Ma Mao Rong, behind the scenes of a nasty world

Groupon Wisely

2011-03-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Because I was able to get home from the office before 12 midnight, which is early enough for me who goes to work hours after lunch, and also because my cloth still smells good after spraying my favorite perfume (related to my previous post about buying perfumes, read here), let me present another story / review. Hope you could criticize and comment after reading! And yeah, please subscribe too, enter your email at the form at the left side of this window...

For quite some time now, I have been a fan of 'groupon' sites. I have purchased a couple of coupons to get a massage from spas, and aesthetic facial procedures from skin clinics and discount to sumptuous food from restaurants; services, goods and places that I really haven't gone to or availed of if not for this scheme. I would say I had some experience that is satisfyingly wonderful and some that I find not worth even lesser the price of the cheap coupon. Let me share some of the things I tried.

For those who have no idea what groupon is all about, Groupon is short for Group Coupon. With this, you can get vouchers or coupons from stores, shops, events, restaurants, spas, gyms, etc. for a price lower than their regular rates. The discounts I already saw range from 30 to 100%. Those that are free are usually from events wherein if you are a member of a specific groupon site, they will allow you to not pay for the entrance anymore. Another free one is raffle coupons. The reason that the price is low is because of the idea that group buying will give you huge discounts. In Filipino words, parang pakyawan! Other shops use this scheme mainly to market or introduce their products and services. Most groupons will even give you points or credits for referrals!

The first groupon site I registered and subscribed to is called Ensogo.com.ph. I already bought a dozen from this site. My first purchase being the 5 vouchers (maximum number of coupon one can get in this deal) to Confetti Spa and Salon in Makati for a "1-Hour Relaxing and Rejuvenating Massage". Regularly, this massage is valued at 499 pesos, but I got the 5 vouchers for the price of 450 pesos, that is 150 pesos each. The payment is simple -- you can choose from paying through Paypal, Bank Account deposit, or you go personally to Ensogo's office and pay in cash. When I got to the Confetti Spa and Salon, I should say that the place is good, the staff were accommodating, but the massage was not. I came there expecting a rejuvenating massage as what they described in the website, instead I received a massage from an old lady with rough hands who doesn't know how to do it properly. Because of this experience, I decided to sell the other 4 vouchers which are transferable anyway.

Aside from being a fan of groupon, I am also a frequent spa-goer. Just a couple of days ago, I availed of another massage from the same groupon company. But this time, the featured spa is Soneva Spa along Tomas Morato. Because of my previous disappointment, I only purchased 1 voucher. I got a Jade Stone Massage for only 350 pesos, regular rate is 1,200 pesos, and I think I am very much contented from the service, place, and accommodating environment from Soneva Spa that I will wait for them to be featured again and buy a couple more vouchers.

What I learned from this is that aside from checking the price value of the vouchers, one should also check the reputation and reviews of the shops and groupon websites. Know the company or store offering the discounted vouchers and see if what they are offering you is what you really like or what majority of those who already tried them love. You wouldn't want spending your hard-earned-money for a non-sense service or product. Google is your friend, search for articles and reviews.

Also, anything is possible, specially in the world wide web, like some sites will show deals as if they are legitimate. Don't get scammed. Use Paypal because it is a secure way of paying and if you used it to pay for the vouchers, you can file a dispute and get your money back if you did not receive the goods or service as promised in the deal. Personally, I prefer Paypal because they helped me get back the money in my card in another incident that I did not receive the prepaid load as promised in the internet-based prepaid load store.

Here is another tip: never ever enter your personal details on websites that are not secured. Check the address bar, their address should start with an https instead of http.

Overall advice, just think logically. If your guts tell you not to do it, then don't.

But if you are interested, look for the best deals from these suggested groupon companies:

1. Ensogo.com.ph

2. Buyanihan

3. DealSpot

4. Groupon Beeconomic

To Buy or Not To Buy Fake Perfumes

2011-03-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Finally! It is so nice and I am really excited to be writing another blog post here. This has been the busiest period of my life so forgive me if I failed to provide you with with new stories that I think is interesting enough to be shared with you. I hope there is even a single person out there from among those who are subscribed to my feed anticipating for me to post a review on this blogspot.

Anyway, here's the story. I would like to share this review specially to those out there thinking if buying a fake perfume is worth it.

