APPRECIATING YOUR SMILE

APPRECIATING YOUR SMILE

I used to ignore my ability to smile. Suddenly last January,  right after our blog conference with Angel Locsin, Maja Salvador and JC De Vera for Legal Wife, my smile has completely disappeared. Gone just like that.

I was actually posing for a picture because I got the biggest portion of ice cream than any of my blogger friends, so I was smiling from ear to ear, so I thought.  Imagine how bewildered I was when I saw all my pictures showing me with a smirk.  I told my friend to delete it and never show it to anyone.

The following day I got admitted to the emergency room of the hospital near our home because my blood pressure that shot up to more than 200. Then the neurologist confirmed my fear it was Bell's Palsy. Sad as I was because I can't smile anymore as often as I'd like to. I consulted a rehabilitation doctor and a cardiologist and underwent a physical therapy at the hospital.

At first, I asked God why me? I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm not a long time ago and here it is again a different disease which took away my ability to smile.  Yeah, grumpy as I am, I usually smile when being photographed. 

You can Imagine my frustrations because I could no longer attend events plus somebody I met from an event asked me to invite bloggers then cancelled at the last minute. Buti siya hindi siya kilala ng mga bloggers, eh ako? Hay kaka bwisit talaga. Kaya siguro lalo lang ako nagkakasakit dahil sa mga taong tulad niya. Lipulin na sana kayo sa mundong ibabaw para wala kayong napiperwesyo. Pero teka, itapon na sa kankungan ang mga negang tao na tulad niya dapat pa rin tayong mag pasalamat kasi buong buo ang mga ngiti na namumutawi sa inyong mga labi.

So guys and gals don't forget to smile always! Appreciate your smile mga kabagang.

God bless us all!

Smile,

Travelonshoestring

SOLANE LPG: Safe is Safer with Solane Safety Cap and Seal

Top LPG company intensifies safety campaign with the launch of a new security feature in its tank.

True to its commitment to continuously innovate and create safer homes for Filipinos, the country’s top provider of cooking gas Solane launched its new gas-tight Solane safety cap & seal in one, an innovative tamper-proof feature for auto/shut off (A/S) valves that has guarantee of quality and secures your home against gas leaks and potential fires.

Innovating for consumer safety and convenience

A first-of-its-kind in the LPG industry, the safety cap, with serial number as proof of authenticity, completely plugs the gas to prevent leaks before installing the tank with a hose. Storing a Solane LPG tank with safety caps also keeps it protected from becoming a possible source of ignition.

“The new safety cap and seal exemplify Solane’s commitment to innovation and safety. It is a service that we are committed to provide to our customers to ensure their safety and protection while using LPG at home or at work. It is our priority to aim to minimize or totally eliminate incidents that harm people, or put our customers, neighbors or facilities at risk,” said Ramon Del Rosario, Solane’s Chief Operations Officer.

The new Solane safety cap and seal is made from high-grade plastic that’s plugged and sealed - you may re-use the Solane safety cap by plugging and locking it in the LPG valve, especially when you are storing your LPG tank. It is tamper proof and has visible markings to help ensure customers they are getting authentic Solane LPG. Each safety cap and seal features embossed Solane and flame girl logos and has a unique serial number to protect Solane customers from illegal LPG refillers. 

Rip-off the tab from the safety cap and then log on to Facebook. Go to Solane’s page (www.facebook.com/Solane.PH) and click on Apps to use the Solane Authenticity Checker. Enter the serial number to verify if the tank came from a licensed Solane dealer.

Increasing Awareness on Public Safety

Furthermore, in observance of this year’s Fire Prevention Month, Solane has intensified its safety campaign in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Under the partnership, Solane will hold a series of training programs with BFP personnel, local government units, including selected communities and barangays around the country. The extensive talks will further enhance the expertise of these groups in managing LPG related explosion, fire and, even emergency response to these incidents.

