MULTIPLY.COM: Closes Shop

MULTIPLY.COM: Closes Shop

I received this sad news through my e-mail yesterday that Multiply.com will cease operation on May 31, 2013 following a failed attempt to reinvent itself from being a social networking site to an e-commerce site. Last November 2012, I remember that I was advised by Multiply to get all my photos from my Multiply account because it'll stop social networking services to focus on  e-commerce starting December 2012, targeting the 350 million consumers in Indonesia and the Philippines. It even offered several outrageous promo like the Php5,000 pesos discount/rebate on gadgets earlier this year. Multiply has helped a lot of budding entrepreneurs in the country like my favorite online shops kimstore and dbgadgets.

Here is the e-mail letter:

Dear Multiply Merchant,

We regret to inform you that Multiply will be closing the marketplace on May 6, 2013 and discontinuing all business operations by May 31, 2013.

Multiply will maintain normal site operations through May 6th and will wind things down through to the end of the month. We will use the rest of May to make sure that all accounts are settled and that you receive all funds you earned on the platform. We hope this provides you time needed to identify and migrate to alternative e-commerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and try to minimize disruption to your business.

In order to ensure that all your earnings are disbursed to you in full prior to May 31, we will cut off buying activity on May 6, 2013. This will ensure that all orders have sufficient time to be completed and delivered to your customers before the end of the month.

If you have a Trust Badge, please contact our customer support team and we will ensure that you receive a pro-rated refund for the remaining time on your subscription.

If my team can be of any assistance to you during this transition, we will do our best to help.

Respectfully yours,

Jack Madrid
Multiply Country Manager – Philippines

The App Revolution Has Begun

The App Revolution Has Begun

Realizing that more and more people are and will be using Internet connected mobile devices to do both work and play, and that these devices are already playing an integral part of our lives, AppLabs Digital Studios Inc. was founded by Azhar Khan and Ian Atienza. After several meetings, it was agreed upon that the common goals of a company should be based first on good intentions. The company must make sure all its people will benefit first, and that any partnership must be solidly based on integrity, positivity and focus. Both passionate men agreed, founded and started what is now AppLabs Digital Studios Inc.

AppLabs Digital Studios is a fast-growing, specialist mobile and web applications development team offering a full suite of end-to-end services across a multitude of industries and markets.

The company is also proud to offer their own products that will be available on several carefully chosen distribution channels. Whether it is for Android, iOS, BlackBerry or the Web, AppLabs Digital Studios is ready to work with you and be with you in reaching your highest potentials and targets. 

Within a short period of time, AppLabs has successfully established subsidiaries and strong partnerships to further our global impact. The aggressive expansion brought forth the acquisition of several divisions to accommodate the large demand in the Philippines.

Experienced business consultant Eddie Beull joined the company early in 2013, and he currently holds Corporate Communications Director position. Lea Dolorfino, meanwhile, became a Corporate Relations Director through her hard work, significant contributions to the company, and years of experience in the communications field. She currently holds the distinction as the youngest executive officer in AppLabs Digital Studios.

Applabs was incorporated in Hong Kong because it is one of the world’s most reliable and efficient financial centres, has no exchange control and has a sound common law legal system and communications network. They offer services like Mobile App Development, Web Design and Development, App Testing and Digital Marketing

Only profits which have a source in Hong Kong are taxable there. Profits source elsewhere are not subject to Hong Kong Profits tax. Consequently, if a Hong Kong Company is trading or business activities are based outside Hong Kong, no taxation will be levied. Hong Kong Companies with a Hong Kong source of income currently only pay 16.5% tax on profits.

Their list of satisfied clients served includes TV 5, University of the Philippines, Department of Health, Intercast Japan, Rockwell Land, and Media Contacts. They have also teamed up with notable companies to better handle our business and engage in corporate social responsibility activities: MyPhone, Infochat, Batibot, WWF Philippines, SM Cyberzone, Wave 89.1 FM and HVMO-Collab.

To know more about Applabs, please visit www.applabsdigital.com or like their Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/AppLabsDigital

IRON MAN 3: Undeniably Entertaining

IRON MAN 3: Undeniably Entertaining

I was invited to the movie screening of Iron Man 3 earlier today. I must admit I was really excited that even if I was expecting to be invited by another sponsor, I readily accepted this particular invitation so I can brag to my kuya that I am one of the lucky ones who were able to watch Iron Man 3 on its first day of showing at the cinema. Ha ha ha! Joke! 

