It’s just another random and a not so boring Sunday at work. Oh well, it’s been a while now since I last scribbled and thus, my art skills strike again. Yes I am a self acclaimed artist. I don’t know, but in moment like this (i.e bored), it comes out naturally, involuntarily as I would say.

I was holding the mouse, facing the monitor with an absent minded look. Slowly my right hand started to move, creating random lines, scribbling like a child who is still learning how to write. As random as I am, my hand created something I didn’t imagine. It’s pretty hard to sketch using a mouse (especially if you got shaky hands). But my hand didn’t give up, it continued scribbling. Then I was surprised seeing the output and don’t even know how to interpret it. And so I browsed for some nice qoutes, sort of description that would fit to the image my hand created, but of no luck. I tried again when suddenly I remembered the song “Chasing Pavements” by Adele. I would say I also like the song especially the chorus part that goes like this:

Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere
Or would it be a waste
Even if I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up
Or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?

So what does Chasing Pavements really means? One question that has a lot of answers. Everyone is entitled to their opiniion. It really depends on how you understand the phrase. As per artist, the song was inspired by a particular incident of her life. She got her story and I got mine, we all do. Yes, at some point, I chase pavements. Going after a dream, a possibility and holding onto a thought, a feeling regardless of how hopeless it may seems. I get tired too. But there are just things I can’t easily give up. Believing that I will see a rainbow after a heavy rain. That every cloud has a silver lining. Even though there are no guarantees.

Pavement is endless.

Will you just keep chasing pavements?

Listen to Chasing Pavements by Adele

This is one of the most difficult parts of a love life to get over, it is how to get over a relationship break up. It is tough nursing a broken heart, and we all need a little help to get over this broken heart. The lesson here is that friends and family, basically company, is need always to get over a heart break.

The first love, the someone whom you most probably would have decided there and then that you would probably spend the rest of your life with him or her. But sometimes it ends. And it is most painful when it ends abruptly. Arguments are perfectly normal, but when it gets to a certain breaking point, you know that it cannot continue, and you two end the relationship. Or when your partner cheats on you. That is probably the most painful and when you have to break up.

As impossible as it may seem, the rule of thumb to deal with this is to tell yourself that you want to get over him or her. If there is still a little bit inside you that wants it to still work out, then you will never get over your ex or the unreciprocative lover (one-sided crush). And nothing you do will ever work. It has got to start with inside yourself. Your mind is the most powerful after all. And you need to stay away from him or her during the initial period till you are comfortable with meeting him again. Chances are, if you keep being in the company of him or her, you will NEVER get over it and you will be stuck. So please, be brave and take the first step and avoid the person. And while you are avoiding the person,

• Talking to someone about the break up. You need to let it out! Bottling it up inside of you is never going to solve your problem. Always verbalize your problems to a listening ear. Any problem whatsoever. Talk to someone in a similar situation helps too.

• Get busy. Occupy yourself with meaningful things like picking up a hobby or learning something new or preoccupying yourself with books and work.

• Watch funny movies, read funny comics, chill and laugh around with your friends. Laughter as always is the best medicine. It always makes you feel better no matter what.

• Get rid of whatever items that remind you of your partner. Numbers, messages, letters, gifts. If you can’t bear to throw them away, put them with your close friend or somewhere you can’t easily get to.

This is mean but pretty effective. Start to concentrate on the negative aspects of your partner’s character and tell yourself it is not worth it.

Another mean thing to do and it might cause someone else hurt. I do not think it is wise but the thing is you might meet someone better. Go dating, meeting new people, making new friends. Caution: You might fall in love again so be sure to keep your distance. Moving on to someone else to get over someone is effective but not the ideal way to go about doing things. But please don’t give anyone the hear break.

Write down all the hurts and angst inside you on a piece of paper and throw it away. Make the getting over tangible. Helps heaps too.

Once again, talk to your friends, hang out with them! Friends are your pillars of support and as they say ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’ Let all your grief out.

Effective love advice on how to get over a relationship break up is an article submitted by one of the readers.

There is a new world created by the people for the people that is always busy and at the same time sleepless,  no such thing as night or day, it’s called the Online World.   Every second the clock ticks,  is equal to nth users who are online in the world wide web,  most especially in the networking sites, thus social media were born and create a new form of society online.

