Pilipinas now got a lot of Talent Search shows, so what’s next?

Last night, I was able to watch the latest talent search show on local TV. The show is Pilipinas Got Talent and aired on ABS-CBN 2. Interestingly, it is being shown simultaneously with Talentadong Pinoy (Talented Filipinos) by ABC5 and GMA7’s Bitoy Showtime.

Although GMA7’s Eat Bulaga which is longest running daily noontime TV in the world has a portion with the talent search, ABS-CBN 2 is doing great at It’s Showtime despite of some controversies.

I believe it is the Talentadong Pinoy that started the trend in accommodating different talents in one show. Meanwhile, ABS CBN 2 and GMA7 copied the concept and just trying to improve by adding some features.

With the rapid growth of different talent search shows here in the Philippines today, this only means that Filipinos are really talented. So what’s next?

If I count them correctly, I think there are now 6 existing talent search shows here in the Philippines and people with different talents flock from one talent search show to another. Some sing, perform magic trick and stunts, but most of them dance in groups. These talent search shows allows the contestants to market their talents, which gives them opportunities to have an additional income or a promising career.

However, I wonder if all of them have a good first screening part. I can see some singing contestants with no talent at all in singing, and they have the guts to perform live on TV. Maybe the staff of the show still approves them thinking that they can add entertainment to the audience, while the poor contestants don’t mind being humiliated since they are only after the consolation prize and exposure.

On the other hand, the audience will always be looking for something new. If some current talent search shows will not be managed carefully, they will be left out and will vanish instantly. We all know that having a talent search show is a very profitable business, but the investment is also very high. Filipinos are good copy cats but sometimes the purpose is not good, crab mentality that is.

But anyway, I am more concerned about the singing talents. I cannot sing well, but I am a music lover. I am amazed by Charice Pempengco who eventually captured Oprah’s heart, and I know she can still go farther. Again, I know that Filipinos are very talented and can be globally competitive given the right packaging and attitude.

However, I still believe that art requires originality and singers should have their own signature song. There must be a song composed exclusively for that singer that can be made popular through the ages. Otherwise, she may run out of songs to sing and will only be remembered as a talented singing idol and not a singer. Although she can go with the trend of remake songs, having a signature song is always better.

With that, I hope these talent search shows will also showcase songs with original composition. I wish they can bring back the Metro Pop Music Festival alive the way it used to be, or a similar show. I know there are a lot of great song composers out there just waiting for their chance to show their talents.

Unfortunately, I am not one of them although it is one of my frustrations.

Related posts:
Remake Songs: The Art to Save the Music Industry

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Noynoy Aquino: The most trusted politician today on Readers Digest survey

Yes, presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino is the most trusted politician today. This was according to the latest survey on Readers Digest March 2010 edition.

Actually, this news as reported by GMA7 whose four top journalists landed also on the top. They are Jessica Soho (3rd), Howie Severino (6th), Mel Tiangco (9th), and Mike Enriquez (13th).

Readers Digest said the list of 80 people was presented in random order to the respondents who were asked to rate the people on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 means that they don't trust at all while 10 means they trust completely the person.

"We then calculated an average score for each and ranked them in order of perceived trustworthiness," Readers Digest said.

The survey was conducted in October 2009 by independent market research company The Digital Edge on behalf of Readers' Digest.

Meanwhile, actress and philanthropist Rosa Rosal was named the most trusted Filipino, while world-renowned singer and actress Lea Salonga ranked second.

Philanthropist Tony Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga, ranked fourth on the list while Noynoy Aquino ranked fifth.

"With the passing of his mother last year, there is a sense of sentimentality attached to Aquino," Etchells wrote.

Interestingly, today's number one boxer Manny Pacquiao landed on the 36th spot. If you're interested to know the spot of President Gloria Arroyo, she is on the 78th who is slightly lower than former first lady Imelda Marcos, who is on the 74th spot.

But back to Noynoy Aquino, I think this will help him convince the Filipinos more that he is really trustworthy. But in my opinion, I think he should also prove that he can lead the country in terms of economy, peace and order, and graft and corruption. In terms of corruption, he will have to do a lot of work although being trustworthy can play a vital role to eliminate it.

