Monday, January 30, 2012

8:48 AM - No comments

Online Banking

Hassle with the long lines you have to go through on paying your bills? With online banking, one click and you can now do your banking activities and access your accounts anywhere and anytime.

History of Online Banking
Not many of us know, but the idea of online banking really started since the late of 1980’s. By that time, if you have a phone, a terminal and a monitor you could access the banking system.  These services were first offered in New York in 1981 by some of the city’s biggest banks including Citibank and Chase Manhattan. The concept soon spread to the UK, where it was used by the Bank of Scotland in 1983.
However, the idea only took off on October 6, 1995, when Presidential Savings Bank announced its regular client use. Soon after, banks like Wells Fargo, Chase Manhattan and Security First Network Bank started using the same concept.
But with the frightening new processes and technologies, some people got weary of hackers that might take away their personal information and on using online banking. This made the banks spend more time on reviewing and developing their security features.

Benefits of Online Banking


One advantage of online banking is it is very convenient. You can pay your bills even at home or easily make online transfers to accounts at other banks and even receive email alerts when you have a low balance or suspicious activity. One more thing is its low cost. That is why online-only banks are often able to offer customers the best interest rates on certificates of deposit, money market accounts and savings accounts.
 Here is some list of what you can do with online banking:
* Make payments to other people or companies
* Make transfers between your checking and savings accounts
* Buying investments such as stocks or bonds
* Complete loan application
* View recent account activity, such as procurement, payment, deposit and withdrawal
* View and print pay checks
* Download the most recent bank statements or historical
* Contact bank staff
Threats of Online Banking
It is undisputable, that using online banking sure is convenient and productive. But we cannot deny either how harmful it may get. With the growing number of hackers, many lose their accounts and are fooled because of some fake online banking procedures.
Because of these problems, online banking community had decided to focus more intently with their securities.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

5:50 AM - ,, No comments

Supreme Court, ready to take down its “Corona”?

With all the flaws shown by the prosecution team in the ongoing impeachment trial of the Chief Justice Renato Corona, I doubt that the Chief Justice will be convicted.

For four times in a row (if I’m not mistaken), the prosecution team, led by Ilo-ilo Representative Niel Tupas has been denied by presiding officer, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. Cj Corona’s prosecutors were not knowledgeable enough to convict him. They sometimes messed things up with the impeachment trial. In the Day 6 of Corona’s trial, senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago had a row with Tupas because the latter wanted BIR Commissioner Kim Henares to testify as a witness in the trial.

According to Senate President Enrile, most from the prosecution team lack knowledge regarding the proper proceedings of an impeachment trial. He described them as kids that needed to read books about the Rules of Court. Senator Enrile got mad with Tupas after he insisted Enrile to prohibit strict rules because “this was not a criminal proceeding but an administrative proceeding.”

“Ang gusto nila disciplinary actions. Kung disciplinary action ito, paano mo madidisiplina yung kataas-taasang hukom? Pangulo ng third branch ng gobyerno? Sino ka? Ibig sabihin niyan,itong mga batang ito ay kulang sa pag-aaral..” Enrile said in a radio interview.
He also said that in a state country, an impeachment trial is in the nature of a criminal case. “Kung hindi nila alam iyon, hindi ko na kasalanan ‘yon” he added.

Aquino administration undeniably hired low-class prosecutors that do not even know the difference between an attesting officer and an expert witness. This was opposing to what the president has said earlier that they will definitely condemn the Chief Justice. How then can they do that if the prosecution team were as intelligent and experienced as those in the defense panel? Even the senator-judges noticed.

Even if this trial will be a fair and just one, there’s still a chance that the truth will not be exposed, especially when the prosecutors were not good enough to win this case. 

5:30 AM - ,, No comments

CORONAVELA: The Trial Begins



As the year 2012 entered, a new breed of drama has dominated Koreanovelas and soap operas in the afternoon.

There is no doubt; more and more Filipinos get hooked with this “Coronavela”, a true-to-life story of the Philippines Chief Justice and his impeachment trial. A first in the country’s history, CJ Renato Corona faces his greatest enemy, the Philippine president, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, as he wrestle to retain his position and repair his damaged name.  

Pilot episode aired last January 16, Monday, where an intellectual combat was witnessed between the prosecution team, who seeks for Corona’s conviction and the defense panel, seeking for Corona’s acquittal from the charges. Served as presiding officer was Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; while the 23 senators (only 21 were present on the first week of the impeachment) played the role of senator-judges.