And because we live in a far away place in Quezon City we had to leave our house two hours earlier than our appointed time. But we got stuck in traffic. We decided to take a cab so we can reach Eastwood cinema on time. Much to our dismay, there are two separate cinemas at Eastwood and we happened to go to the wrong one. My bad! They ought to give us the complete details days before the actual movie date so as to avoid unnecessary confusion. But it was not the fault of the one who invited us. The sponsors should have notified him about the correct information several days beforehand.

To make the long story short, the correct place was .... tsan traan....the cinema 5 of Eastwood Mall.  Upon reaching Cinema 5, we frantically asked for the person in charge. After some time we were finally allowed inside the cinema with no tickets sigh, does it mean somebody used our slots? 

Anyway, let's move on. It is a fact that millions, if not billions, of people around the world are fans of the Iron Man movies. Just like you, I definitely expect more action in the third series of Iron Man 3!

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. Yeah, after a malevolent enemy reduces his world to rubble, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) must rely on his instincts and ingenuity to protect those he loves as he searches for a way to avenge his losses. No one can take away innate talent.

Since our time was practically wasted trying to find the correct cinema and asking for the person in charge we were not able to see the beginning of the movie ( sob!) but according to some of my friends, the movie  started and dragged on to establish the background for the other two characters: Aldrich Killian (played by Guy Pearce) and Maya Hansen (played by Rebecca Hall). For me, it was unnecessary to establish the two characters. In my humble opinion, the movie was too long at 129 minutes for an action movie.

Beginning on the part that we saw,  it was not as fast paced for an action superhero movie.  Its saving grace is when it started to pick-up and became more exciting at the latter part of the movie.  Tony Stark has so many troubles, so many foibles making it tailored fit with Downey. 

Flammable humans are one of the elements here as it provokes memories of vaguely cheesy werewolf eyes and Dr. Phibes-like flesh effects. Pepper's constant complaining about Tony not being there for her also strikes somewhat old-fashioned neglected mate notes but, otherwise, Black and Pearce devote themselves, more with success than not, to generating surprise, injecting wit into rote situations and outfitting the franchise with a sharp new set of attitudes, not to mention outfits.

After watching the movie, I stop and think for a while. I asked myself - What if I was in Tony Stark's shoes? He has everything! Looks, talent, fame, money, the woman he loves, everything. Looking out from the huge plate-glass window at the world. What’s really going on in his head? All the resources in the world at his disposal. A lot of people would want to trade places with Tony Stark.  Stark is a kind of guy who maintains a conscience even though he essentially has everything already. He still hold himself responsible to help mankind.

It's undeniably entertaining - and worth seeing. Overall, the story was good. Since I am an Iron Man fanatic, I had this urge to watch it again, maybe in 3D next time around.

Overall, I rate the movie 4 stars out of 5 stars. For me, it was a spectacular movie so don't you dare miss it. Please watch Iron Man 3 in theater near you!  Don't buy those pirated DVD's because, aside from killing the movie industry, those cheap DVD's don't match the pleasure of watching movies on the big screen!                         .                              

Directed by Shane Black. With Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Don Cheadle.      

Opened across the Philippines today, April 24, 2013 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theatres, “Iron Man 3” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Parental guidance recommended.

Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Cultural Night

Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Cultural Night

It was a night of beauty and glamour. The beautiful Miss Philippines Earth 2013 delegates, in partnership with the SM Supermarket, Savemore Market and SM Hypermarket, battled it out in a Cultural Wear Competition the other night, April 19, 2013, at SMDC Grand Showroom, near the Mall of Asia.

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Cultural Wear Competition!

Gold - Miss Misamis Occidental.

Silver -  Miss Zamboanga City

Bronze - Miss Cebu City

I will be posting more photos tonight so watch out folks!

March 2013 Licensure Examination for Teachers Results

March 2013 Licensure Examination for Teachers    

Congratulations to our New Teachers! Good News! In just 27 days after the last day of exam, the PRC and Board of Professional Teachers (BPT) releases today, April 18, 2013, the results of March 10, 2013 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) also known as 'Teachers board exam'.

