I Am Nicely!

What Is Bitrix24.Com Social Intranet And Why Your Business Should Use It

2012-05-22T15:23:00.003+08:00

When people think of social media, Facebook is what comes to mind. Enter Bitrix24, a Facebook-like application exclusively designed for work-related purposes. Bitrix24, just like Facebook and other popular social media sites, has been created for one sole purpose: ease of communication. Needless to say, for a business, great or small, to survive and win in a cut-throat industry where innovators emerge on top, it is imperative that communication never become a broken link.

What is Bitrix24?
Bitrix24 is a cloud-based social intranet that allows companies to stay in touch with team members in a convenient, fun and engaging way. Because it is cloud-based, there is no need for installation, and the application can be used anywhere where there’s Internet connection. And yes, that includes mobile devices. Plus, it’s free for companies with 12 employees or less.

Features and Functionalities

Internal Social Network
They say a nation is as great as its people. I say a company’s as great as the potential of its people. And what better way to unleash that potential than through constant employee engagement and communication? With Bitrix24, employees get to discuss developments as they happen and correct mistakes before they escalate into full-blown catastrophes. Employees build engaging relationships, and communication lines are kept open 24/7.

CRM

One-Stop Workstation
We’ve probably all been there – keeping several different passwords for different applications, updating different worksheets for this process and that. Even worse, because of all the disparate tools employees utilize, reports generation takes longer than one would care to admit. This archaic practice requires a lot of employee log hours and doesn’t do much for efficiency. Bitrix24 replaces all of the separate tools you use for correspondence, contacts, projects, tasks, everything. A single platform, and at the end of the day, whatever information you need is right at your fingertips.

CRM
CRM, or customer relationship management, is a tool that allows businesses to manage their interactions with clients, customers, agents, sales prospects and other contacts. Without CRM or the efficient usage of CRM, most businesses are doomed to die a natural death. With Bitrix24’s CRM functionality, contact history, interaction and new events such as messages, phone calls and/or meetings are logged, stored and managed.

Sales Funnel
Sales funnel, commonly referred to as sales process, is another Bitrix24 functionality that serves as graphical representation of the performance of transactions and the stages they are in. And because it’s graphical, data interpretation is easier than it’s ever been.

Sales funnel

Security
Cloud-based data storage is fast becoming the trend nowadays. And when people think about storing, disseminating and managing sensitive data through the cloud, the questions that are oftentimes foremost in their minds are, “How safe is it? Does it really work?” Bitrix24 employs a seven-layer security system that is perhaps unparalleled in the industry, so that even in unsecured connections such as public Wi-Fi, e-mail and data access is as safe as access on a secure server.

Convinced already? Like, seriously? Believe me, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The features I described above are just a few of so many. But don’t just take my word for it. Head on to their site now and see for yourself what they’ve got.

Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) Holds the 4th Homeschooling Conference on May 12, 2012

2012-05-02T21:26:00.000+08:00

Being a tita of two homeschoolers, I got interested in an email sent to me by a PR company last week. I don't usually post press releases (Well, not so often, yes), but if they concerns me, I share it. Going back to homeschooling: I have a nephew aged 11 and a niece aged 9 (they are siblings) who has just finished some homeschooling modules under supervision of New Era University. They had to homeschool because they had just finished their regular studies in the United States and came home to the Philippines, as their mission for the Iglesia ni Cristo in California had already been completed.

I am glad to know that concerned educational bodies in the Philippines encourage this mode of education. Proof positive is the unrelenting efforts of the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) to raise awareness among parents, teachers, and students of the program and to provide them with homeschool-related tools and services.

The 4th Homeschooling Conference, with the theme, "Laying a Strong Foundation," will be held on May 19, 2012 at St. Francis Square, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong. A great number of parents, representatives from the academe, and homeschooling experts are expected to attend. Inspiration speakers, noted bestselling authors, homeschool experts, Bo Sanchez and Debra Bell, will also be there to grace the event.