A little over 2 hours ago, I was at the Muñoz area near the Roosevelt LRT station when I saw this small car whose back seat doors and compartment is opened and people are crowding and picking stuff in boxes. Out of curiosity, I approached the car and learned that people are choosing and buying "Singapore Authentic Perfumes" from the owner of the car. There were lots of goods, like make ups, powders, lotions, etc and famous brands like Bvlgari, Givenchy, Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein and Lacoste are among the best sellers.

During the past few weeks, I have been jumping from one store to the other picking which perfume really suits me. Well, I chose and bought Givenchy Play at SM Department Store. That cost me almost 4,000 pesos, but I am not regretting that I paid that amount because it is the real thing. SM Department Store and Rustan are the only distributors of the perfume in the country.

By the way, Givenchy Play is really not my first choice but because Bvlgari Aqva costs a grand more, I ended up going for my second choice. But I am very much happy that I discovered this store located at the lower ground floor of SM North EDSA which is selling authentic perfumes by the milliliter for a reasonable price. So I hurriedly checked my first choice there and luckily it was available and I bought 6 ml for the price of 36 pesos per ml. Roughly, it is less than 300 pesos that I got a real Bvlgari Aqva, including the small bottle.

Going back to my Muñoz story... I asked the vendor if they have Bvlgari Aqva and if I can test it. He sprayed once on my left arm. I smelled it from afar and I can get a faint odor so I placed my nose closer to the area where he sprayed the perfume to but still there is really a very weak smell of the perfume compared to the ones I bought from the mall. After some interviews, he said with conviction that it is not the same as the one in the mall because the ones from the malls are USA authentic but they are selling what is being called "Singapore Authentic Perfumes" or simply replica, fake, imitations. They cost so much lesser than the original. That 100 ml bottle he sprayed on me sells at 350 pesos but the one in the mall costs 5,000 pesos or more. See the price difference?

When I got home after an hour, I checked again if I can smell something on my arm and it is already like close to the smell of alcohol. The genuine lasts for 4 to 5 hours to me and really smells delightfully satisfying.

But if you are going to ask me, I will still save money to get the original perfume. I just hope that they lessen the tax and other fees that is causing these products to soar up high in terms of price just to reach the Philippine market. As a regular employee and a consumer, I think I am already paying crazily for tax, even that I don't know where they are going to. I envy other countries that doesn't have or have smaller tax. Just please, I fervently hope every cent that we Filipinos are paying is not going to "pabaons" of some corrupt officials.

So, my answer is: it is not worth it to be buying fake perfumes for they do not satisfy me. The smell is weak and not even close to the original. Fake ones also last just a few minutes and you're not even sure if the chemicals in it is safe enough to touch your skin. I can remember Jessica Soho covering a report on fake perfumes that are irritating to the skin.

If you are buying a perfume or cologne, be sure to get the real thing! Go to the mall or deal with trusted and legitimate vendors. Most of all, ask for a tester and pick which ones you like and will suit you best.

I am sure this is not the last blog post. Stick around till the next one. Thanks for reading! :o)

Laarni Lozada: Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Grand Star Dreamer

2008-09-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight marks the culmination of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2, with flying colours, compared from the so-known Pinoy Idol, at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The emotional scholar from Sultan Kudarat and former student of Philippine Women's University, Laarni Lozada made it as the Grand Star Dreamer with a whooping text vote count of 651,696 or more than 35.19% of the total text votes. Her supporters were proudly wearing yellow-themed shirts with signages like 'Daddy ako ni Laarni,' 'Tito ako ni Laarni,' and 'Fan ako ni Laarni.' She is not my bet during the first legs of the PDA, but what can I do, she has already been declared as grand star dreamer.

Bugoy Bugayong, from Camarines Sur, might have been grand star dreamer if he joined a radio program because he really has a perfect husky voice. He might have won the competition if not for his silly dance moves. Billy Crawford is even asking Bugoy to teach him those awkward Michael-Jackson-inspired foot dance. I really am ashamed while he is performing but I am impressed greatly of his perfect voice when I covered my eyes with a pillow. Moving on, Bugoy placed 2nd in the contest with 549,760 text votes, around 29.7%.