To ensure you’re getting authentic Solane LPG with the innovative safety cap and seal, you may order Solane LPG for your household needs by going online at www.solane.com.ph, calling 887-5555 for home delivery within Metro Manila or sending SMS to its nationwide textline 0918-8875555.  Getting a refill for your LPG tanks at home has never been this safe and convenient. Every Solane LPG delivery to your home guarantees a 7-point Safety Check of your LPG system by our well-trained Solane LPG riders, which is a service exclusive only to Solane LPG users. For the LPG that’s strict sa quality, safety, and service, order na sa Hatid-Bahay Online!

Sulit.com.ph is now OLX.ph

Sulit.com.ph is now OLX.ph

New name represents a stronger invitation to people everywhere to join the online selling movement and become one of the next 1,000,000 Filipinos who sell their personal items they are no longer using on OLX. 

Sulit.com.ph, the Philippines’ leading buy-and-sell website, is now OLX.ph. The rebranding is set to inspire and encourage Filipinos to improve their lives by selling personal items they are no longer using and turning these to cash. The new name also emphasizes a stronger focus on making it faster and easier for ordinary Filipinos to sell their things online, connect with others to meet up, and complete transactions. 

“The name change represents our commitment to change how Filipinos perceive online selling. That selling stuff you no longer use is simple and can actually help you earn additional cash,” says OLX Philippines Managing Director RJ David who is running the rebranded site together with Arianne David – the same founders who propelled Sulit to online supremacy. 

Aside from providing a more convenient platform, OLX will also focus on growing its C2C business by encouraging every Pinoy to sell their unused items. David observes that “Filipinos do not have much of a tradition of selling 2nd hand items so that most households end up with a clutter of items that are no longer used. If sold, these can turn into real value, which people can use to buy new things.”

David explains that with OLX, Filipinos now have a quicker and more convenient way of selling their stuff.  And posting of ads remains free! Whether it be through the OLX app or the web, all they have to do is just click and post. Within seconds, you can already list an item for sale. Within minutes, your item will appear on OLX, possibly hear from interested buyers within hours, and within days, meet up with buyers who can trade your stuff for cash. “In no time at all, you’ll have simplified and improved your life by selling on OLX on a regular basis,” he adds.

On OLX, there are buyers for almost anything you have to sell – that guitar you no longer strum, your baby sister’s stroller tucked away in the bodega, or that kiddie bike that you and your siblings have outgrown. Millions of users from all over the world have already sold their items on OLX and now, you can too.

Previous Sulit members do not need to create a new user account or repost active ads since these will not be affected by the brand change. Everything that users came to love about Sulit – free posting of ads, wide variety of items for sale, and thousands of sellers to choose from – will all be reflected on OLX.

The website may bear their new brand name and colors but their commitment to make online selling easy for Filipinos remains the same. Some of the key improvements to expect include the simplified ad process, upgraded Android app which will soon become available on iOS, and the current expansion of their Customer Support to assist their users even at night and on weekends.

As expected, the rebranding will not affect the company’s local management team. Team OLX Philippines will still be managed by RJ and Arianne David, along with the same Sulit team that has been of service since Sulit’s launch in 2006.

With the new brand identity, OLX aspires to reach the next 1M Pinoy online sellers and David is positive they can achieve that in the near future. “Millions have already sold their items on OLX and Filipinos can easily do the same.”

And with this positive news, OLX Philippines also launches its “YESSS YAMAN!” movement – a campaign that enjoins the public to make online selling a conscious habit, and one that gives them extra earning opportunities while decluttering their homes from unused items.

Now, it’s time for every Pinoy to check their homes for items that are no longer being used because on OLX.ph, everything sells. 


Sell them, earn money, and say YESSS YAMAN! 