Social media come in different forms, including Internet forums, weblogs, social blogs, microblogging, wikis, podcasts, pictures, video, rating, social bookmarking sites, and among others.  One of the best example is Facebook which currently has 500 million users world wide. Some even considered it as the 3rd largest country (if  it were a country) wherein everyone around the globe meet and interact socially.

Social media play an important role in our society today and have been modernized to reach consumers through the internet and become appealing to big and small businesses.   However, as I have noticed, some companies still prefer to use the old media approach and methods. Maybe they still are having thoughts about the social media stuffs or could be that they are just observing the impact.   Just like in the case of some pharmaceuticals companies when it comes to marketing and advertising (I am not referring to any in particular, but rather in general).   If  pharmaceuticals companies  have the medicine brands campaign using social media,  I believe it would make the individual and consumers as a whole to find facts about their products easily and hassle free.  As you might have noticed,  there are so many supplements with no approved therapeutic claims that somehow confuse the consumers.  A certain article quoted that: “You must have the best medium to disseminate information in both online and offline for the lack of information can cause product doubts“.

Pharmaceutical companies have different marketing approach. And to those who use social media as one of their stategies, mostly conduct contests online, such as blog writing, photo submission and voting (which is done via Facebook through “Like-ing” ) and among others. One of the local company that has an ongoing online contest is Alaxan FR’s The Search for the Toughest Job. A contest that was launched last May 26, 2010 by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) teamed up with  Manny Pacquiao and  Alaxan FR.  And I would say that they have the edge when it comes to brand campaign using social media. Further, it also gives every Filipino citizen a chance to express theirselves and be recognized that they’ve got a tough job.

We got different views when it comes to advertising and marketing strategies. I don’t claim to be a marketing guru or something, because I really am not. But I am just expressing some thoughts here,  a piece of advice.  Social Media bridge the gap in a sense that they transformed the way that consumers relate to brands and the way that brands should operate, driving direct interaction, transparency and a more consultative approach.  If all companies (small and medium businesses) will open their mind and  understand value of social media they would have a lifetime advocates of their brand.  This is not just about campaigns, but also permanent positioning.

Every now and then, a lot of advertisements are being plugged and aired on TV and radio stations or even online (Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, and among others) about these alternative medicines and the likes that has no approved therapeutic claims. Is it really safe to take? Is it really good for the health? Is there any side effects ? A lot of questions in mind are left unanswered.

What does the phrase really means?

The phrase “No approved therapeutic claims” generally means that a supplement has not yet been determined by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to be as proven and effective as advertised. Which implies that it has not been proven to cure, treat or prevent an illness. Though herbal phenomenon is part of a larger “alternative medicine” movement, which seeks to utilize both traditional and New Age methods of disease prevention and treatment, there’s still a major health risks that are largely due to the varying nature of herbal preparations, as well as the lack of consumer protection generally given to prescription drugs. Which somehow, leaves a dilemma to some audiences, consumers who are very health conscious.

Marketing Strategy, in my own point of view: The online presence of advertising is very known now a days. They can use twitter, facebook, plurk, and any form of social networking sites to promote their products. Depending on the marketing strategy, whether you leave in a remote area or not, you might or would end up buying one of the most popular alternative medicines which is being promoted by actors and actresses, or shall I say big stars on the entertainment world. Audience would become curious about a certain product advertised on TV or even plugged online and sometimes forgets what is being advertised and rather focus on the one who is promoting the product. Thus, considered dreaded black screen of no approved therapeutic claims .

A note to consumers: The Department of Health already issued an administrative order requiring manufacturers and distributors of health supplements to “make it clear to buyers that the products are not to be considered medicines.” I hope that every consumers would always look into the details of what they are buying from vitamins, weight-loss products, beauty aids, immune system and blood circulation boosters, whiteners, and among others. Remember: “No approved therapeutic claims” is equals to: “Important notice: The product is not medicine and is not to be used for treating diseases.

“School is second to home where children learn basic lessons and values” , Alex Dan Tacderas, Category Manager for Cheese and Spoonables, Kraft Foods Philippines shares.  If I could still recall, during my elementary and high school days, July is a month of foods. Why? Because it’s nutrition month.  Foods were being categorize according to their nutrients and functions. I could remember, that during this month , we used to sing the song: “Go, Grow and Glow, stars over you”. When I was in grade 3, I think I was forced(?) by my teacher to join the Mr and Miss Nutrition Month. And so I did. It was a nightmare for me because I always have butterflies in my stomach everytime I face the crowd, or shall I say stage fright. Everytime I think those moments, I really laugh. It was fun though. I think that was one of the things I couldn’t forget during my elementary days, when July comes.  Moving on, when I was in high school, I used to join on the spot Slogan and Poster making contest, I won and I lost too. (hahaha, well it’s a nature of a competition).