Again, I am not here to campaign or destroy any candidate. I just want to share some information hoping that all of us know how to vote wisely.

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2010 Philippine Automated Election Guide now released
Philippine Election 2010 Period Rules to start on January 10
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How to Vote this coming Philippine Automated Election 2010
Philippine Election 2010 Special Registration and How to Verify Online
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will run for Congress in 2010 election

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How to Pass the Final Job Interview

I have worked for more than 5 different companies with different kinds of industries such as electronics and automotive industry. I started as an Industrial Electrician, Technician, until I reached the supervisory position for Engineering and Manufacturing. I have been a supervisor for ten years, and one of my tasks is to do the final interview for production and engineering applicants.

I have been an employee for more than 15 years, and I have found a new job. I suppose I now have enough experience to give tips to job applicants on how to pass the final job interview.

They may not be assurance that you will be hired, but understanding each item will surely help a lot.

Know the important details of the company

On the first interview, it is usually the Human Resources Department (HRD) personnel that will interview you. It is more like getting to know about you, which includes confirming what is written in your resume. The final interview on the other hand, is more of what you can offer to help the company. You can share your ideas only if you know the important details of the company. This includes their product, system of management, and business history. Therefore, check their website and write them down. Also, find current or previous employees that you can ask for more details. Interviewers love applicants who know a lot about their company.

Dress appropriately

Dress appropriately depends on what position you are applying for. If it needs to be formal attire, then prepare for it. Choose the clothes that are not too flashy, but impressive enough. If you are applying for a laborer position, it does not mean you can wear anything. Be neat and presentable to the eyes of the interviewer. Remember that first impression last, and you will be judged you the way you present yourself. Therefore, wear clothes that represent your character and make sure you feel comfortable with them. Otherwise, the interviewer will notice that you’re not at ease and might think that you lack self confidence.

Come early

Some experts will tell you to come early at least 10 minutes before the scheduled interview, and I agree with them. This is for you to be more relaxed during the interview or to have time to go to the restroom to fix your self a bit more. This will also avoid you to be late in case of traffic or some road accident. However, this may also add pressure to you especially if there are other applicants that you will look better than you. In this case, talk with them so that you will have an idea on how you can project yourself better.

Maximize your time

Usually, the interviewer will require you to do is to introduce yourself for around a minute. Therefore, you should maximize your time and tell only the important information that they need to know. Focus on the credentials that you think may fit to their requirements, but don’t mention things that you cannot explain further. On the other hand, you do not need to explain them the full details of the technical skills you have since these interviewers are the top personnel of the company. They are more interested in how you present your self. They watch your body language and analyze how you choose the right words to say.

Don’t waste their time

Their time is more important than yours so don’t waste their time. Answer directly to the point and avoid pausing for a long time. Practice at home especially if you are a first time applicant. Search for the possible interview questions and prepare for the closest answer. Usually on the last part, you will be given the chance to ask so take it. However, never ask about the incentives that you may receive. Related questions are being discussed earlier, and salary agreement is after passing the final interview. Instead, ask questions that are related to the company like their status during economic crisis or their future plans about the company.

There is one important thing that you should understand before going to a final job interview. You are there because you are asking for a favor, and not the other way around. You may possess the qualities they need for the job, but it’s how you present them that matters most.

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Remake Songs: The Art to Save the Music Industry

If you are in the Philippines, you will notice that revival or remake songs are rampant today as compared than ever. I don’t know in your place, but I suppose it now consists of ninety percent of all the songs here in my country. There are still new songs but old songs are still better, which is why artists are reviving them.

Although remake songs add bonding time for me and my teenage daughter, I feel most of them were not done in good faith. I have been a music lover since my younger years, and I know there are had been remake songs before. However these days, I seldom appreciate the way old songs are being remake.

In fact, I see them as just an art to save the music industry. Let me elaborate further.
If you have been a music lover since the 80s, you now miss the New Wave and rock music. Pop music has been conquered by Michael Jackson with his all-time best selling album Thriller. Local and foreign love songs also hit the airwaves, and new albums are being released almost every month by different artists.

