Around The Globe

Extending Deepest Sympathy

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:42:00 +0000

After seven years of not seeing my relatives in San Jose, Binalonan, Pangasinan, I, together with my family, went there to extend my condolences to my cousins and especially to my uncle.

Yes, sad to say, my uncle's wife passed away due to cardiac arrest. That was the second time she had attacked. The first one happened last June or July, and her healthcare provider said that when she will have a second heart attack, maybe she can no longer bear it or it will be hard for her.

After seven years, I never had any communication with them. But two months ago, I was glad to see them in Facebook. At least we can chat and exchange some messages to greet, ask help, and other stuffs through the Internet.

I was just shocked when bro Juni chatted me about their loss. Of course, it would certainly be hard for us who love and care for her because we'll surely missed her warm smiles and the like. I know, her memories will definitely remain in our hearts and she will be remembered by her kindness...

Vote for my Chris Jerome Cutest Baby

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Good day to all!

My son, Chris Jerome Chan, joined the Cutest Baby Contest by MyMetroTownMall-Tarlac.

In line with this, I would like to seek for your support by VOTING through FACEBOOK.

1. First, you have to like MyMetroTownMall-Tarlac

2. Then you can now click "LIKE" to vote for Chris Jerome Chan

Best Nursing Scrubs

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:51:00 +0000

I do believed that it is indespensable to have a high quality, durable and captivating nursing uniform. There are many people in the health care profession who are persistent in finding and spending more time and money in their nursing scrubs. They are keen in searching for those scrubs clothing that is comfortable and affordable.

Having known in providing cheap scrubs and adorable hospital uniforms, there is no doubt for Blue Sky Scrubs to have millions of customers from around the world. The uniforms are not only affordable but they are made from the highest quality cotton fabrics. Moreover, you can have many variety of unique designs, which they proclaim to change the way women look in the emergency room or in operating room. If you would like to see innovative scrub designs and unique fabric selections, just seach Blue Sky Scrubs in the Internet.

Why don't you try purchasing one? They will surely provide you with the hottest accessory for nurses, surgeons, doctors and other medical professionals. Not only these uniforms are for women but there are also executive, urban and sport collection for men. Purchase now and grab a special offer. Get the perfect nursing uniform you always dreamed of.

Different Accommodations Available

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:23:00 +0000

There are different kinds of accommodations available in my place from simple apartments to luxury hotels. Each of the accommodations has its own advantages and disadvantages as well, which I will list below.

Tourists always find peace and comfort from hotels with variety of amenities such as cozy rooms, neat and clean bathrooms, restaurants serving scrummy delicacies, relaxing swimming pools and sauna, gymnasium equipped with cutting edge facilities, and the like. Staying in the hotel gives you more time to unwind from daily activities resulting unwanted stress. One does not have to bother to go to the market to buy and cook for his food, to bring extra bed sheets and other bedding materials, and to clean the rooms. However, hotel rates are more expensive than other kinds of accommodations.

Families travelling to other tourist attractions prefer to stay in rental properties like apartments and houses for rent because it provides them more space. They can have bigger bedrooms, extra rooms for playing and watching movies, good kitchen, and wider bathrooms with bathtub. Some individuals more likely to prepare their own food than going outside to dine in restaurants. They want to experience how locals live in that particular place by driving to the market to buy their necessities and interacting with others by asking for directions. Aside from the comfort and sound living they can get, they can save some bucks because rentals are cheaper that hotels.

For me, I'd rather choose to stay in a hotel for the comfort and safety I can experience despite the extra cost. Whenever I go to other places and need to stay overnight, I prefer checking in hotels that is accessible and near to other establishments and landmarks.

Singapore? Australia? or Canada?

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 14:18:00 +0000

September 23, 2002 was the time I joined my current company. After being employed for 8-9 years, I still don’t see progress in career and salary, except for my love life and family life (^-^). Hubby is also working where I work and he will be one of the 10-year awardees this coming 16th year anniversary of our company.

We still live in a 3-room rented house near our workplace and we still can't afford to build a house in a purchased subdivision lot located in the city. Having 3 kids now, I guess it would be challenging to suffice our salary with every day expenditure.

With this situation we are currently facing, I am checking different plans for our future. Plan A is to render resignation and apply offshore. Plan B is to migrate in Australia or in Canada. I think to apply in Singapore or in Malaysia would be the fastest and easiest way to acquire higher salary and get standard living. Migrating to Australia or in Canada would require us many things like taking for IELTS exam, getting passports for the whole family, making CDR report to assess my engineering qualifications, and many other things. If we intend to move to Canada, then we need to have some million pesos for the "show money" for 5 members of my family.

