medical mission

It has been my childhood dream to serve and although I don't have enough resources to help all the orphanages, home for the elders, the abused and the abandoned and the sick, I could only live each day with continued advocacy for good and healthy living through road and trail runs, out - reach activities to far - flung communities and victims of natural disasters, literacy and livelihood programs and committed teaching to young students.

My latest advocacy is now raising hundred pairs of slippers and school supplies for the indigenous community of Pao - Pao Elementary School of Sinawal.

buying dozens of pencils, rulers, notebooks and paper pads for the IP kids of Sinawal

And, when asked if I ever get tired, I could only say, "NO." It brings me a different kind of joy to help and I shall continue to help and with friends who share my advocacy, I know I can contribute to having CHANGE on earth.

supporting a company on their community - out - reach program for orphanages and home for the elders

in Red Cross Million Volunteer run supporting the international Red Cross cause

A Professor's Wish

In a few hours, the entire school of STI - General Santos City shall be holding our year - end Christmas party. And, like last year's holiday celebration, teachers and the rest of the personnel had made their own personal wishes as their gifts for manito - manita or gift - giving.

I did request for a blouse from our family boutique last year and to continue my loyalty with our family boutique, I wished for accessories as gifts this year. On the other hand, I had to buy a set of green - accentuated melanine plates and other dining wares.

So, if you too and your loved ones wish to give gifts to answer your loved ones' or friends' wishes, then, you can ask some hints from them. But, if you run out of ideas, you can try the following gift suggestions:

• apparel like ski pants;
• books;
• toys;
• home decors;
• jewelry;
• home - baked goodies;
• handcrafted fashion accessories;
• service coupons.

Some teachers yet to receive Christmas bonus | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Some teachers yet to receive Christmas bonus | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

College Teachers' Group on Christmas Party

the Friday Group of STI - Gensan at Firenzo Coffee House, Sun City Suite

Working only on a parttime status with one of the local schools in General Santos City, I was invited to join a group of wacky college teachers from the same school.

More than 22 members are in the group and whenever  there are family events or school gatherings, you bet, the group is around and enjoying. So, last December 14, we enjoyed a night of fun dining and exchanging of gifts. And, to top the fun, we were given various awards to describe our distinct personality. And since, I am into trail runs and competitive fun runs, I got my ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Award!

It is quite helpful when you have a friendly environment at work and when you have friends at your workplace, the workload can only be lighter and inspiring.

Make Your Holiday Break Worthwhile

In a few days, holiday break is soon to consume most individuals' schedules and while teachers and students can enjoy the long break from classroom lectures, requirements or exams, they can make their holiday breaks worthwhile. Of course, this holiday break would mean reunions with old school friends and buddies.

Normally, holiday break would take two weeks for schools and almost a week for public and private employees. And, usually their breaks are consumed in parties, reunions, and other recreational activities.

You can try the following tips to make your holiday break guilt - free:

• Enroll in a gym or any recreational activity for exercise. Holidays are filled with guilt - inducing dining and drinking. But, you can remedy this by enrolling in a gym to fill your break or go jogging, or have fun outdoor or indoor games to make you sweat and burn fats.
• Organize reunions for friends and / or loved ones. Most people reunite during Christmas holidays because of the long break and the desire to bond with family and friends. So, maximize this opportunity and use your phone or social media to invite loved ones and friends for a good day or night of fun reunion. This can be a high time to exchange gifts including  AVR-3312CI receiver  to make the holiday extra special. 
• Read a good book. Store would normally put on stuffs on sale and that include books, so, rave through their sale racks and find your favorite authors or go for your own reading interest. 
• Travel with loved ones. You can have a getaway with your long vacation. So, pack your swimming attire, good book, and luggage and hit the road (or air) for a vacation escapade. You can travel domestically just in case you are tight in the budget and spend your holiday with entirely new experience. 
• Bake goodies or create handicrafts for holiday gifts. If you are quite tight in budget but overwhelmed with time, put your creativity to good  use by baking or handcrafting and your loved ones will appreciate more your gifts. 

Philippine National Holidays in 2012

The year of 2011 is soon to end and students and teachers can only look forward to more holiday breaks. So, here is a list of 2012 National Holidays in the Philippines from the Proclamation No. 295, series of 2011.

A. Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day

Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Araw ng Kagitingan January 1 (Sunday)
April 5
April 6
April 9 (Monday)
Labor Day
Independence Day
National Heroes Day
Bonifacio Day
Christmas Day
Rizal Day May 1 (Tuesday)
June 12 (Tuesday)
August 27 (Last Monday of August)
November 30 (Friday)
December 25 (Tuesday)
December 30 (Sunday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days 

Chinese New Year

Ninoy Aquino Day
All Saints Day
Additional special (non-working) day
Last Day of the Year January 23 (Monday)
August 21 (Tuesday)
November 1 (Thursday)
November 2 (Friday)
December 31 (Monday


C. Special Holiday (for all schools)


EDSA Revolution Anniversary
February 25 (Saturday)

Employment Trends for Graduates and Freshmen Students

In a few weeks, 2011 shall soon become a history and that will mean welcoming the new year with vigor, hope and wisdom.