Similarly, big money is being spent to come up with attractive MTV. I even remember some songs were being used as Official Soundtrack (OST) for famous Hollywood films. They add spice to the movie and make them more unforgettable. Who will ever forget the songs The Moment of Truth for Karate kid and Eye of the Tiger for Rocky? Well, rap music is fine but most of them is about anger and has foul language.

Here in the Philippines, wonderful songs were being used as the movie title so as the movie theme song. But today, old songs are being remake and are being used as the title of a movie or telenovela. However, some old songs are being remake over and over again by different artists and with only a very short period of time in between them.

But why are remake songs a trend these days?

Is it because of the never ending industry of piracy that loses the interests of song composers? Is it because we rarely give credit to song composers, and they die poor? Is it because songs these days can easily be downloaded for free and producers don’t want to invest that much anymore? Is it because of the overcrowded talent search for singing, but none for song composers? Should we blame Vidoeoke and You Tube because anyone can sing any song easily?

For whatever reason, I still believe that music is an art but you cannot remake it. You need creativity and originality, and it does not matter if Lady Gaga looks weird to some of us. You cannot call someone a singer without his original signature song, although he can be called as song interpreter.

It is a must that we save the dying music industry, but it is also a must that we save the art of music.

Meanwhile, I prefer listening to old but original songs rather than remake songs that were made just to save the music industry.

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Warning: Old Modus Operandi in front of Catholic churches still going on

I used to sell cigarettes on the streets during my teenage years, and I noticed that there is a modus operandi in front of Sta. Cruz church in Manila. When I was in college, I learned that the same activity is active in front of Quiapo church, also in Manila. I then arrived into a conclusion that a lot of Catholic churches have the same problem.

Last year, I came back to the streets and became a street vendor again. Surprisingly, I noticed that the old modus operandi in front of Catholic churches is still going on. Now, I think this activity has been going on even before I was born but no one seems to be complaining. It’s either they are afraid or simply ignoring it, but the sure thing is it must be stopped.

I am not a Catholic, and this post is not about religion. But I hope this will serve as a warning to the public that there are people who are using the Catholic churches to fool people and make money from innocent victims.

Here is their strategy, and I hope you will help me spread the word.

First of all, they come in groups so that the victim cannot easily refuse. They can either be old women, men, or anybody holding religious facts like prayer book, baby bracelets and even small rosary. They choose their victims that they think they can easily fool, which includes young people and parents who bring along their kids. They are usually present during Sundays and feasts.

Then, one of them will approach you or your kids and will pin these small things without asking permission. Afterward, he or she will whisper some prayers to you and even tap your shoulders. The worst part is you will be asked to give money to him or her, and even asked for a fixed price say fifty pesos.

If you will try to remove the pin, she will beg you and even use the name of the Catholic Church. If you insist, then you will be mobbed by her companions and no one around you will notice the situation. You will end up either being hurt or giving away your money even higher than the first price.

With this, we can call them extortionists and robbers in broad daylight.

So to all Catholics, here are my suggestions.

1.0 Avoid going to church alone, or look around even before going near the church.
2.0 If you have kids with you, watch from behind since these devils can be smarter than you.
3.0 Do not entertain strangers especially when they are offering something.
4.0 Be aware of someone who is about to approach you and immediately say No, thanks.
5.0 If you don’t want their offer, be strong when you deny them.
6.0 If she keeps on talking or explaining, ignore her or simply walk faster.

Remember that these extortionists are smart, so you have to be smarter.. Although some may that it is just a small amount of money, they should not be tolerated. It is still called cheating, anyway.

I am not sure if the authorities concern know about this, but I am sure they can do something. We must still trust the police and report to them such instances immediately.

I also wish parish priests will mention this on their Sunday sermons, so that their members will be aware about this problem.

And to these small time thieves, I hope their conscience will wake them up and find a decent way to make money. How can they feed their families with such kind of money? And worst of all, how can they use the name of GOD just to make money?

If there are two words that I can tell them, it will be….Bless you!