I became worried of the results when the 6th, 5th, and 4th places were announced and Miguel has not yet been called. The things I became worried of is that the accounting of votes may have been erroneous, or envelopes may have been exchanged, or someone else manipulated the text votes and Miguel may have been announced as grand star dreamer. Well, judging him based on his performances, songs are already carefully chosen for him and by him but it seems that his voice doesn't pick the songs. Surprisingly, Miguel Mendoza, from Mandaluyong City, garnered 253,412 text votes or 13.68%, and was announced 3rd Star Dreamer. If that competition was judged, I bet he should have been placed 6th or got sent off early in the competition.

Imported from Dubai, scholar Liezel Garcia, surpassed the contest as 4th Star Dreamer with an almost-there 247,346 text votes, or 13.36%. Cash and Gift Prizes were only given to the top 3 star dreamers, so I called her almost-there. During the introduction of the top 6 scholars, each of them has a audio-visual presentation aside from her. I felt sorry for her because I think she looks like hesitant during the grand dream night caused by several instances. Liezel, I suggest you file a Motion for Reconsideration, you should have been sitting with Laarni and Bugoy in the top 3.

Many are still confused if he is an actor who looks like a singer, or a singer who looks like an actor. Guys, Van Pojas, let's say, instead, is a performer. Nowadays, actors like Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera were being asked to sing and singers like Sarah Geronimo were being directed to act. So let us just call them performers. Anyways, Van got 113,065 text votes or 6.06% of the total votes, which I suppose is from female and feeling-female fans.

Cris Pastor is predictably placed 6th with 36,487 text votes or 1.97%. Though I like her during the earlier stage of the competition, her performances seem bland during the latter part of PDA. Anyway, she said she learned the value of her family while inside the 'academy' and is ready to face the world with her new outlook in life.

Congratulations ABS-CBN, many are looking forward to a Pinoy Dream Academy Season 3. I am also hoping that GMA-7 will develop the Pinoy Idol based on the "Idol standard," not just a noontime-show standard.

(Photo from www.pinoydreamacademy.com.ph)

The Busy Bee, Me

2008-08-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, I am back to work! After almost 3 months of vacation at home, now, I am again back in the real world - busy as a bee.

This is the my first week in a new company, which for security and company-policy purposes, I will not disclose right now. Being a newbie really is a hard situation to be into - you have to complete several requirements, know all the company policy and procedures, getting along with unfamiliar faces. With all that, I almost wanted to give up and just stay at home sitting like a couch potato.

It is really hard! Good thing, our trainer, which happens to be the greatest trainer I have ever known, discussed topics like factors contributing to being an exceptional employee. She said, "It is up to you on how to make your day. You may see a half-filled glass of water as half empty or half filled." What she meant was we are responsible in making our day. There is no such thing as a bad day. We can start our day as good or bad. If the day may be started bad, she suggests facing the mirror and saying phrases like "I love my job!"

Just observe your environment when riding a bus going to work. What I see everyday is people selling candies, cigarettes, burgers, bottled water and newspapers. Worst, I see unemployed parents with nothing to feed their children. Well, it contributes to making my day bad because it make me think that if I can only help this people out, I will. But there's nothing I can do for them yet since I, myself, is working to also get the things I need and want.

That is the scenery I keep on thinking when I want to quit my job. One thing is that I am already lucky enough to have a job, to earn money from it, to make a living from it. In such cases like that of a bad situation, we can dwell on so much opportunities. We have so much to learn from them.

To wrap it up, be thankful for what you have and make sure to make every moment count. Never ever forget to thank the Great One above for all the everyday blessings.

So now, you know why I am not able to update my blog sites that often. Oh and by the way, you may also read my posts on VoteCorner.com by clicking HERE. I am also developing a website where I will post all the articles on how you can earn money online, so just for you to also earn some extra bucks on the Internet. Please give me some more time, since most of the time I will be in the office.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to forward this and/or invite your friends to subscribe to my posts. For comments or suggestions, kindly email me at mark@gateso.com. The online version is located HERE. Cheers!

Project Earn Money Online (The Unveiling)

2008-07-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

I know you are excited with this blog post. Well, I am also excited. Who wouldn't be excited in earning money at the comfort of your own home? Who wouldn't be happy if you can command your own time of work? Who wouldn't like hanging out with friends and family at any day of the year?