Homeschooling is a practice that, over the years, has rapidly gained popularity in the Philippines. Providing children with a familiar and relaxed learning environment that allows parents to tailor-fit certain aspects of their education based on their needs, remote education shatters the long-standing concept that prime education happens only within the confines of the classroom, and is also proven to unlock certain hidden potentials of the student—presenting more room for growth and enhancement.

3rd Sunset Run & Cortal SQR Run and Fly Away From Pain

2012-05-01T21:47:00.000+08:00

Hi, dear readers. I am sharing with you two of the newest runs I wished to join in [but due to some factors I can't]. Here's the 3rd Sunset Run at Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas on May 12, 2012, and

Cortal SQR Run and Fly Away from Pain, which will be happening on May 27, 2012 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila.

I hope you'll join other runners for the action, fun, and excitement this summer.

MUJI goes paperless!

2012-04-26T23:30:00.000+08:00

Green initiatives are becoming a trend worldwide, of which the annual celebration of Earth Day is one, promoting everyone to go green electricity. This time, MUJI, a Japanese retail company which sells a wide variety of household and consumer goods, launched their advocacy to go paperless, aimed at helping minimize the waste by recycling and giving discounts to its customers who will participate in this movement.

I am a nature lover and a vocal advocate of such endeavors. I first heard MUJI when my officemates were once talking about its branch in Greenbelt, followed by a Christmas gift from my boss: colored sign pens from MUJI, too. From then on, I started being curious about MUJI's environment-friendly products—to the point that I planned to buy some stuff to include in the loot bags I will be giving away during my charity event in January 2013.

Going back, here's the mechanics for MUJI's promo:

Promo runs from April 20 to July 31, 2012.
Booklets will be given to all customers who have made purchases starting April 20.
Single-receipt purchases of other items, whether regular-priced or on sale, may be included as long as no paperbags or plastic bags are used to package the items. One receipt, one stamp.
Purchases amounting to P20,000.00 and above do not entitle the customers a stamp even without the use of paper bags or plastic bags. Such big purchases may not be broken down into separate receipts in order to meet the promo requirements.
Items that usually do not require paper bags and plastic bags such as furniture, shelves, and the like are not included in this promo.
Customer must present their booklet to get stamp from the cashier upon purchase.
A completed booklet of 18 stamps entitles the customer to a 10% discount on his next purchase. To avail of the discount, customers must present his booklet to the cashier.
Redemption period of discounts is from April 20 to July 31, 2012 only.
Discounts may not coincide with other discounts, promos, markdowns, and/or sale items. Discounts may not be applied to food and stationary items.
Stamps must be countersigned by authorized store consultants or cashiers for them to be valid.
Upon availing of the discount, authorized store consultants or cashiers must also countersign to indicate that it has already been claimed. Customers must surrender completed booklets (those with 18 stamps) to the stores after availing of the discount.
Customers are not allowed to combine two (2) different booklets to accumulate 18 stamps. Stamps must be completed in one booklet only.
Employees of RGOC, their advertising and public relations agencies, and their relatives to second degree of consanguinity are disqualified to join.
Customers can get the stamp booklet at all MUJI main and outlet stores (BHS, Rockwell, GB3, MOA, ATC, Rustan's Makati, and 158 Designers' Blvd at the Podium). Discounts may also be availed in any MUJI store and outlet.

What are you waiting for? Let's all together go green!

TaDi@2 Contest Winners Announced!

2012-04-24T23:31:00.003+08:00

Guess what? I am declared the Grand Winner of TaDi@2 Contest because of this tweet:

"Happy Anniversary to Tatak Digitista! Keep rockin' the blogosphere and continue your mark on the digital world!" (@qtnice)

I am so happy to receive Php 1,000.00 worth of SM gift certificates and an Olay-Enjoy VIP Card—just in time for summer. Maybe I need a new swimsuit! :P

Thanks, Sir Ferds of Tatak Digitista for the win! And, to SM and Olay for the prizes. Wooooot!