COMPLETE LIST OF 2013 BAR EXAM PASSERS

COMPLETE LIST OF 2013 BAR EXAM PASSERS

The Supreme Court announced today, March 18, 2014, that 1,174 out of the 5,293 examinees passed the October 2013 Bar exams. This figure translates to a passing rate of 22.18%, relatively higher compared to previous years’ passing rates. 

Here is the complete list of examinees who passed the 2013 Bar Exams held last October 2013: 

You can click on the particular letter below  (beginning letter of surname) for easy browsing -

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   Y   Z

2013 BAR EXAMS TOP 10

2013 BAR EXAMS TOP 10

Leading the pack is Nielson G. Pangan from the University of the Philippines (UP). UP once again tops the 2013 Bar Examinations with a grade of 85.8%.

UP got 5 out of the Top 10 slots of successful examinees. It is the first time since 2005 that UP topped the bar.

A total of 1,174 aspiring lawyers passed the exams, comprising 22.18% of the examinees.

The Top 10 passers are as follows:

1. Nielson Pangan – University of the Philippines 85.8%

2. Mark Xavier D. Oyales – UP 85.45%

Dianna Louise R. Wilwayco – Ateneo de Manila 85.45%

3. Rudy Ortea – University of Batangas 84.2%

4. Eden Catherine Mopia – University of the Philippines 84.05%

5. Tercel Maria Mercado-Gephart – University of San Carlos 83.9%

6. Manuel Sarausad – University of Cebu 83.8%

7. Katrine Suyat – San Beda College Manila 83.75%

8. Michael Tiu Jr – University of the Philippines 83.70%

9. Marjorie Ivory Fulgueras – Ateneo de Manila 83.65%

10. Cyril Arnesto – University of the Philippines 83.60%

The passers will take their oath on April 28, 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 18, announced the results before members of the media.

SC Associate Justice Arturo Brion, Chairperson of the 2013 Bar Examinations, announced the top 10 passers. Brion himself topped the bar examinations in 1974 with a grade of 91.65%.

COMPLETE LIST OF PHILIPPINE BAR EXAMS PASSERS OCTOBER 2013

COMPLETE LIST OF PHILIPPINE BAR EXAMS PASSERS OCTOBER 2013 

Greetings of peace!

Hi, everyone! I terribly miss blogging! Today is a special day because the Supreme Court of the Philippines is set to announce the top ten and the complete list of passers of the October 2013 Philippine Bar Exams ( it will soon be posted here as soon as the Supreme Court of the Philippines announces the results.) 

The passing grade was said to be 75%, with each subject area given the following weights to determine the examinee’s average:

Political and International Law – 15%
Labor and Social Legislation – 10 percent%
Civil Law – 15 percent%
Taxation – 10%
Mercantile Law – 15%
Criminal Law – 10%
Remedial Law – 20%
Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises – 5%

The exam schedule was:

October 6:
8 a.m. – 12 noon – Political Law
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Labor Law

October 13:
8 a.m. – 12 noon – Civil Law
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Taxation

October 20:
8 a.m. – 12 noon – Commercial Law
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Criminal Law

October 27:
8 a.m. – 12 noon – Remedial Law
2 p.m. – 6 p.m – Legal Ethics

The exam was mainly essay type (80%) and multiple choice questions (20%).

To view the results of the 2012 bar exam announced in March 2013, click here.

The previous years’ bar exam passing rates are as follows:

2012 — 17.76% ( 949 passers out of 5,343 examinees)
2011 – 31.94% (1,913 out of 5,990)
2010 – 20.26% (   982 out of 4,847)
2009 – 24.58% (1,451 out of 5,903)
2008 – 20.58% (1,310 out of 6,364)
2007 – 22.91% (1,289 out of 5,626)
2006 – 30.60% (1,893 out of 6,187)
2005 – 27.22% (1,526 out of 5,607)
2004 – 31.61% (1,659 out of 5,249)
2003 – 20.71% (1,108 out of 5,349)
2002 – 19.68% (    917 out of 4,659)
2001 – 32.89% (1,266 out of 3,849)
2000 - 20.84% (     979 out of 6,187)

Fast Facts:

• A total of 5,593 Law graduates took the annual Bar exams at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) administered by the Supreme Court during the four Sundays of October 2013 (6, 13, 20 and 27).
• The Supreme Court (SC) fondly said that two pregnant woman Bar examinees and a 77 year-old man were not hindered by their conditions to take the exam. 
• Meanwhile, SC said 300 examinees have decided to refuse and backed out to take the final test on October 27.