The story revolves around Corona, who was accused of culpable violation of the constitution, betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption. As recalled, Corona’s name was attached with former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who too was accused with electoral sabotage, after he was appointed by the latter in his position. He also proposed a temporary restraining order that could have allowed the former president to leave the country for medical purposes. Maybe this was the reason why he was impeached then because shortly after the release of the TRO, the congress has proposed the impeachment of the Chief Justice.

And now, CJ Corona faces the charges of allegedly 45 owned properties in Metro Manila, marking the history of the Philippine politics, as it was the first time a chief magistrate was tried by an impeachment court.

The drama, televised by the three biggest networks in the country has definitely gained a lot of viewers and followers, from politically-involved personalities to “care-bears” and ordinary citizens. All has their own bet and opinion regarding the issue.  However, the question still remains: Will Corona be acquitted or convicted? The answer is yet to come; not until the Senator-judges find him guilty.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2:20 AM - ,,,, No comments

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Jam-packed with lots of people, Binondo welcomed the Chinese New Year with gleefulness last Monday. This is the first time for the Philippines to announce the Spring Festival to be a non-working holiday, so those who are free, curious and want to experience the event (like us) filled the premises of Binondo with festive spirits!

January 23 marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese Zodiac. With this, Dragons will obviously be the star of this celebration.

In some streets before reaching the plaza, there were different dragons and lions doing a traditional dance. This dance is “cai ching”. The lions will approach a store and performs a dance. After the lions’ performance, the dragons will enter inside. The storeowners will give them an “ampao” or a red envelope, as it is believe that it will bring good luck. Once done, the fireworks attached near the store will be ignited and the lions and dragons will dance once more.

Once inside the plaza, many different stalls offered various colorful charms that will bring good luck. There were those humungous to petite dragon figurines, fish ornaments, Chinese hats, crystal accessories, and last but not the least, Tikoy, a Chinese cake every Filipino love.

Tikoy has presented itself with different colors, but other delicacies will not falter behind. There were Hopias (mooncake), siomai, siopao and many Chinese foods that will also crave the people's tummy.

There were also dancers that entertained the crowd. They were using fire as a medium to catch the interest of the people. While the public enjoys the show, some of their members will approach some people, giving an ampao so that they can make a fee/donation for them.

Now that the Chinese New Year is a non-working holiday, Chinese and Chinese-Filipino tenants of Binondo will expect lots of happiness for the following years.


Sunday, January 22, 2012

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La Niña in the Philippines

Cold and wet. This is what the year of 2012 looms for its summer season as La Niña hit the Philippine area. And as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said, it may stay in the country and reach its peak at the month of January to February and eventually become weak at the end of March to May.

Manggahan Floodway (Sample of a La Niña Occurence)

With its current forecast, Flaviana Hilario, deputy administrator for research and development of the PAGASA warned that the country, especially the Easter section including the Bicol region, will experience more rains in January.

In February, most parts of the country will experience “more rains than normal,” especially the eastern portion of the country, Hilario said. She also added that March would likely be a summer with rains higher than normal.

For the month of April, Hilario said La Niña rains would still prevail over the country “but relatively low rainfall is likely to affect the country particularly over the western section.”

Above normal rains will prevail at the month of May and is expected to have normal weather at the month of June.

La Niña, Spanish for little girl, is a phenomenon that occurs during the abnormal cooling of the sea surface temperature in the Pacific and is characterized by excessive rainfall. It is the opposite of the phenomenon El Niño, which got its "Christ child" name because of its tendency to occur around Christmas, describes the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean.

Friday, January 20, 2012

7:56 AM - ,,, No comments

Google Docs

Have a project but need cooperation of your group mates who are far away? Then worry no more! Google has created Google Docs for you!

Google Docs is a free online program that allows users to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations and save them online to share it with other people.

With this program, you can edit your files anywhere and anytime you want, get quick feedback from multiple people --- simultaneously and asynchronously , make full writing process visible --- including revisions, quickly analyze and organize data, share data sets, publish documents for invitation viewing and editing, and upload/download documents in various file formats.

However, before you can this time-saver tool, you must have an account on Google. If you already have one through Gmail, then you can use the same username and password for Google Docs.

Now, onto the steps of creating and working a new document:

1.       Click the “Create” button and choose what kind of file you want to make.
2.       Google Docs will open a new window. This will allow you to type anything you want.
3.       Once done, click the “Share” button. You can choose whether to make it a private share, anyone with link or public by clicking the Change on the right side. If you have chosen, go down and add people who you can give permission to edit your file.
4.       Hit the “Done” button and obviously you’re done!