Blogging expands networks and connections

2012-04-16T21:07:00.003+08:00

Being a blogger has many advantages. I would not enumerate them all, but highlight the thing which I think is most relevant to me as of date.

That would be networks and connections. The blogging industry is getting broader each day. Ten additional members from all over the world in an hour is a big difference. People tend to affect each other's lives—by reading blogs—and share pieces of advice in some instances because they know they are in the same boat.

At present, I am looking for a venue where we can hold our office's summer team-building activity. I am a traveler by heart, but my knowledge about places are not enough, I admit. With the help of blogger friends, particularly those who are travel bloggers, I am able to gather information, check reviews, and use the photos they took as reference guide. A list of beaches, resorts, and activities were provided to me—even the little details such as where to buy pool supply that we can use as materials for the games.

Indeed, blogging expands networks and connections. No man is an island, they say. And with the presence of blogger friends and online buddies, life becomes easier.

The First Baguio Blog Conference on May 19, 2012

2012-04-15T16:05:00.004+08:00

Join the First Baguio Blog Conference on May 19, 2012, as it aims to gather bloggers from across the country to discuss themes such as expressing passion, animating life, and sharing the fun.

I want to take part in this pioneer event, especially because ADMISSION IS FREE and a lot of bloggers from across the country are expected to come to touch elbows with each other, experience summer in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, and see if blogging is really more fun in Baguio City.

More information will be released this month of April, so I will just wait for it. I know you guys are also looking forward to this significant assembly, so I promise to update you soon. Cheers!

Spyder: Leading the Race to a Fully-Charged Summer

2012-03-31T13:30:00.008+08:00

I signed up for the Spyder Event on March 30, 2012 at Alabang Festival Supermall. Thanks to Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV (Please like Orange Magazine TV Facebook Fanpage Here!) for the confirming my invitation. The program started at 6PM, but I was a bit late—for about 30 minutes, I guess—because I was coming from my office in Manila.

This program was part of Spyder's week-long Spyder-Charge Your Summer 2012 mall event where newbies are introduced to the discipline of multisports (swim-bike-run), offering the highest quality of products, such as helmets, shades, eye wear, and other protective gears and other accessories for swimming, cycling, running, and motorcycling. The event was hosted by Spyder Helmets and Optics, and was sponsored by Skechers Go Run, No Fear, Gatorade, Sun Cellular, Kawasaki, All Terra Cyclery, and supported by Total Fitness, Multisports, One Sport, Inside Racing, Weekend Warrior Magazines, takbo.ph, swimbikerun.ph, motorcyclephilippines.com. clickthecity.com, and juice.ph.

Jeman Villanueva, representative of Mark Chino Pantua, Grand Prize Winner

Winners of Spyder-Charge Your Summer Blogging Contest were also announced and awarded with cash prizes and premium items from sponsors, and I was more than glad to know that one of my travel blogger friends got the first prize! Unfortunately, he was not able to attend the awarding because he got stranded in Tuguegarao City. Anyways, congratulations to Mark Chino Pantua of www.juanderfulpinoy.com for being concluded as the Grand Prize Winner. Sabi ko sa iyo eh, ikaw ang mananalo! Balato! LOL.

Spyder products were also on sale during the event. Motorcycling and multisports enthusiasts flocked on the exhibits and enjoyed discounted prices tagged on the items. I should have bought my Dad a headgear or shades, but I was reminded that I have to save money for our (the boyfriend and me) big day. Maybe next year, on Dad's birthday, I'll buy him a Spyder.

Here are some photos at the activity area, to share.

The Busy Hosts

I want a new bike!

Protective head gears on sale :)

For me, these are SOOOO ASTEEG!