Still undecided though, I hope we can be where we can find safe, peace, good career, and harmonious family.

Japan Nuclear Horror

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:15:00 +0000

I thanked God for keeping all of my friends in Japan safe and sound. God is really good every time and every time God is Good!

A week ago, I've read and heard some of their stories. There were panic buying, that every individual take all food stuffs, and other necessities of life. Leah, one of my comrades there, told me that she can't even find toilet tissue paper in any of the convenient stores she tried purchasing. Well, she had a hard time searching for rice that day. Since almost all people in Japan have lots of money so they can buy all what they need, unlike in the Philippines that you can still find something valuable in the store when there is panic buying.

Aside from that, there was a rotational power cuts outside central Tokyo. They have experienced dark environment with fears of aftershocks. Brownouts is due to the blast of the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant, which is more scary because of possible nuclear radiation leakage. Residents living near the power plant site are advised to evacuate in order not to be exposed with this fetal radiation.

It is hoped and prayed that Japan will be stable soon.

Nuclear Radiation Dose Effect

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:03:00 +0000

The radiation levels from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have fallen back from a great spike on Tuesday, Japanese authorities say. Japan government has advised residents living within 30km or 18 miles to leave the area.

Now let's take a look at the effects of nuclear radiation to humans. A sievert is essentially equivalent to a gray, but tends to be used to measure lower levels of radiation, and for assessing long-term risk, rather than the short-term acute impact of exposure.

Based from World Nuclear Association, here is the radiation dose effect:

2 millisieverts per year (mSv/yr)
Typical background radiation experienced by everyone (average 1.5 mSv in Australia, 3 mSv in North America)

9 mSv/yr
Exposure by airline crew flying New York-Tokyo polar route

20 mSv/yr
Current limit (averaged) for nuclear industry employees

50 mSv/yr
Former routine limit for nuclear industry employees. It is also the dose rate which arises from natural background levels in several places in Iran, India and Europe

100 mSv/yr
Lowest level at which any increase in cancer is clearly evident.

350 mSv/lifetime
Criterion for relocating people after Chernobyl accident

400 mSv/hr
The level recorded at the Japanese nuclear site, 15 March

1,000 mSv single dose
Causes (temporary) radiation sickness such as nausea and decreased white blood cell count, but not death. Above this, severity of illness increases with dose

5,000 mSv single dose
Would kill about half those receiving it within a month

image credit: all voices

Find Hotels First

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 12:55:00 +0000

I love traveling! Well, travelling is a fascinating way to discover the world much more than reading geography, history and local culture on books or in the Internet. There are lots of benefits of traveling. I did not start traveling until I was in my 20s. Perhaps it was the fear of flying but since I went for my first travel abroad to Taiwan, i have never looked back.

TRaveling offers great gains for the body and mind. It gives us the opportunity to relax and time to reduce our stress. It is the time to break from the norm. Did you know that it's therapeutic to make a change from your daily routine? A trip of any kind prevents your mind and body from stagnating. We are more likely to be outside instead of being trapped inside an office, which means we can have fresh air enjoying the outdoors and we'll be breathing more deeply to re-oxygenate our blood. Moreover, traveling is the time to enjoy our food because we'll probably trying different food abroad like sushi, moussaka or couscous. It is also a time to meet people from all over the world. We know for the fact that socializing is great therapy and helps us learn about other cultures. There are so many other benefits of traveling and I can't list all here. It is one of those activities that should never be taken for granted.

For me I always plan ahead to make sure we'll be having a good trip and nice vacation. I also check for Discount Hotel Rates so that we can save some bucks. I am just glad that we can now find great hotel prices at the comfort of our home. And making hotel reservations have never been easier these days.

My family is planning to go to France in April. That is why I am now searching hotels in France from the most luxurious to the least expensive. I am also checking out hotels in Paris, hotels in Lyon, hotels in Marseille, hotels in Cannes, and all the main destinations in France. It is also nice to know some exclusive deals and last-minute offers all around France, so I can book at the best price.

So if you are planning to travel, plan it well and then enjoy the ride. It is time to take advantage of the opportunity to travel and welcome the good effects to your body and mind. If you are planning to have a vacation to Costa Rica, start your search on Costa Rica hotels now. Research, plan, pack your bags and go!

Eating Out in Japan

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:38:00 +0000

Whenever we go to Japan, we, together with our Japanese engineers, always dine in any good-tasting restaurants. Of course, malt beer or sake is always included! Japanese foods taste really good!