10,310 elementary teachers out of 37,117 examinees (27.78%) and 15,223 secondary teachers out of 38,433 examinees (39.61%) successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.) given last March 10, 2013 in 14 testing centers.

10,310 pass March 2013 LET- Elementary Level
15,223 pass LET March 2013 - Secondary Level (A-Z)

PRC and regional offices administered board examination in the following testing centers: 

1. Manila
2. Cebu
3. Davao
4. Baguio
5. Iloilo
6. Zamboanga
7. CDO
8. Legazpi
9. Lucena
10. Pagadian
11. Tuguegarao
12. Catarman 
13. Hong Kong.

The Board for Professional Teachers is composed of Dr. Rosita L. Navarro, Chairman; Dr. Reynaldo T. Peña and Dr. Paz I. Lucido, Members.

The results of examination with respect to thirty three (33) examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on April 29, 2013.

The requirements for the issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card (ID) are the following: 

1) duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal
2) latest Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
3) metered documentary stamp for the Oath Form
4) the Initial Registration Fee of P600 
5) Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2013-2016.

Successful examinees should PERSONALLY register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The dates and venues for the oathtaking ceremonies of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

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SOUTH KOREA: Psy's 'Gentleman' Video

SOUTH KOREA: Psy's 'Gentleman' Video

Opps! Psy did it again! 

Did you know that an amazing number of netizens all over the world viewed Psy's newest video "Gentleman" on YouTube?

The "Gentleman" YouTube video is Psy's follow-up to his hit "Gangnam Style" video last year. 
The South Korean singer's new video could be headed for record-shattering statistics. Compared to Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend" video which collected more than 5 million during its first day online in May 2012. Psy's newest record-breaker video racked up an unbelievable 22 million YouTube hits within the first 24 hours of its debut.

Psy's "Gentleman" video now has almost 63 million views.  That means in YouTube,  Psy is officially more popular than Justin Bieber.

Psy is no stranger to topping YouTube records, as "Gangnam Style" is currently the most-watched video of all time on the site with 1.53 billion hits.

Enjoy!

THAILAND: Wat Pho Traditional Thai Massage

THAILAND: Wat Pho Traditional Thai Massage

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is also known as the birthplace of Traditional Thai Massage. You should not miss their massage!

Traditional Thai massage is one of the branches of Traditional Thai Medicine and is recognized by the government of Thailand.

If you go around Bangkok or other parts of Thailand, you will see licenses displayed in plaques on the wall of massage shops. Most of said shops only employ licensed masseuses that have earned a certificate from Wat Pho or one of its official branches. It is important that those who perform Traditional Thai Massage know what they are doing because many of the techniques can be dangerous if not executed properly.

In case you want to learn the art of Thai Traditional massage, you can enrol at the Thai Traditional Massage School of Wat Pho or in other schools around Bangkok or other parts of Thailand like Chang Mai . 

The Thai Traditional Massage classes in Wat Pho are open to anyone, including foreign tourists. Traditional Thai massage and medicine is taught at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, an open air hall outside the temple. 

The basic General Thai Massage course takes 30 hours spread over 5 consecutive days with a fee of 9,500 Thai Baht. So that's around 6 hours a day for 5 consecutive days. 

In any case, don't you dare miss to see the grandeur of WAT PHO in your lifetime.

The massage school at Wat Pho is the most prestigious in the country, and many foreigners take the 120-hour course to be certified in the art of Traditional Thai Massage.

THAILAND : Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

THAILAND : Wat Pho (TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA)

Wat Pho (Thai: วัดโพธิ์, IPA: [wát pʰoː]), is my favorite among all the temples in Bangkok, Thailand. Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The Reclining Buddha's feet is made of mother of Pearls and visitors are not allowed to touch it.

Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is named after a monastery in India where Gautama Buddha is believed to have lived.

Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, its official name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Thai: วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลารามราชวรมหาวิหาร;IPA: [wát pʰráʔ tɕʰêttupʰon wíʔmon maŋkʰlaːraːm râːttɕʰawɔːráʔmahǎːwíʔhǎːn]). Hope you remember that name! 

The Buddha statue at Wat Pho is reclining because he is at peace and has attained Nirvana (enlightenment). They said that he is awaiting for heaven in this pose that's why he was reclining. 

The beautiful back view of the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Po.

Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho

Buddha experiencing Nirvana