For uploading, here are the steps:

1.       Click the “Upload” button.

2.       Choose File or Folder to choose the location of the file.
3.       A pop-up box will show notifying on how you will set up your preferences.
4.       Click “Start Upload” button.
5.       Wait for the uploading bar to finish and voila! You’re done!
Overall, it was just like using Microsoft Word, only it was online and anyone can edit the files the same time as you. 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

12:37 AM - ,,, No comments

History plus Culture equals Sinulog Festival

The country’s grandest and most colorful festival had just started.

Yes, the annual celebration of Sinulog Festival in the province of Cebu has once again awed the Filipinos and foreigners who came to watch the show. Essentially, Sinulog Festival is a dance ritual which remembers the Filipino people’s pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity.

Mainly celebrated with a grand parade where the image of Sto. Nino (child Jesus) was carried to another church; the festival is a unique representation of the Cebuanos’ devotion to the holy child. It has always been the festival’s tradition to have Sto. Nino visit his parents before the grand day, so from Basilica del Sto. Nino, it is transferred to the St. Joseph parish in Mandaue City where the image will stay for 24 hours to reunite with his foster father.

While Sinulog is a celebration of Filipinos independence to paganism, the festival also highlights the country’s most colorful displays of pomp and pageantry. Street-dancing competition was also witnessed, wherein contingents from various parts of the country compete in bright-colored costumes and dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.

This historic event has also become a tourist attraction as Filipinos all over the country gather to show-off their talents and culture. While tourists around the world came to experience the fun and excitement the festival has to offer. Aside from the colorful and festive dancing, there is also the Sinulog’s SME trade fair that features Cebu export quality products where people round the globe flock on the treasures that are Cebu.

Also witnessed in the celebration was Sinulog sa Kabataan mainly performed by the youths of Cebu. This event was a two part celebration which includes marathon, football cup, cultural show and concerts.

The festival will also hold a chess tournament, “Cebu Chess Festival”, tagged as the World’s Largest Chess Tournament. Aside from this, they will also conduct photo and short film/video documentary contest featuring the prosperous culture of Cebu. The festival will end with a bang as winners of the photo contest will be displayed and exhibited in SM City Cebu.

Sinulog festival is a month-long celebration of the rich culture and history of Christianity in the city. It all started when Ferdinand Magellan, after arriving in the Philippine land, gave the wooden Sto. Nino to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s cheiftain. From then, the image of Sto. Nino became the emblem of friendship, taking and conversion to Christianity of the natives. It was later kept and housed in the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino and San Nicholas de Tolentino Church, and the rest was history.

Due to successful show and series of events the festival produces every year, the feast will certainly lasts as it continuously gain more and more attraction from all over the world. As Sinulog Festival became a hit, still the purpose of it remains: Filipinos had the chance to embrace Christianity. May we all live up to that! Viva! Pit! Senyor!

Experience this joyous, fun, loud, color-filled and one of the grandest events in the country, as it continues to bring pride to the Filipino culture. Check out the festival’s schedule now!http://sinulog.ph/index.php/schedule-of-activities-2012/

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

5:08 AM - ,,,, No comments

Viva El Señor Santo Niño!

Sto. Niño Procession at Angono, Rizal
©Angono Tourism Office

January is known as the Sto. Niño Festival Month as this is the time where various places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindano pay homage for the Holy Child Jesus. Many lavish and colorful festivals were celebrated in honor of Sto. Niño. These festivities were prepared months ahead in anticipation for coming local and foreign tourists who will not just enjoy the mood of the event, but also experience and witness the faith of Filipinos to Holy Child Jesus.
The celebrations usually feature masses, exhibitions of Sto. Niño statues as a shepherd boy, as the keeper of the world, or as a sleeping child, dance competitions, which can be either tribal or modern, with participants in colorful costumes, photo exhibits, showcase of products, beauty pageants and fireworks.
Here is the list of popular festivals held in different places in Philippines:
1.       Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan
2.       Sinulog Festival in Cebu City (always celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of January)
3.       Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City (always celebrated on the 4th Sunday of January)
4.       Binanog Festival in Lambonao, Iloilo
5.       Sinulog (Kabangkalan Festival) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
6.       Makato Sto. Niñ0 Festival in Poblacion Makato, Aklan
7.       Kahimunan Festival in Libertad, Butuan City
8.       Batan Ati-ati Malakara Festival in Poblacion Batan, Aklan
9.       Bansudani Festival in Bansud, Mindoro Oriental
10.   Altavas Sto. Niño Festival in Poblacion Altavas, Aklan
11.   Ibajay Ati-ati Municipal and Devotional Fiesta in Ibajay, Aklan
12.   Dinagsa Ati-atihan Festival in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
13.   Hinirugyaw Festival in Calinog, Iloilo
14.   Sto. Niño Festival in Malolos, Bulacan
This devotion for Sto. Nino started on Cebu and it widely spread on many parts of the country. We Filipinos grew up learning and experiencing the miracles given by Sto. Niño, so it is impossible for us to remove such faith to the Holy Child Jesus.