Speaking of contests, I was also amazed on how Kraft Cheez Whiz conducted a contest that fits the theme of the month.  Just like the Cheez Whiz Palamantasan Jarchitecture Competition.  An  art work that portray the theme: “Good Nutrition” in line with the National  Nutrition Month’s Celebration. Most parts of the art is made up of 70% (by surface area) empty CHEEZ WHIZ bottles, foil packs and caps  and 30% other materials such as paint & other finishes (glue, wire, etc.).   Other contests were: On the spot essay writing contest – that talks generaly about this topic:  “Anu-ano ang  natutunan mo tungkol sa palaman at nutrisyon?, Sabayang Bigkas (Speech Choir) , Sandwich Art – making sandwiches in its artistic way by the use of Kraft Cheez Whiz,  and the Cheering Competition – a presentation that includes the Cheez Whiz lyrics, Palamantasan ng Sarap as a cheer or chant and a total of 5 minutes  presentation. The group should manifest the physical benefits of Cheez Whiz as a supplemental dairy product and a source of Vitamin A.

After the presentation, the panel of judges presented the list of winners, and the winners are:

ESSAY WRITING CONTEST

Montessa Despi – Gr. VI – F.L

JARCHITECTURE

Coaches: Emily Lou Curiba/ Dexter Postrano
Teacher / Adviser: Dexter Postrano, Estrella Marañon
Name of Team: Ch-Wezzy Body Protector

SANDWICH ART

Dina Mondelo ( mom ) and Zamantha Mondel  ( kid)
Coach: Susie T. Yu
Adviser: Verna Alipar
Name of Recipe: Crunchy Cheese Stick Wiches

SABAYANG PAGBIGKAS

Coaches: Sheila R. Dumagil, Lucena S. Ngujo, Sarah V. Igoy
Teacher / Adviser:  Shiela Dumagil, Lucena Ngujo. Delia Anongos, Jessica Hiyas, Sarah Igoy, Dalela Sumalinog
Name of Team:  Team Aktibo

CHEERING COMPETITION

Coaches: Edlynne Baguio and Marian Dungog
Teacher / Adviser: Sarah V. Igoy
Name of Team: S.H.E BRATS

Miss Kara Mae Noveda interviewed Alex Dan Tacderas, Category Manager for Cheese and Spoonables, Kraft Foods Philippines

Looking at those children/elementary students at the school last Saturday, reminds me of my primary school days. The  feeling of excitement was seen to each faces at the school while the program was held.  If you join Palamantasan you  would really remember  those funny tricks of your elementary days.  Thanks to Kraft Cheez Whiz who make a pledge . I would say it’s was more than just an experience!

May 26, 2010 – Wednesday, Intramuros, Manila -  the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) teamed up with  Manny Pacquiao and  Alaxan FR pain killer, launched a contest to find out which Filipino has the toughest job. The contest is dubbed as: “The Search for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines“.

The Search for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines is open to all working Filipinos  both local and overseas (OFW) whom they think their job is  really tough. To join, participant must register at the main website www.toughjobsphilippines.com , upload a picture and explain why he or his nominee has the toughest job.

Nomination is open from May 26, 2010 up to August 21, 2010.  DOLE  will  screen each nominees to come up with the short list, from which the winner would be voted upon online.   The entry who gets the most number of votes online will win the competition and will bring home a trophy and a cash prize.  

Sheila Roño, Alaxan brand representative

Why Alaxan FR?

Every Filipino workers  who has a tough job, would really experience body and muscle pains.  As we all know, Alaxan FR contains Ibuprofen (200mg) and Paracetamol (325mg), two of the most widely used and trusted pain relievers by doctors worldwide. It is used for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain of musculoskeletal origin such as myalgia, arthritis, rheumatism, sprain, strain, bursitis, tendonitis, backache and stiff neck, as well as tension headache, dysmenorrhea, toothache and pain after tooth extraction and minor surgical operations and for the reduction of fever.

Watch this short Alaxan FR  video “Brabalibintawan“.

Manny Pacquiao, serves as the epitome of the strength and resilience of the Filipino working man. Being a true champion, he takes pain as a badge of honor—as a sign that he has completed a day’s worth of rigorous training, a sign that he’s a step closer to winning another championship belt.