Tangerine-colored motorcycle is cool :)

Spyder head gear in military camouflage design

With blogger friend Rueka of Disordered Minds

My Target Figure by December 2012

After the event, bloggers were given loot bags with press kit and souvenirs inside. Check it out, guys.

Spyder Catalogue, One Sport Magazine, press kit (hard copy and in cd) and a P500-discount GC! Yay!

AND A SPYDER BLACK SHIRT, which I am wearing right now while blogging.

A source of inspiration. HAHA

Choosing the Perfect Dining Set for Your Family

2012-02-28T23:42:00.003+08:00

Last night was a tiring night, as I accompanied my boyfriend and his sister to a furniture shop in Cubao. We had a hard time choosing the perfect dining set for their new home.

It is really important to know the materials used for the pieces of furniture you are eyeing for. Most of the dining tables and chairs available at Blims Furniture are made of Malaysian wood, which is believed to be less durable and more expensive than Philippine wood.

Photo source

Having kids running around the house should also be considered. Furniture must be accident-free. Edges and corners should be examined and modified according to the needs of the family members.

The color of the paint is also important. Shades, darkness, and hues must blend with the theme, if there's any. The brighter, the better; if you are into nature, a mahogany-colored dining set would be great.

If I were to buy one, I would probably get a hardwood-made dining set. I know it is worth big bucks, but it will surely last a lifetime. I should start saving money now for a narra set.

For the Love of Gardening

2012-02-02T09:12:00.001+08:00

It has been years since I last visited my small garden in the house. My orchids and other ornamental and flowering plants have been taken for granted since then. I get to water them everyday, but I seldom cultivate their soil or speak to them, just like what I used to always do. Honestly, I miss them.

This is actually the result of my being busy with work and online jobs. I really have to sacrifice some things I loved to do before, in order to get my obligations done. I am sure you know what I mean, for most of you are in the same shoes.

My love for plants lives again after I revisited Paradizoo Theme Farm in Tagaytay City last January 21. I enjoyed walking along the isles of vegetable plots and flower gardens with my co-bloggers. On that very day, I told myself I am going back to my previous hobby of improving our home and garden. Besides, I also feel the urge to remodel our side pathway and front yard because I will need a space for the car parking and for my Mom’s convenience store.

I wonder where to start. First things first: visit a gardener’s supply store for flower boxes, fertilized soil, and some seeds!

I Go for Accounting Softwares Online

2012-02-01T22:01:00.002+08:00

We know how to count and do the four major mathematical operations, but do we know the concepts, principles, and formulas—even the basics—in accounting?

Every individual does a little of math everyday, especially when it comes to money. I used to love the subject when I was in grade and high school, because numbers are fun and challenging. And yes, I used to dream of becoming a certified public accountant, too, in my late 20s because I find it flattering and cool, as it is among the most sought-after and well-recognized professions across the world, plus you get to enjoy the honor of attaching a CPA title to the end of your name.

However, I am not planning to go back to college or graduate school for an accounting degree, not because I do not want to, but because funds are not available as of the moment. I still have other plans to prioritize and these have to be funded as soon as possible. Good thing there is Internet, a one-stop shop of everything, where I can get an accounting software whenever I need it.

Accounting your assets and liabilities is easier now. You can learn everything from the internet, and online tutorials are so handy nowadays, especially when it can be downloaded for free.

Car for Hire

2012-01-31T23:24:00.004+08:00

Aside from my online general merchandise business, which is being promoted on Facebook and eBay, I also began offering car rental for Metro Manila and South Luzon trips—just like other business-minded people who offer car rentals online, one of which is the Limo Hire Liverpool in United Kingdom. This way, I can earn extra income to support my monthly car mortgage.

So this is my small car for rent.