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I finally found a new job after one year of searching

Yes, my friends and dear readers. I finally found a new job after one year of searching. For all you know, I accepted the offer of my former employer to avail the Early Retirement Program last September 2008, to pursue a small business and to be a professional blogger. This is because the automotive industry is declining, as well as the electronic industry. I thought it would be better if I establish myself as a businessman.

But fate has not been kind, as my wife and daughter suffered from Dengue fever last January 2009. That tragedy prompted me to start looking for a new job the next month, while selling different kinds of stuff just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, things got worst than ever and I am just glad that friends supported me all the way.

Below is just among them who helped me find my new job.

Last December 2009, a former co-supervisor saw me selling toys on the streets of Lipa City, Batangas. He readily asked for my resume and told me that he will pass it to their company once they will have an opening, especially for the position of production supervisor which was my last job. Actually, even my former subordinates see me and unselfishly help me one way or another.

Come January or last month, he sent me a text message asking me if I was called by their office for an interview. I told him I haven’t received any, not until the last week of the said month. It was 5:30 pm, and the technical exam will be on the next day, which was Wednesday at 8:30 am. The message said that I need a scientific calculator since the exam will be more about Algebra and Trigonometry.

However, I was wondering if I will pass the exam since it has been 16 years that I solved one which was the ECE board exams last 1993. But indeed, I am more worried where the heck I can borrow a scientific calculator considering that I don’t know anyone who has one. I asked all of my friends but none of them have one. Eventually, the same former co-supervisor who got my resume ended up borrowing a scientific calculator so I can use it during the exams.

Fortunately, I passed the technical exam and I cannot say that it was hard or an easy one. I just solved the problems as much as I could. Afterward, I was asked if I am willing to be interviewed by the HRD manager on the same afternoon as well as the Production Manager who will be my immediate supervisor if I will be hired. Of course, I agreed although I am just wearing casual clothes since I thought it will only be an examination day.

The next day, I received a text message from the same office telling me to prepare for the final interview on the next day which was Friday at 3 pm. This time, it will be a panel interview composing of three top Japanese personnel including the company president and two other local managers. This time, I wear formal attire but I almost came late because my son has an unexpected half day in school and wife is not around to watch over him at home. Although it broke my heart to leave my 8-year old son alone in the house for hours, I had to do it.

We were three applicants for the same position which is Production Supervisor and I learned that only two are needed. Incidentally, one of the applicants is also my co-supervisor on my last employer and I can say that he has been a good one. While I hope that both of us will be hired, I think the chance for each of us is fifty-fifty. But just minutes after we left the company, I received a congratulatory text message informing me that I am hired. I was asked to report early the next week for the salary negotiation and the list of required documents, and I learned that the other two were also hired.

In short, I found a new job with a span of less than a week. I passed the medical exams last week, and submitted all the required documents for employment last Monday. I have 2 sets of company uniform, in which I will start to report for work on Monday, February 15. I decide not to reveal online the name of the company, but it is located at FPIP, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. It is only around 30-minute commute travel from our place, minus the traffic, lol!

For the meantime, I hope that all the job seekers out there can find a job since I know how hard it is to be jobless. Don’t stop searching online and elsewhere; and be ready when it comes.

Although venturing into a business is a smart decision, it is still better if you have a regular source of income before you get into it. We never know what will happen next, and we should always be prepared for the worst that may come.

However of course, I will not stop blogging since it is already a part of my system. In fact, I think I will have more ideas to share especially in terms of job searching and being employed.

Wish me the best of both worlds!

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If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE,you can subscribe in a reader or by Email. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.

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Manny Villar: The Secret Presidential Candidate of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?

Last night, I received a text message from a close relative and I know it is a forwarded message. It is about Manny Villar being accused as the secret presidential candidate of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and I am being requested to pass it on to others.

Instead of passing it, I asked a friend and I learned that she also received the same text message. We all know that today is the start of the Comelec-approved official campaign period for president, vice-president, senators, and party-list representatives.

Anyway, I assume that it is already being circulated everywhere. But before I make my comment about that text message, here it is and you can check if you also received the same.