My Japan Training in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:46:00 +0000

Another year contract with my current company! I was sent to Japan for training on AC test. I've been involved in DC test for 10 years already but now I am opt for AC test becuase people there were not good enough... haha...

Together with dhaw, we stayed in a hotel in Gunma prefecture for a couple of weeks. Going to the company is a good form of exercise! We bike going to work and going home as well. It's already cold in Japan but not too cold...

There are so many things to be learned. I guess I need to study again the principles behind AC test. It's challenging yet interesting!

Birthday Bash at Fortune Restaurant, Tarlac City

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:21:00 +0000

Our Japanese boss, Suwa-san, invited all his team members and families to celebrate his nth birthday at Fortune Hongkong Restaurant located in MacArthur Hi-way, Tarlac City last September 9, 2010. September 10 was actually his birthday but we celebrated it on the 9th because Malacanang declared 10th as regular holiday in observance of EID’L FITR or Feast of Ramadhan.

Together with my husband, my 3- year old daughter and 1-year old son, we go to Fortune at 7pm. This restaurant is a really good and lucky fortune indeed. They serve Chinese dishes mainly. What we have in the table? Well, a good tasting seafoods, fish fillet, pork, shrimp dumplings, shrimp siomai, Chinese rolls and spinach soup.

Dessert follows with “ube” cake from Red Ribbon. We also gave a simple token to the birthday celebrator such as barrel man, sling bag, and a coin purse made from real bullfrog! I guess we made his birthday in a special way somehow…

Eat All You Can at Huat Chan, Tarlac City

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 14:16:00 +0000

Last August 24, we joined Sir Rey’s farewell party at Huat Chan in Tarlac City. Huat Chan has a promo of Eat All You Can, Ice Tea All You Can that time. It was a sad thing to say farewell to a friend who have been a companion for 12 years in the company. But, all are happy because the foods are all great.

I guess I have tasted all the foods present on the serving table. Menu includes Yangchow fried rice, Huat Chan fried chicken, sweet and sour pork, fried spareribs, fish fillet, sautéed beef with broccoli flower, special pancit canton, cold cuts, hot cuts, pork asado tepanyaki, crispy pata, sisig, tempura, fried prawn, steamed crab, and many more. We also had a bottomless ice tea, halo-halo all you can, and coffee all you can!

Yakiniku at Niji Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:11:00 +0000

We all know that Japanese cuisine offers a great variety of dishes and regional specialties. The word 'Yakiniku' means grilled（焼） meat（肉） in Japanese.

At Niji restaurant, we ordered several types of prepared raw ingredients which are brought to our table. Raw ingredients like beef, pork, and vegetables. We cooked the ingredients on a grill built into the table throughout the duration of the meal, several pieces at a time. The ingredients are then dipped in sauces known as tare before being eaten. The most common sauce is made of Japanese soy sauce mixed with sake, mirin, sugar, garlic, fruit juice and sesame.

The yakiniku tastes really good!

Dining at Niji Restaurant, Angeles City

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 13:56:00 +0000

Angeles City is becoming an International Culinary hub because its culinary spectrum has broadened significantly all these years. The city has embraced the international cuisine and very eager to learn new ways of preparing foods.

Weeks ago we have a dine-in at Niji Restaurant, which is located along Friendship Highway in Angeles City. The restaurant has captured Japanese ambiance. After tasting what they have prepared for us, I can say that Niji Restaurant has excellent and authentic Japanese cuisine.

Food has never tasted this good! Hopefully I can dine again here soon.
Here’s the contact number- maybe you are interested…

NIJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Location: Angeles City
Contact: (63) 45 893.1737 / 321-060

Reminiscing The Past

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:53:00 +0000

It was 2002 when I was hired with my current company. I am part of the Circuit Development Team and we were 19 members before.

Year 2007 came when it seems everybody were not happy of what they have because of different reasons (from different individuals). Some members claimed that they can no longer sustain their family needs with their current compensation. Some reasoned out that they wanted to take a greater challenge with their career by joining a company with better career opportunities. And some have realized that they need to make a career move to support a long term dream for their family. Maybe a better environment and life style for their family.

In the picture shown below are the original members of our team (only 10 members were present). All of the members in this photo, except me, are now in different companies abroad. And I think they have a better life now!

The original 19 members of the team have left 5 members only. I am still working with my company for many reasons and prefer not to list them here. Now our team composes of 9 members (4 oldies and 5 newbies).