I believe that having my car rented to respectable clients will not make it a liability, instead an income-generating property. Actually, I already have my first client from Sulit.com. Our negotiation has just finished but I am still waiting for the down payment so we can close the deal. She rented us for a wedding—and my car will be used as the service of the groom and his parents from the hotel to the church, to the reception venue and back to the hotel. I just pray everything will work out well and smoothly.

Of course, I will not sacrifice the condition of the vehicle. Approved deals will only be good for airport and hotel transfers, barkada trips, wedding and other special occasion car service, among others. For I believe that maintaining the good condition of assets are equally important to earning money.

The Thirty-Peso Project for Childhaus

2012-01-18T09:09:00.005+08:00

I started my charity project, The Thirty-Peso Project, early this month and I am so glad that, on its first week, I have already reached the target amount for the whole of January. Friends and co-bloggers have expressed their pledges and most of them are as excited as I am that they have already sent their donations online. So far, so good.

This charity project will operate all year-round so aspiring donors will have much time to extend their help. The beneficiaries will be The Childhaus, a shelter for children with cancer in Quezon City. Proceeds will be spent for a Christmas Jollibee kiddie party, kiddie loot bags, and food supplies.

If you are interested to take part in this endeavor, kindly leave your comments and queries on the comment section below. Thank you.

Accepting the Challenging of Losing Weight

2012-01-12T16:43:00.001+08:00

I started going to the gym last Tuesday for an hour of stretching and treadmill. I also went yesterday for another session of burning calories. I am really serious with losing weight now. Aside from my Superfriend's bridal party in February and her wedding on March, I realized that I should do this not because I have to look good outside, but I want to feel good inside.

Aside from the physical strenuous activities I plan to start and keep doing, I also think of going back to drinking slimming coffees, two of which are my favorite Body Beauty and Leisure 18. I also heard of meizitang australia, a botanical slimming soft gel, which can effectively burn fats, accelerate metabolism, and delay skin aging. It is just amazing to lose 10 pounds in just a week. I am so excited to see the result when I wear my bridal shower costume and wedding dress.

Renewal of Domain Names and Webhost Subscriptions

2012-01-05T09:26:00.001+08:00

First of all, happy new year, dear readers! It has been a while since I last blogged. I tell you, December was such a busy month for me.

2012 has just arrived and it's time to renew domain names and webhost subscriptions once again. Since last month has been a hectic work and socials month for me, I happened to unintentionally ignore my blogging career.

Now I have to cut off my expenses in any way possible, in order to afford the renewal of my blogs' subscriptions. I am still thinking if I will stay with my recent domain name and webhost providers or find alternative Budget Website Hosting to save up. I do not want to welcome the new year with unnecessary charges.

I am a Blogger on a Hiatus

2011-11-27T14:42:00.000+08:00

Call me busy, yes. If there’s one thing I dread about being loaded with tons of office work load, it would be me, ending on a blog hiatus—with less scheduled blog events and with no earnings at all. So now tell me how can I buy Christmas gifts for my godchildren or Tungsten Rings for my dear ones?

I have six blogs, including this one, and all of them are not updated for at least two weeks ago. I still have backlogs about Unilever and World Food Programme’s joint project entitled, “Sandwich Heroes,” and for our Crustasia’s food event. I also have pending articles about Tagaytay’s Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and Pamana Restaurant for my travel blogs, plus my review about Aeroline Bus Line from Malaysia to Singapore and the Hop On-Hop Off Bus in Kuala Lumpur.

My websites’ page ranks are degrading and it saddens me. I still don’t know when will I be available and be active again in blogging. All I know is I have to catch up time and make up with those I owe articles from. I’m sorry and I just hope you understand, guys.

Advanced Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to all!

Missed the FTX Gym Event

2011-11-12T15:51:00.005+08:00

I was invited to attend a blog event sponsored and hosted by the FTX Gym. Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, I couldn't come. Oh, how I envy my blogger friends doing Fly Yoga like this:

Cathy, Flow, and Ms. Xchosa doing Fly Yoga

I have heard that there are lots of fitness programs and activities to try at FTX Gym, so the next time I got invited, I will surely be there.