Now the cat’s out of the bag…Manny Villar is the secret candidate of Pres. GMA…Mike Arroyo himself met with Manny Villar at the house of Mike Defensor last Jan. 7…Villar secretly agreed to make GMA as Speaker of the House and protect her should Villar win the presidency…Villar agreed to GMA’s offer of massive logistical support in GMA’s commissioners in the Comelec who will assure Villar’s victory…pls pass para di tayo maloko ulit…(pls pass so we will not be fooled again)

First of all, we must remember that President GMA decided to run for Congress this 2010 election for the 2nd district of her hometown Pampanga. According to Malacanang, it is the personal decision of the president since she wants to serve her constituents more. However, I think that she should run for Governor or Mayor if she feels that way. Both positions are executive which means she will only focus on a particular place or the whole Pampanga. On the other hand, a House representative is for the legislative department, which means being more of a law maker although she has the power to pursue some local projects.

Moreover, it can also be remembered that Manny Villar was the House Speaker when former president Joseph Erap Estrada was ousted courtesy of the so-called People Power 2. Eventually, the then vice president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became the president instantly, which until now holds the office. Was that event a conspiracy and Villar acted as the bridge to its success? Is now pay back time for GMA, or the continuity of the conspiracy?

But if the text message is true, who started it and does he have a solid proof? If so, why not file a case against President Arroyo and Manny Villar instead of just using the technology? Or is it just another black propaganda against Manny Villar since he is now getting close to lead the survey for president against Noynoy Aquino? Does this mean that administration presidential candidate Gilbert Gibo Teodoro is just playing around to cover up the secret?

There are a lot of questions that needs to get accurate answers. But then, I also hope that the Filipino people should be careful before they believe on something. I am not saying that the accusation is impossible, but it needs to be investigated further before we react.

I am not making this post to sensationalize this issue, nor to destroy one’s character. I made this post to inform the public that there is such an accusation, and we must not ignore it. I am not suggesting you to pass this on, but rather to be a keen observer.

Although the presidency alone cannot control our lives and future, it is still our right to protect our country from corrupt leaders and people who will evade our freedom. All of us should act as one to make our economy grow, instead of pointing fingers to others. But still, crime does not pay and someone should pay for his wrongdoings once proven guilty.

In the end, I strongly suggest that you know how to vote wisely.

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Pulse Asia Survey: Manny Villar vs Noynoy Aquino for President now virtually equal
Noynoy Aquino vs Manny Villar for President 2010: From SWS Survey to Facebook
2010 Philippine Automated Election Guide now released
Philippine Election 2010 Period Rules to start on January 10
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How to Vote this coming Philippine Automated Election 2010
Philippine Election 2010 Special Registration and How to Verify Online
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will run for Congress in 2010 election

If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE,you can subscribe in a reader or by Email. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.

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Philippine Election 2010: Top 5 Presidential Candidates and their growing wealth

Tomorrow, February 9 is the start of the national campaign as allowed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). While we will watch as to who will follow the rules and will disobey them, it is also interesting to know them more.

With this, below is the list of the Top 5 Presidential Candidates and their growing wealth. This is only a summary as published on GMA News.tv recently so I assume they are verified true and correct.

But before you proceed, let me remind you that the next Philippine president would earn only P60,000 a month or a maximum of P4.68 million in six years, before tax. The total six-year income for the new president would add up to just P3.18 million, after tax.

Now, get ready for the amazing list.

Manny Villar

A former member of the House of Representatives 1992-96, 1998-2003, and a senator since 2004. He started with a net worth of P75.43 million in 1992, grew it to PP310.92 million in 1996, P481.5 million in 2002, P750.82 million in 2005, and closed it at P1.05 billion in 2008.

Noynoy Aquino

A former member of House of Representatives, 1998-2005, and a senator since 2007. He started with a net worth of P8.42 million in 1998, grew his wealth to P11.98 million in 2002, raised it further to P13.47 million in 2005, and ended 2007 with P13.94 million.

Joseph Erap Estrada

A movie actor and a film producer, mayor of San Juan in Metro Manila 1968-88, vice president 1992-98, and president from 1998 to January 2001. He reported a net worth of P1.18 million in 1985, grew this to P3.82 million in 1992, and filed his last SALN in 1999 before his ouster from Malacanang at P35.86 million.