So,for high school students who are soon to choose for their college programs, they can be motivated to select from these employment trends of 2012.

Health care specialists including physical therapists, nurses, doctors, pharmacy consultants continue to be on high demand in USA, Europe and other parts of the world. In fact, the need for health care works is expected to rise 50% by 2018.

Industries like machine and electronic manufacturing shall continue to rise, too. In fact, lead companies demand for mechanical engineer careers to join their elite team. So, workers like mechanical engineers, machinist, and designers are on the rise.

Whatever job preference you wish to pursue, enhancing your skills and acquiring the right education shall increase your employment chances.

Further, information technology continues to fill in job vacancy notifications. So, go for computer science and alike for higher employment opportunities. You can be a software engineer, web designer, IT project manager, or even a system analyst.

A good number of young organizations begin to compete with large companies and that would mean employment opportunities for managers, accountants and business - oriented positions.

Whatever is your job preference, enhancing your skills and acquiring the appropriate education shall highly increase your employment chances. So, good luck in your job hunting!

Tips to Taking Your Major Exams

Before  the Christmas break, schools from most levels normally set a term exam, and  you want your holiday break to be worry free, you can prepare for your exams through the following tips.

1. Review your notes days or a week ahead of exam schedule. Some students would normally review hours or a night before their exam and with so many subjects to review on, chances are, you will simply forget all your reviewed ideas. 
2. Prepare an outline. Reading and highlighting important ideas on your notes or books can help you remember but writing an outline will make the review easier and more effective. 
3. Study in a well - lighted room away from interruption. Don't review when you are on a sleep - position since this will invite you to take a sleep. A good light will help you get focused and driven.
4. Join a study group. If you find it boring to review alone, then, join groups who prioritize exams. 
5. Review on the subject outline and / or references given. When these resources are given, you have better chances of answering questions that may be asked in your exams.
6. Take memory - boasting fruits, and vegetables. Anthocyanin-Containing Fruits like  all types of berries, cherries, black currents, eggplants, red / black / purple grapes, plums, rhubarb, red onion, red apples, red / purple cabbage, and red beets and  Cruciferous vegetables like arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collard greens, Daikon, Kale, Kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips and watercress,  leafy vegetables including eafy green vegetables like spinach, collard, mustard greens, kale and Swiss chard. 
7. Have fun in between reviews to get you recharged. If you have sitting for hours reviewing for exams, have an hour or two to relax and to help you get going. A small walk or a short film may suffice. 

Cheap Holiday GIft Ideas for Your Teachers Plus More

December is a special month for most people worldwide and for most Filipinos it is a month of celebration and spiritual reflection. This is also a grand time to give gifts to our loved ones and friends to let them feel that they are appreciated.

But, holidays need not to be overwhelmed with grand and expensive celebration and gifts. In fact, you can create your own gift for your parents, friends, teachers, co - workers, kids or spouses without the scary price tags.

You can try the following cheap gift ideas:

• personally set flowers from your garden or buy elegant hassle - free  San Diego flowers;
• prepare a music video where you cast your own moves and song;
• create a personalized holiday cards;
• bake goodies and wrap them in special boxes;
• create a free service coupon of foot massage, facial services or hair makeover.

Gift - giving need not to be expensive, so, with a little creativity, you can make your loved ones smile this holiday season.

Students, Teachers and Friends Play Football

some of the FUTBOLERAS / FUTBOLEROS with new additions, my former student and my former graduate school professor

my  kid trying a flying kick

It has been more than a month that we learn and enjoy our new family hobby, soccer. And, since the soccer clinic is free, we get to enjoy the play and invite more.

And, we were even more excited because not only that elementary and mid school students are now players, but also, we have alumni and college / graduate school professors are now in the team.

So, we hope that we can all sustain the hobby as a form of leisure play and exercise.

Students and Professionals Join the Red Cross' Million Volunteer Run

with my running mate Mike and the rest of the advocates

with other running buddies

December 4 is a RED DAY for all Filipinos as RED CROSS holds a nationwide - simultaneous run and in General Santos City, over 100 runners supported the cause of volunteerism. The Php 500.00 registration fee includes a tee shirt, Red Cross ID, whistle and first - aid training. And with the number, the organization shall be having fresh and more volunteers to help in any emergency.

There was  a good number of students who ran  for 5km and 3km and since I could not be personally stopped from running, I covered the 5km race in 30 minutes.

And, come next advocacy - supporting run, I shall be in and running.