Thanks for the photos, Juan Manila Express!

Check on this fat burning website for more information about losing weight fast.

On Money-Making and Online Shopping

2011-09-30T15:41:00.002+08:00

Another best thing about making money online, aside from you have a source of income to support your monthly bills, is that you also have some extra bucks to spend for online shopping. The saying, “All work and no play makes Nicely a dull girl” always reminds me that after a hard day’s work, I deserve some fun and pleasure. And at this moment, fun and pleasure, for me, means lurking online shops for clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.

Lately, I find online auction and bidding exciting, and competing with other online buyers, challenging—just like what everybody feels when trying to win the items they want during the very last seconds of the sale. Although I lost in the bidding for two Zara apparels on one of the world’s leading online shops this morning, I know there are better items to come.

But of course, online transactions should be handled with awareness and vigilance, as other online sellers are just pretending to be “legitimate sellers,” and the next thing you know is that he has already run away with your money, leaving you with disappointment and with an empty hand. That is why it is important to check your seller’s feedbacks first, before you close the deal, or search Google for online forums and articles to know about the pros and cons of the sites you are negotiating with. dealfun.com reviews is among the results when I Googled for reviews of the online auction site I am currently visiting. Support groups like this can be of great help so let us take advantage of them.

The 1st Blogapalooza Event was a Blast!

2011-09-28T11:24:00.006+08:00

The 1st Blogapalooza Event last September 17, 2011, Saturday at the 5th floor of FullyBooked-Bonifacio High Street was a blast, as 150 bloggers and 50 participating businesses gathered to build linkages and expand their networks. This served to be the newest platform for businesses-to-bloggers ventures to grow.

Here are some photos to share.

Upon arriving at the venue a few minutes late, speakers from different businesses have started to conquer the stage. Some raffles have also been drawn already.

There were display booths of participating companies, featuring their products and services. In this photo is Mr. Anton Diaz of OurAwesomePlanet.com, curiously interviewing the agent of Shopinas.com.

Here is Earthlingorgeous.com by the pole, challenging herself to do poledancing. I would also like to try it.

A poledancer from Polecats Manila was performing and bloggers flocked together to cover the show.

I was with my blogger friends, Mee-i, Alex, and Superfriend, and I also happened to meet Ms. Nica Mandigma of Nica's Day Out during the event. I am very pleased to have met her in person. She is really a kind, soft-spoken person. Gusto ko siyang maging friend.

In this photo is Mr. Pocholo Gonzales of Creativoices. I have long known him as a Facebook friend, but I have seen him in person only during the Blogapalooza. His voice talent is amazing! I was stunned in awe and I wanted to try attending a workshop with him. Warning: My voice is annoying.

Easy Pha-Max was also there to introduce wheatgrass products and other cleansing formulas. They also had a booth for blood analysis and we did not let the chance pass. Results said I am acidic and have to lessen my uric acid and cholesterol level in order to achieve a good blood circulation. In the photo below is my Superfriend, taking full advantage of her turn.

The event was really a blast, as bloggers went home with a smile on their face while carrying their overflowing bags of loots. Here are the giveaways I got from the event.

Leslie's Potato Chips are the best! I love 'em!

These are what's inside my loot bag :)

A shirt from Regatta

Thanks to the organizers and sponsors! More power and hope to see you again at the 2nd Blogapalooza Event!

Keeping Your Site Interesting for You and Your Readers

2011-09-26T09:36:00.001+08:00

Without a doubt, blogging is now one of the most popular means of earning an extra income while at the same time you could express yourself. For those who have been on this field for quite a long time, you’ll know that building a strong presence in the online world is not a walk in the park. It is very important that your website is appealing in order to attract visitors. The internet has become the easiest way to market anything be it a product, service or just about anything under the sun.