Gilbert Gibo Teodoro

A former member of the House of Representatives 1998-2006, staff in the Office of the President in 2007, and became the Secretary of National Defense from 2008 to 2009. He started with a net worth of P80.17 million in 1998, slid to P75.54 million in 2002, did not file in 2003, grew it to P102.62 million in 2005, and closed it at P232.43 million in 2008 owing to a surge in the value of real estate inheritance in Sampaloc, Manila. In 1998, Teodoro reported having interest in 11 lots in Sampaloc, Manila.

Richard Dick Gordon

A former mayor of Olongapo City 1992-95, 1998-99 and 2004-07, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator 1995-98, became the Secretary of Tourism 2001-03, and a senator since 2004. He started with a net worth of P8.3 million in 1992, grew it to P11.87 million in 1995, P22.38 million in 2002, P24.92 million in 2005, and ended it at P26.52 million in 2007.

But of course, these figures are not as simple it seems since this is only those declared in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN).

Among the five Presidential candidates, Dick Gordon is the most detailed and forthcoming in his SALN declarations.

He has disclosed over the years that his stock investments which include the following.

STOCKS YEAR ACQUIRED PESO VALUE

Philex Mining Corp 1973 P36,652
First Phil Holdings, Inc 1973 P8,778
Atlas Consolidated Mining Co. 1973 P3,543
San Miguel Corp. 1973-1999 P910,139
Lepanto Consolidated (P34.00 per share)
Central Azucarera de Don Pedro P405,000
Jollibee Foods Corp. P2, 659,604
Aboitiz Equity Ventures P31,200
Pilipino Telephone Corp P1,014,000
Petron Corp P23,000
Meralco P116,250
Filinvest P371, 250
C & P Homes P111, 250
Kepphil Shipyard, Inc. P75, 978

Manny Villar, who is said to be the wealthiest of the five candidates, is also the stingiest with details offered in his SALNs. According to the report, he did not list Vista Land in his SALNs among his business and financial interests. What he disclosed are shares in companies with controlling interests in Vista Land, notably Fine Properties, Inc. (since 1982) and Adelfa Properties (since 1986).

Again, let's vote a candidate because of his integrity, history and capability.

I do not mean that rich people cannot serve his country, but it is a must that we know how to vote wisely.

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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will run for Congress in 2010 election

If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE,you can subscribe in a reader or by Email. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.

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I now have a Sony laptop

This year 2010 has started to me with a warm surprise, since I now have a Sony laptop. It's not totally brand new, but I really love it since it was a gift to me by someone very close to my heart.

For all you know, I sold my desktop PC last May 2009 when I got broke and it started when my wife and daughter suffered from Dengue fever at the same time a few months earlier. From that time on, I am just renting on an Internet cafe and my blogging time has been affected.

Anyway, the laptop is white and a Sony VAIO VGN-N130G model. It does not have a lot of multimedia controls and plugs, but it is all that I need for now. It's lightweight, and I suppose it is around 6 pounds only. I assume the dimensions are 15" x 10" x 1.5", and it just fit to the bag pack with a slot for laptops included in the gift. According to the specs, the battery life is 5.5 hrs but I have yet to discover it.

Except for the DVD slot which I tried at once, it also uses Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition for its Operating System, and I am not yet thinking of upgrading it. The keyboard is soft touch and the former owner seem to took good care of it.

It may be an old model to some, but I am very happy that I have a laptop and I will take good care of it. I will do my best to acquire an Internet service provider again soon.

I just wish that 2010 will be better year not only for me and my family, but also for all of us.

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If you want to receive my future posts regularly for FREE,you can subscribe in a reader or by Email. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to Contact Me anytime.

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Pulse Asia Survey: Manny Villar vs Noynoy Aquino for President now virtually equal

According to the latest Pulse Asia survey, the Manny Villar vs Noynoy Aquino for President is now virtually equal.

This is due to the decrease of Aquino's vote from 45 percent to 37 percent as of the January 2010 survey, which came from a 45-percent voting preference last December.