These traits in Manny Pacquiao are what prompted Alaxan FR to renew their work with the “People’s Champ.” The idea of pain seen as a badge of honor is seen in the “Search for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines.

Blogging: a tough job
I consider blogging a tough job because from day to day a blogger needs to write things in the most accurate and passionate way.  One must have a heart to put his thoughts into words for the benefit of his readers and everyone. One can’t be a blogger if he is just writing nonesense thoughts and most of all if he got no readers following his blog.  Some people might see blogging as a typical way of writing random personal things, but it’s more than that actually. As  you may noticed, we also play  great role in our society today. Blogging beyond what you think blogging is.

My pick basing on the current entry:

Marissa Lanterno – a single mom with 2 kids.  As I read the short description of her profile, I could tell it really is tough. Why? Because, she is a lady driver.  It is too rare to see a lady driving for a living. Not the usual driver you see on the road, where a lady is driving her own vehicle as a personal service to work. I salute to this mom!

Further, to vote for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines entry, please check the gallery at http://www.toughjobsphilippines.com/gallery.

This is going to be a very short and quick post.  

“Google unveiled its first-ever interactive doodle — a playable Pac-Man. Fans Can Play Pac-Man From Google’s Homepage for 48 Hours.”

Surprised! ? eh? .. The thing about Google is that, I am using this site everyday, I can’t miss the day with out  doing some queries from Google.  Anyhow, just before my shift ended today, I was a bit surprised with Google’s site Logo that  turns out to be an “interactive revival” of the PacMan game. 

It’s fun! Google Doodle rocks! 

Doodle 4 Google Winner | Doodle 4 Google 2010 Winner

As you may have noticed, there are incidents, wherein unauthorize access has been done to your computers. There are cases that you might get surprised and ended up wondering who messed up your computers. In cases like this, you need a discreet way to capture the events on your computer, you need a key logger or keystroke logging to track or log the keys struck on a keyboard. Typically in a covert manner so that the person using the keyboard is unaware that their actions are being monitored. It is also an act of capturing typed data from a keyboard for later analysis.

There are numerous key logging methods, ranging from hardware and software-based approaches to electromagnetic and acoustic analysis.  Hardware key logging is a discreet way to capture the events on your computer. It is perfect for family, corporate, or personal use. These non-invasive devices passively capture information without the computer user’s knowledge. Quick and easy to install, Key Loggers are an excellent Advanced Key Capturing Tool.

Unlike most software based Key Loggers, which are quickly detectable with common Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Scans, Hardware Based Key Loggers are superior to ordinary Key Logging Programs in that they are undetectable through traditional Anti-Spyware Applications. One of the key logger I knew is the instant Stealth iBot Computer Spy. You just have to plugg it into your computer, and will capture every keystroke, website visited, and screen shot completely covertly without hardware. It works on on any computer including laptops for unparalleled computer surveillance.

May 2010 –  2 major blogging event will happen in Cebu – World Bloggers’ Day and Cebu Blog Camp. These midyear events mark the beginning of another era in the blogging world.   

World Bloggers’ Day

The Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.  is proud to announce to the growing blogosphere that the first ever World Bloggers’ Day 2010 will take place on May 2, 2010  in the Queen City of the South — Cebu, Philippines. The event will be spearheaded by the Cebu Bloggers Society and Parkmall – Cebu. Check the World Bloggers’ Day Press Release for more details.

Cebu Blog Camp

Cebu Blog Camp is an event that focuses on honing the skills of bloggers offline. This event will gather a large number of bloggers all over Cebu to discuss the latest developments on the Web, Search engines, and making money online. This event will be held this coming May 22, 2010 at CAP Auditorium, CAP Complex.

For full details about Cebu Blog Camp, check the main site.

Translation according to wikipedia is the comprehension of the meaning of a text and the subsequent production of an equivalent text, likewise called a “translation,” that communicates the same message in another language. To be a translator or being a translator, really is a gift. Why? Because you are bridging the gap between different people, translate things to help others understand. Professional translation basically is the key.

Today, a lot of  translation services are available that enable hundreds and even thousands of translators to work together for delivering translations in a manner better and quicker than ever before. The world wide web has becoming the most important means of communication in every possible field and that it is the only medium that has actually revolutionized the meaning of the word global village where the boundaries of language and geography no longer exists, the need for translators and the importance of translation has become very important, in delivering professional translation services.