With my Hanyo/ Sanki Group

With Jansen, Israel, Michael, Jessemar and Dennis

Importance of Nihongo to my Career

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:50:00 +0000

Engineers who have been in Japan for training probably know how important Nihongo is. In our group, we are required to speak and understand Nihongo as much as possible for many reasons:

Japanese engineers and Filipino engineers can communicate properly. They will understand each other about any given jobs. Filipino engineers can ask many questions about his job or about the circuit and he may able to understand what the Japanese engineer may explain. Any jobs will be done correctly the soonest time possible since the 2 engineers understand each other.

Although we do not have time to study during office hours, we were encouraged to review in our homes. We are also planning to take JLPT exam next year. And most importantly, we aim to speak fluently and understand Nihongo in the future.

Cognitive Development by Learning Nihongo

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 13:49:00 +0000

People who have learned Nihongo show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, and higher order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning.

In addition to cognitive benefits, the study of Nihongo leads to the acquisition of some important life skills. Because language learners learn to deal with unfamiliar cultural ideas, they are much better equipped to adapt and cope in a fast-changing world. They also learn to effectively handle new situations. In addition, the encounter with cultures different from one's own leads to tolerance of diverse lifestyles and customs. And it improves the learner's ability to understand and communicate with people from different walks of life.

Meet Life Long Friends by Learning Nihongo

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:47:00 +0000

Knowing other languages effectively increases the number of people on the globe with whom you can communicate. People who speak Nihongo fully appreciate the effort and desire learners expend to get to know their culture and to communicate with them. Your ability to speak Nihongo and your interest in other cultures can connect you deeply with people around the globe.

From anime to sushi bars, karaoke to manga, bonsai to origami, Japanese culture has become part of international culture. A knowledge of the language will give you direct access to Japanese film, animations, and comic books, give you insight into the special terminology used in your favorite martial art, help you understand the cultural basis for kamikaze training and the origin of the samurai warrior, and develop your ability to order sashimi like a native at your favorite Japanese restaurant!

Knowing Japanese will set you apart from the crowd.
The majority of people who learn a foreign language choose a European language like Spanish, French, German, or Italian. Choosing a less commonly learned language like Japanese will differentiate you from the crowd.

Studying Nihongo

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:44:00 +0000

Although Japanese is one of the more difficult languages in the world to learn and Fluency requires thousands of hours of study, there are just so many reasons for studying Japanese.

Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside the mind and context of that other culture. Without the ability to communicate and understand a culture on its own terms, true access to that culture is barred. Lack of intercultural sensitivity can lead to mistrust and misunderstandings, to an inability to cooperate, negotiate, and compromise.

Though it's possible to travel to Japan without speaking the native language, your experience will be largely shaped by your ability or inability to see beyond the surface of the culture.

When you lack the ability to communicate in the native language, you can not fully participate in day-to-day life, understand the culture, or communicate with the people.

When you know the language, you have the comfort of being able to successfully navigate all sorts of situations, like order meals in restaurants, ask for and understand directions, find accommodations and perhaps negotiate cheaper prices, and meet and talk with natives, to name only a few.

You will be able to communicate more completely and have a deeper, more satisfying travel experience. Your language ability will allow you to see and do things that many visitors cannot.

Cooking Japanese Foods

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:34:00 +0000

Our company is a Japanese firm. From anime to sushi bars, karaoke to manga, bonsai to origami, Japanese culture has become part of our culture here in our company. And last March 2007, we have a cooking activity.

We have to show our skills in preparing and cooking Japanese foods to our Japanese managers. Well, it is a good activity because it is a way of releasing stresses from our daily task. It is also a form of mind relaxation. Aside from that we have really enjoyed preparing Japanese foods.

Here are some of what we have prepare during the activity.

Vacation Plan to Kissimmee, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:33:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a busy person. I am currently working as circuit design engineer in a semiconductor company in our city. At the same time, I am a mother of two, going three, very active toddlers. I need a vacation, I guess! So this coming Christmas break, we are planning to have a vacation in Kissimmee, Florida, USA.

I have heard a lot of Kissimmee Florida from my old friends and relatives. They claim that this city is a family- oriented destination known for its themed dinner theaters, swamp tours and outdoor activities.

Have you tried flying through the air at 60 miles an hour on a tricked out theme park roller coaster? How about a round of golf on one of Florida’s most celebrated courses? Or hiking nature trails, getting acquainted with Old Florida? I guess I want to experience this amazing outdoor activities!