On the other hand, Manny Villar increased by 12 percentage points from 23 percent to 35 percent. This is despite the C-5 extension controversy against him, in which Villar is being accused of enriching himself and his property companies from the the said project.

Pulse Asia said that the Aquino vs Villar have virtually the same voter preference since the survey had a ±2 error margin.


The survey was conducted on January 22 to 26, while the report of the Senate Committee of the Whole seeking Villar's censure first made headlines on January 18.

Meanwhile, the same survey shows that former President Joseph Estrada still ranked third with 12 percent, but administration candidate Gilberto Gibo Teodoro Jr.'s remains at 5-percent rating.

Bangon Pilipinas’ Eddie Villanueva got 2 percent, while Senator Richard Gordon of the Bagumbayan Party got 1 percent.

Lastly, Senator Jamby Madrigal had 0.5 percent, Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos JC delos Reyes had 0.3, Vetallano Acosta with 0.2, and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas with 0.05.

Out of the 1,800 respondents aged 18 and above, six percent of them were still undecided and did not give any answer.

With this, the Liberal Party said it will reassess its campaign strategy since the TV and radio ads of Manny Villar are very frequent. Noynoy Aquino has had three TV ads so far.

"I think it is time to also re-assess the messaging of Senator Noy," LP spokesperson and Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada said. "Maybe it is not resonating, we have to re-assess that, and we will have to look also if there is a need to adjust our campaign strategy knowing for a fact that [the official] campaign [period] is about to start soon."

"Maybe we would now focus more on what Noynoy intends to do for the country, how he plans to improve certain areas as defined in his platform so that the public will see that Noynoy has specific programs for the next administration". Tañada added.

Now, for my personal opinion...

I think the surveys shows that the Cory magic seem not to work that much lately. Noynoy, also being the lone son of martyr former Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. is also having a hard time convincing the people that he can be capable of loving the country just like his parents did.

Apparently, I also think that ads still work these days and the camp of Manny Villar is doing their homework very effectively.

Although Senator Manny Villar admitted that he is really spending money for this strategy, it may also be against him later since the C-5 extension controversy is all about billions of money.

We must be reminded that the presidency does not only require honesty and integrity, but also skills and experience that he can use to improve the economy of the country. One may say that he will not steal, and it can be true. But if he is not capable of controlling the people around him, then the stealing will not stop. It only changed the beneficiaries. Now, can Noynoy control the people around him? It's hard to say...

However, a skill or experience of a person whose name has been into a huge controversy cannot be just taken for granted. I am not saying that Manny Villar is guilty, but as they say; if there's no smoke, then there is no fire. If one turned himself from rags to riches, it does not necessarily follow that he can also do it on a nationwide aspect.

Lastly, let us not forget that there are other presidential candidates to be observed. They may not be as popular as the two names above, but they still deserved to be known and analyzed.

Again, I am not here to campaign or to destroy one's character.

In the end, I still hope that the Filipino people will choose a presidential candidate not because of the ads or popularity nor the image of his parents.

Let's vote a candidate because of his integrity, history and capability.

We must learn therefore how to vote wisely.

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Apple iPad vs Amazon Kindle: Who will kill the other?

I must admit, I have never used an Amazon Kindle and using Apple iPad is not among my plans in the future. You may call me a Jurassic guy and I can forgive you for that. But I am not saying that I will never use any of these high tech gadgets. After all, they may be useful to me later one way or another.

But for the meantime, I find it interesting to compare the two based on my research. This may not only help me decide later, but also to those who are getting confused on which one is better.

So now, welcome to the Apple iPad vs Amazon Kindle world and let's see who will kill the other.

Functionality and features

According to a guest post at Tech Crunch recently, one of the top 10 reasons why Apple iPad will kill Amazon Kindle is because of it being a multifunction device. This means we can browse, play games, and others. On the other hand, Amazon Kindle is basically just a reader. No more, no less.

Convenience of the user

Amazon Kindle is smaller in size than Apple iPad. It is also much lighter (0.6 lb only) than Apple iPad, which is 1.5 lbs. Therefore, it is obvious that Amazon Kindle won this part. However, MG Siegler personally played with one during its unveil last month, and said that it’s light enough that holding it with one hand is not a burden. But of course, it matters on how you hold it.