In order to survive and become successful remember to keep the public interested. How? Start by coming up with a site layout that could easily catch people’s attention. There’s a tendency for most people to check out blogs that are carefully designed. Stay away from a dull web template and go for one that could clearly describe your interest and blog category.

If you are a newbie, one of the things that you should remember is that the articles are very important. This is primarily what you are trying to sell. Coming up with short posts are fine as long as it is well written and with correct grammar. A common mistake for most writers is that the site tends to be monotonous and this could easily make your readers bored.

It is very important as a website owner you are also interested and passionate about writing. Sure this is a great way to earn money and the opportunities are endless but keep in mind that your main objective should be to inspire and educate and share your passion to the readers.

Anne currently works as a freelance writer. Among her favorite topics include travel, current events, technology and fashion. She's enjoying her current task writing for afslibning af gulve a project which is about sanding of floors.

I Am Nicely! feat. PayPal vs. FlashyBux.com

2011-09-22T16:02:00.014+08:00

After months of waiting for my refund from FlashyBux.com—and after writing a dispute letter to PayPal, I already received my reversal fee of $20. Thanks for the help, PayPal!

If you still remember my post about FlashyBux.com, I mentioned that I was already a member, but I forgot to disclose that I also invested $10 for each account (I have two accounts because it is allowed). Now that was $20.

I spent much of my time clicking ads. Until I could not log in anymore. The system said my country had been blocked, so immediately contacted PinayAds to inform her that there was a malicious occurrence on FlashyBux. I also engaged in its forum site and from there I discovered that the site was hacked. Many other flashybux members complained and got worried about their money in their accounts, amounts even higher than mine.

The owner/founder of the site apologized for the security threats. But that was not the issue. How can we get back our investments? He promised to settle things but not for the moment, as his money from his account was also stolen. The hacker even tracked his bank account, leaving it with zero balance. According to John, he could not attend to our issues right away because he also had his own problems—financial and family—to fix. He told us his wife separated from him because of this "hacking" thing in his website. My bad, I even lost hope that I would refund my money soon.

Just this morning, I received a notification from PayPal that I won the case and they were sending me the money from FlashyBux. I am just so glad I was able to get my reversal claim.

My First PostNJoy Winning!

2011-09-19T13:25:00.001+08:00

I have just won $8 for my first PostNJoy blog post, which I published on my Cavite Weekend Project site.

My efforts paid off. At first, I had difficulty in submitting my article as the system detected some inconsistencies. I had to contact them and ask what happened. Afterwards, I already met their requirements and it got approved. Now, I have $8 in my PostNJoy account, waiting to be withdrawn until it fills the $20 minimum limit.

Thanks to PostNJoy and to those who contributed to my blog post's hits, comments, and likes.

On Selling Cheap Cigarettes as Part of my Small Business

2011-09-16T23:29:00.003+08:00

To support my monthly car mortgage, I decided to sell cheap cigarettes in the office. My officemates used to ask our liaison officer to buy cigarettes at a nearby convenient store, so I took advantage of it. Instead of him running an errand, I thought of putting up a small business that will provide for what they need, in real time.

At first, I was hesitant because it was kind of degrading in my part. However, I realized that this is “business.” To earn extra income, I have to use my network and my business skills. Whether I sell or not, they will still continue their vice, so why not make things easy for them? It is just a matter of give-and-take.

For now, I am purchasing my stocks from a local supermarket, which offers cigarettes and other items at lower prices, as compared to other leading stores. I am also thinking of purchasing cheap cigarettes online but I still have to wait for my investment returns to be able to purchase in bulk orders.

While waiting for the liquidation of my profit, I started to look for other potential suppliers, and 1001cigarettes.com is among them. It provides a wide variety of fresh, high quality cigars, which are directly exported by brand manufacturers from Russia and Ukraine. Access to online purchases through credit card payments is also a plus.