We will probably enjoy Kissimmee’s water parks because we all love to dip and dive. At Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, we can see some of the steepest hills that twist, turn and jet you through tunnels and mazes. It would also fantastic to have the Dolphin Plunge experience.

I think it would be great if we will stay in a luxury vacation home with private pool close to all the Orlando attractions in Kissimmee, Florida. This would be a cost effective alternative to staying at a hotel. After all, it comes with everything we need from private heated swimming pools to cable/satellite TV. Aside from that preparing our own meals in a fully equipped kitchen will help us save money too also. I now it would be a more relaxing and enjoyable vacation!

There are a lot of things to see and to do at Kissimmee, Florida. Visit this place and you will surely love the place because Kissimmee has even more to offer than before!

Missing Hsinchu, Taiwan

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:46:00 +0000

I once lived in Chupei City, Hsinchu. Taiwan. That was 8 years ago and I have missed those good places I have visited, and of course those nice memories too.

Hsinchu is located in northern Taiwan, which is known as “The Windy City” for having a windy climate. I have worked in a wafer fab located at Hsinchu Science and Technology Industrial Park, which is home to 360 high tech companies including TSMC, Philips, United Microelectronics Corporation, Holtek, AU Optronics and Epistar. Indeed, the city is base for high technology industry in Taiwan. And this makes the city as the highest income level in Taiwan.

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:13:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have heard about how an NMEDA qualified dealer could assist and how a NMEDA dealer can help the elderly or disabled get back onto the road of independence.

What is NMEDA in the first place? For a short background, NMEDA is an association of mobility equipment dealers, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to sharing more knowledge for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment.

As a matter of fact, they have a so called Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which aims to promote quality, safety, and reliability in the industry. It enhances vehicle modification and mobility equipment installation with the highest guidelines available in the industry. QAP Requirements include the following:

1. Maintain Product and Completed Operations and Garage Keepers insurance for liability purposes.
2. Have certified welders if they perform structural modifications to vehicles.
3. Have technicians certified for the equipment they sell, install and service.
4. Maintain records of all adaptive work.
5. Undergo an inspection/audit process at least annually by an independent auditing firm to ensure compliance to the NMEDA Guidelines, certain aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and "Make Inoperative" mandates.
6. Abide by the Mediation Committee's decisions when a complaint is lodged by a consumer, a Dealer, or any other person or entity.
7. Provide 24 hour service to their customers.
8. Meet shop facility and equipment requirements.
9. Have four-corner scales.

What is a dealer member? It is a single business location that sells and/or installs and/or services adaptive vehicle equipment. To qualify for dealer member just conduct active business including sales, installation, and/or service of mobility and adaptive equipment. Follow guidelines as published by NMEDA. Make full payment of dues prior to obtaining membership. Abide by the bylaws and standards of quality promulgated by NMEDA.

NMEDA believes that it can unify and improve the mobility equipment industry and service to people with disabilities. If transportation is the key to freedom, then NMEDA is the key to quality transportation. So what are you waiting for? Go to nmeda.org and on the homepage, hit the dealers locator and type in your ZIP code and see if there is a qualified dealer near you.

Dinuguan

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:46:00 +0000

One of Grandma’s specialty is dinuguan. Once you taste her recipe you will surely love it.

Ingredients:
3 cups cubed boneless pork ½ inch cubes
1 ½ cups pork blood
3 tbs. oil
½ cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 tbs. salt
1 medium onion sliced
3 cloves garlic crushed
2 pcs. hot peppers chopped

Procedure:
1. In a pot, place the pork and add the vinegar mixture.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer. Cook until the pork is tender – approximately an hour.
3. Heat a frying pan and add the oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is clear.
4. Add the oil, garlic, and onion to the boiled pork and continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Puree the pork blood in a food processor. Add pureed blood to the pork little by little at a time, continously stirring the mixture while adding, and then bring to a boil.
6. Add the chopped pepper and simmer uncovered to reduce the sauce for a few minutes more. Serve hot.

Mommy’s Daing na Bangus

noreply@blogger.com (stitch) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:41:00 +0000

Bangus taste really delicious. Try making daing na bangus and you will love it! Here’s how:

Ingredients:
1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless milkfish, butterflied
2 to 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt, pepper
Oil for deep-frying

Procedures:
1. Combine fish with vinegar, garlic and salt and pepper to taste in container with lid or anything that can be covered with plastic wrap.
2. Cover tightly and marinate in refrigerator. Heat oil in deep-fryer until hot. Fry whole fish until golden brown and crisp on outside.
3. Makes 2 to 3 servings.This dish is traditionally served with fried rice.