Monday, January 16, 2012

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Typhoon Sendong: A Lesson We Must All Learn


After the tragic flashfloods and fatalities that Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng has brought in the country, it seems that the Philippines still hasn’t learned its lesson as another downpour strikes the southern part of the country, leaving more than 600 casualties and 600 more people missing.


Incident occurred at about 2am in Iligan City in Lanao del Norte and Cagayan De Oro City in Misamis Oriental on December 17, 2011, devastating 22,000 unprepared families and making the scenario worst in the history of CDO and Iligan City.

The storm dumped over 181 millimeters (mm) of rainfall in 24 hours, which is equivalent to more than a month of rain. The Southern part of the country, that is, Mindanao, is never used to rainstorm threats that is why greater amount of rain can severely damage and affect them. Due to this, large number of dead bodies was recovered, some of which were buried in mud when the river swelled and washed away the residents in the river banks and some of which, are still missing. Rescuers were forced to dig for mass graves where dead bodies will be put on and to avoid the spread of disease. Meanwhile, survivors and the victim’s families still hope to find their missing relative.

Aside from being the worst disaster that ever hit Iligan, the incident is also said to be the saddest and most pitiful tragedy in history since the calamity happened few days before Christmas. Certainly, this was the most dreadful Christmas of the survivors.

Several groups has given support to the victims of sending, and sent relief goods to the families stranded in evacuation centers. Department of Social Welfare and Development, in regards to the President’s instruction, gave “Noche Buena” packs for the homeless families during Christmas.

Also, the country’s top networks lend their hands to the survivor and victims of Sendong. They strengthen their projects “Sagip-Kapamilya” and “Kapuso Foundation” to provide aid to the calamity survivors.

Indeed, Typhoon Sendong had cost the lives and properties of many of our kababayans, however, if we just learned from the lessons of the past catastrophes brought about Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng, this could never happen to us again. Preparedness, unity and cooperation are needed to overcome these disasters. Again, no one is to blame. May we all learn from the mistakes and flaws of yesterday.

It’s never too late to help. For those who want to lend a hand, just extend your arms and spread your love as you help our fellow Filipinos in their struggle to recover after surpassing the storm.

Kapuso Foundation
Metrobank Peso Account
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:3-098-51034-7
Metrobank Dollar Account
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:2-098-00244-2
Code:MBTC PH MM
UCPB Peso Account
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number:115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7


Sagip Kapamilya Foundation
BDO Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39301-14199
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
PNB Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM
BPI Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3051-1127-75
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Friday, January 06, 2012

1:38 AM - ,,, 2 comments

December 21, 2012: The End




“Apparently, the world is going to end on December 21st, 2012. Yes, you read correctly, in some way, shape or form, the Earth (or at least a large portion of humans on the planet) will cease to exist. Stop planning your careers, don’t bother buying a house, and be sure to spend the last years of your life doing something you always wanted to do but never had the time. Now you have the time, eleven months of time, to enjoy yourselves before… the end.”



Indeed, if you’ve read the above statements, you will get confused or even scared. And probably, you are shaking from head to foot right now. And you wish you didn’t open up this site. But hold on a minute, we didn’t mean to scare you. This blog wasn’t created to let you lose your hopes, we are to give you information you need to know. But before I spend 500 words of this page promoting this blog, let’s go back to the topic. 

2012. So, this it. The year that many believed the world will end has finally come. It's been a week since the world welcomed the year 2012 but many were still puzzle and uncertain about the things that the New Year will bring. Of course, who wouldn't worry when many predicted that this year will be the end; the year for which the world will experience the greatest, the strangest disaster, and the year in which the world will meet its end. So here’s the looming question that many still deny: Will the world end this year?

Dec. 31, 1999, a religious cult believed the world would end. Its members went inside a cave in Tagaytay wearing helmets and waited for the end that never came. Just last year, a certain group announced that rapture will take place in May 21, 2011 followed by judgment day in October 21 the same year but to the people’s relief, nothing happened. The earth, still whole and homey, just like the first time God has created it.