The Red Whistle Campaign: No More AIDS-related Deaths, Stop HIV Spread Now!

2011-09-10T10:23:00.002+08:00

This is me with Niccolo Cosme, Co-founder of the Red Whistle Campaign

What is the Red Whistle Campaign? The Red Whistle Campaign is a response to the alarming rise in HIV infection in the Philippines, which has been recorded to perform an exponential leap from the "low and slow" character of the epidemic before 2007. This project aims to empower and inspire people to work together to win this battle against HIV and AIDS.

Its three objectives are:

to raise awareness on the situation to encourage community action;

to deliver safe sex messages designed to reach communities affected by the epidemic; and

help facilitate access or referral to HIV services, including HIV testing, treatment, and support services.

So far The Red Whistle campaign has penetrated the blogging community, summoning bloggers and personalities to participate in Niccolo Cosme's Head Shot Clinic, a project where they share to the public their photos for a cause. In addition, The campaign is also getting much support from various organizations expressing their pledges and commitments to put this advocacy into action.

Currently, they are looking for graphic/visual artists friends who can donate artworks inspired by The Red Whistle, which are hoped to sound an alarm. Companies and establishments are also welcome for partnership, to give high visibility for the campaign.

Be involved! Check out The Red Whistle Campaign FB Page and help stop the spread of virus!

AJ Matela, You Will Always Be Loved and Remembered...

2011-09-09T16:10:00.022+08:00

It was truly sad and heartbreaking to hear about the passing away of one of the most influential bloggers I have ever met. I find him the HUMBLEST, too. Ariel James Matela, also known as AJ Matela, of baklaako.com is unquestionably a great loss in the blogging community.

I remember meeting him in person for the first time during the Digital Filipino Club and Bloggers Fellowship Night at the Casino Filipino-Parañaque sometime in October 2008. He was the one who approached me and asked confidently, "Nicely?" I smiled back, expressing the grateful and flattered look in my eyes, realizing that a popular blogger in his person knows me by my first name. We shook hands and the conversation went smoothly well, fun, and sensible, as AJ—as we all know—is the kind of person who is always full of good energies and brilliant ideas. We talked about our blogs, fashion, and some slice of life, while sipping a glass of red wine in our one hand. Our small talk ended when he saw another blogger who I also know as one of AJ's closest friends in the industry.

With AJ during the Digital Filipino Club & Bloggers' Fellowship Night

October 2008

AJ is naturally kind and accommodating, no matter what the level of friendship he shares with that person. I was only among his avid blog readers, yet he tried to reach out to know me better, even for a while. I soon became one of his many followers who admire his principles, intelligence, and humility. For me and for many other friends, Ariel James Matela will always be loved and remembered.

As AJ joined the Lord Almighty above, his bereaved family is left grieving by the loss of a good son and brother. They are also coping with the finances, which they used for AJ's medical and hospitalization expenses in the past months. His family is in dire need of our monetary help to pay the bills, so please open your heart and lend a hand for the Matela family—FOR AJ.

You may contact AJ's mom thru her mobile numbers: 09085701555 or 09279848142. Bank details of the family are:

BPI Savings Account

8669-0851-93

Eric John Matela

Kidapawan Branch

BDO
5267-27000-7474-501
Anne A. Matela
Cash n Carry

You can also donate via Paypal at fundsforAJ@gmail.com (it will give you a notice that you’ve sent it to Sapphia). Of course, full access has been given to the family to monitor donations. Make sure you’re sending it as a personal payment and not a business payment so there’s no extra fee. If you can help organize a fundraiser, please leave a comment so we can talk about it with the family. We need all the help we can get.

Please also like this page 1000 Volunteers for AJ Matela: http://www.facebook.com/pages/1000-Volunteers-for-AJ-Matela/172748082800920?sk=wall.

(Details source: Tanggera.com and Micamyx.com's tribute blog posts for AJ)