Wishing you success on your chosen career.

Love,

Travelonshoestring

HARVESTING THE BEST OF THE BEST

 HARVESTING THE BEST OF THE BEST

New year is a time to turn a new leaf - a bright new leaf.

This year's Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, the annual showcase of the best published agriculture stories and photos as well as broadcast reports, is now open for entries from Filipino journalists residing in the Philippines.

The Bright Leaf Awards are given to the most outstanding and relevant agriculture stories in print, radio, and television.  It will also honor the most compelling photos that capture the essence of Tobacco farming and the agriculture industry.

Didet Danguilan, project head of the Bright Leaf Awards, is encouraging all professional Filipino journalists residing in the Philippines to join the competition as their way of sharing the successes of farmers through their stories—in whatever medium—to the public.

"Their stories need to be seen, heard and appreciated. The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards is the best way to achieve that," she said.

The categories for the Bright Leaf Awards are:

• Agriculture Story of the Year
• Agriculture Photo of the Year
• Tobacco Story of the Year
• Tobacco Photo of the Year
• Best Television Program or Segment
• Best Radio Program or Segment
• Best National News Story
• Best Regional News Story
• Best National Feature Story
• Best Regional Feature Story and
• The Oriental Leaf Award.  This special award is given to those who have won a Bright Leaf Award in any category for five consecutive years.  The Oriental Leaf Awardees become part of an elite group of individuals that comprise the Bright Leaf Hall of Fame.

"We want to highlight the stories that enlighten and inspire our countrymen.  This is even more important now because of the recent typhoons and earthquakes that have greatly impacted the agriculture industry.”  Ms. Danguilan added, “This is one way to provide some light in what was a very dark time for the Filipino farmer.”

The competition aims to collect a larger crop of entries than any other year by actively reaching out to tri-media practitioners from more agricultural provinces to invite them to submit their articles and photos.

Participation in The Bright Leaf Awards is free of charge. Entries should be published, aired or broadcast locally between Sept. 1 2013 and August 31, 2014. Contestants can submit as many stories in any of the categories but no story can be entered into more than one category.

Entries may be in English or any of the Philippine regional dialects.  For entries that are not in English, participants are required to provide an English translation.

For entry forms and more information, please visit www.thebrightleafawards.com or contact the official Bright Leaf secretariat at (02) 697-8110, (0915) 5508301 or (0918) 4130797 or email secretariat@thebrightleafawards.com.

ANTIPOLO: Floating Jesus Christ

ANTIPOLO: Floating Jesus Christ

I got an eerie feeling the first time I laid my eyes on the floating Jesus Christ statue inside the chapel of Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City, Philippines.

Jesus Christ was depicted as someone that is full of shingles like wound all over his body. He was bald. The statue made me think. I know that it is the artist interpretation of Jesus Christ, but I prefer to paint Jesus Christ smiling at me than seeing him dying on the cross.

Pinto Art Museum is located at Silangan Gardens No. 1 Sierra Madre Street, Grandheights, Antipolo City, Rizal. Telephone number is 02-6971015. Entrance fee is P150 for adults, P120 for senior citizens, and P75 for students with IDs. Prenup-shoot fee is P3,000 (upper garden), P5,000 (upper and lower garden), P10,000 (upper and lower gardens and new museum wing). For more information, email them at pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com.

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. I just want to share to the whole world how beautiful my country is.