Despite the many predictions about the end of the world from the previous years that hasn’t took place, the 2012 prophecy still gains a lot of believers. Why? Simply because, the prediction came from the famous Nostradamus, the same man who predicted the fall of Twin Tower in United States in 2001. His prophecy was strengthened by Mayan Calendars, which ends in December 21, 2012. People thought that because the end of Mayan Calendar falls on that date, it also means that that’ll be the end, that’ll be the same day for which the world will be doomed to destruction. Due to this realistic prophesy, many believed this prediction and has resulted to a panic to all the people.

In the Bible, the gospel of Matthew clearly states that the end will come and certain signs will take place before the end. It is also said that it will come “like a thief in the night” so that no one could prepare for its coming. However, the day for which the end will happen was not the only issue. The place where it would take place and how it would happen was also in question. There are rumors that the end will come as Planet X pass through our solar system causing polar axis shifts on earth and mind you, it’s two thirds of Earth’s size. Other says that earth will be destructed by solar flares. Solar flares seem to come in cycles and NASA had said that the sun was due for a big one around 2012. This reminds me of an instance in the Bible which God has rained fireballs from Heaven to destroy Sodom. Will the world end that way too?

Whether the world will end in December, no one knows. But one thing is for sure: the world will come to an end. Everything (yes, living and non-living things, even bacteria) will meet its end. In Science, that's the final stage, destruction. However, the date is still uncertain. And until it is, we should live our lives the way we want it to be. And we should be thankful that this year has come, we have another year to live and we have another year to promise our resolutions. And even if it’s not yet the end, everyday must be a day to repent. Who knows, the end might come tomorrow or a minute after you’ve read this.

So if you are still bothered by what will happen this year, stop living in fear and confusion. There are many things that would come about this year worth waiting. Aside from that, never worry yourself from things not even certain. Predictions remain predictions until it was proven.  And whether the end will come this year; that question will remain unanswered until that date: December 21, 2012, alone, will take place. As with the test of any true prophecy or prediction, time will tell. And in the end, only God knows. J

Thursday, January 05, 2012

10:46 PM - , No comments

Movies in 2012

2012 has stepped right through our lives and now, it’s offering us new line ups of movies we will surely love! From superheroes to not just your ordinary girls to a sparkling vampire, this year definitely has lots in store for us!


The Hunger Games (March 23)

Striking first on the list will be the ever popular “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. Based on the novel with the same name, Katnis Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) , who lives in the wrecked future of Panem volunteers to participate in a very dangerous reality TV show where teens are battling one another to death in front of live video cameras.

The Hunger Games had a trilogy series in the novel, so we might get to see sequels once this movie hit the audience’s interests!

The Avengers (May 4)


Rising from the Marvel comics will be Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor who will join forces in order to defeat an evil baddy who wants to destroy world peace.








Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1)


Where are the seven dwarfs? They are still there, only they became eight.

Based on the popular fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” comes Snow White (Kristen Stewart) clad in armor and trained to fight in war under the wings of the Huntsman Eric (Chris Hemsworth). Aided with eight dwarfs and Prince William (Sam Claflin), she starts a rebellion to bring down Ravenna (Charlize Theron) in her throne.

Brave (June 22)


Pixar brings another animated movie in the screens, but, with a female protagonist this time! This movie is about the red haired princess name Merida (Kelly Macdonald) who rubs off her obligations as a princess when she made an ill-fated wish.







The Amazing Spiderman (July 3)


Spiderman comes back again with Andrew Garfield playing as the skinny Peter Parker.










The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)


More superheroes come our way as this third film of Batman rises. But sadly, this was announced to be the final movie in the series directed by Christoper Nolan. Also, considering that Joker’s actor Heath Ledger gone, can the new actor of this villainous character give the same impact as Ledger has?





Skyfall (Novemeber 9)


After three years of being gone in movies, James Bond comes back with another action packed movie. Little information was given about the film, and they said that Daniel Craig will be James Bond of this movie. There are rumors that Ernst Blofeld, Bond’s famous arch enemy, will make an appearance in this movie.


The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (November 16)

More drama will come as this part completes the story of a human who loves vampire tale. Diehard fans of Twilight will surely flock over to this flick as they will witness the last scenes of Edward and Bella.









Django Unchained (December 25)


If ever we made it past December 21, then what waits us is this historical film about slavery in antebellum South. This revolves about an escaped slave and a German bounty hunter who wants vengeance against a Mississippi plantation-owner. We will be expecting Leonardo DiCarpio, Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz in this movie.

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