Price and economics in the long run

Amazon Kindle is cheaper than Apple iPad by around $10, but Nick Bilton of The New York Times says that Amazon Kindle is expensive for a single-purpose device. If one will be asked if he is willing to add $10 to enjoy more functionality of a device, what do you think will be his decision?

And now, here's my personal opinion seeing it on two different angles.

As a businessman, I will not kill other businesses. Instead, I will find more innovative ways to improve my product for my customers. This way, this will serve as a challenge to my competitors to improve more. The cost of product may be an issue since I will be needing more investment on my part. But if I can be able to market my product well enough, then I will not be worrying about the Return of Investment (ROI).

As a consumer, I will not buy things that I don't really need. Ten dollars to someone like me is big enough, and I would rather use it to a more useful product. But if the additional apps will be an advantage for me, then what is $10?. The thing is, we don't just buy things just because it's new but because it's useful to us. In this world of fast-changing technology, I am very sure that there will be another invention and the new ones will be better.

Related post:
Making a lot of money but do not get rich

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I Have a Girl Friend for More Than 25 Years

Yes, I have a girl friend for more than 25 years. Her name is Angelita and this is her real name. I am sure there's a very good reason why our names are the almost the same, and lasting this long maybe one of them.

And yes, I am happily married for more than 13 years and my wife knows about her. In fact, they eventually became friends too.

But if you think me and Angelita are not attracted to each other, then you're wrong. The attraction though is not what you are thinking, it's actually more than that.

With this, I invite you to read our one of a kind love story.

I met her when I was 17 when we transferred to their community in Quezon City after our house burned. I don't know her exact age until now, but I assume I am older than her by 4 years. That time, my father cannot afford to send me to school so I am helping them by selling cigarettes and fetching water for our neighbors. Angelita's family was one of my consistent customers, and that started a different kind of relationship. By the way, she is the eldest child in the family of three girls.

Unlike other teenagers who seem to be happy-go-lucky, Angelita prefers to stay at home cleaning their house and watching TV. Since we have no TV at home and we were just 2 houses away, I got used to watch TV in their house almost every night. Her family is very accommodating, and although they had some doubts later if I am courting Angelita. My family even thought so, but I am glad I did not. She's not my type,lol!

Anyway, we have a lot of common interests and the best one is to get off our place to live a better life. As you know, we lived in a slum area in Novaliches, Quezon City where poverty and crime are normal sight seeings. However, we also had fun moments like talking about our movie idols. Hers was Megastar Sharon Cuneta, and mine was the King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe, Jr. I made some poems for her before, and one of them is related to the movie Kahit Konting Pagtingin which starred by both actors. The title of the poem is Though a Little Bit of Love, which is the English meaning of the said movie title.

Years later, I had to move to pursue my college but we still maintain constant communication. She was among the first one to be happy when I graduated, and I owe a piece of my accomplishment to her. If I did not meet her, I might meet others who may be a bad influence to my studies.

Eventually, I met my true love and had my own family but my relationship with Angelita stays intact and getting even stronger. In fact, my family considers Angelita as a family member too. As I told my wife, getting jealous about Angelita is one thing she should not do. It is an absurd idea, and I will just die laughing.

But what bothers me somehow is that she is not getting any younger, and she does not yet found the man of her dreams. I am not even sure if she dreams about it, although I wish she would. I remember one time I asked her what kind of man she wants, and she said. I want someone like you, but not you..

By the way, you might wonder why I do not call our relationship as friendship. This is because it is beyond friendship, but not even close to a love relationship. It's hard to describe it but I made a poem for her more than a decade ago, entitled Thicker than Blood, wherein I gave the best explanation of our relationship.

Now that it has been 25 years since we met, I just wish our relationship will last another 25 years and even more. I am just glad that both of us reached our common goal which is to get off that place and live a more decent way of life.

Ironically, we never had a photo with only the two of us so I have nothing to share to you guys. Every time we tried to, there is always an obstruction and it feels weird.

But for the meantime, I wish she could have time to read this post. I know she will be happy to know how important she is to me, although she already knows it 25 years ago.

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