Let me remind you first that nothing in this world is instant (except for noodles and some food, haha). If you like to earn money, you should work for it. Even online, there is really no website or program that can make you a thousand dollar or peso richer after 24 hours.

If you search for the keywords 'earn money online,' you will already be presented 1,950,000 relevant web sites. With those sites, more than half will just waste your time and just steal your personal information. Ezinearticles.com says you should avoid advertisements telling you will be paid thousands of dollars in a couple of days. Neither should you share your personal information with them.

But you don't need to terminate your Internet connection plan and just concentrate on your everyday work. That is because even though there are a lot of negative entities in the world wide web, you can still earn money online. And that is where this project, called Project Earn Money Online, will start.

You don't need to worry because I will do the thorough research and experimentations on how we can really earn money online. The purpose of this study is to share to people what things are needed to do so we can also benefit from being connected to the Internet with as little resources as possible. On this project, and on my upcoming blog posts, I will give you insights on how to start from scratch. You don't have to be a degree holder or a professional web animal, you really need to be patient and determined if you want to succeed in every endeavor.

Later on, I will be opening the world of blogging to you. Please do share this with your friends as well and let them consider subscribing to my post so I can give out the information directly to your emails. If you are reading this from your email inbox, kindly go to my blog site or click HERE. The next step is to enter your email address on the Email Subscription box at the left side of the page. As per privacy, I promise not to sell out your private information submitted to me. If you are willing to share bits of information, don't hesitate and contact me at mark@gateso.com.

Project Earn Money Online now unveiled...

Jehan: Kagat Labi (Music Video)

2008-07-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny music video of my cousin, named Jehan, dancing Eat Bulaga's novelty song, Kagat Labi. This video is viewable on my blogsite and on my Youtube profile. Here's the link if you can't see the video, click -> HERE <-

Do Not Buy Fur

2008-05-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

WARNING! You may find this blog post very disturbing. If you have a weak stomach, just read the rest of the article and do not watch the videos.

Earlier today, I am being called by my mom to go to the dining room for dinner. As I passed by our living room, my parents left the television open on a program about the fur industry of our neighbors in China and Korea. The rest of the scenes are grayed out as if they are trying to protect the viewers from seeing what the real world is doing to those animals.

Guess what I saw, live animals being stripped off of their furs! Who in the world can do that! Right now, I admit, I am not employed. But even if you will be paying me millions to do that to even a single animal, I will not accept that offer.

Anyways, I would like to share with you what I saw, grayed out. Now, I tried to search YouTube for those videos. These are the top two videos and the ones I watched on YouTube. I really cannot take it, so I just picked these two.

Again, I am giving you a reminder that these videos really are disturbing and they are really very mean to the animals. And another thing, PLEASE, I am begging you not to be cruel to the animals and not to support the fur industry!

Video Part 1
Video Part 2

Please support this movement! If you got this blog feed through email, feel free to forward this to all your contacts in your address book. If you want to regularly receive feeds or the updates of this blog site directly to your email, please go to http://mamaorong.blogspot.com/ and enter your email address in the Email Subscription form at the left part of the page. Thank you!

Cloud Nine

2008-05-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am sorry, guys, because I wasn't able to post something this past 2 days. I am thinking of some ways to make my life better. This past few days, even though I am not doing anything, I experienced some headaches and back pains. I don't know why.

Earlier today, I decided to switch on the television and the first program I saw is from a home TV shopping channel. "Introducing, the Bodipod21!" That is sooo cool and amazing! God is really working in mysterious ways. Why did I say that? Read on.

"Relax on the BodiPod21 and feel yourself drift off and experience relaxation and heavenly comfort. The most unqiue inflatable product on the planet - BodiPod21 is THE CHAIR for the whole family. Whether the kids want to use it as the ulitmate video gaming chair, dad wants it to watch movies in bed, or mom wants to do crunches and a quick back stretch, the BodiPod21 can be used in 21 positions for lounging, sleeping, reading, gaming, stretching, working out or simply working!" (http://www.airbedwarehouse.com/)

After I saw that program, I hurriedly called my mom and relayed the information on that wonderful product. The best part is that from the original price of PhP 5,000 (five thousand pesos), it is reduced to half since it is only being launched here in the Philippines. I will surely order one from the home TV shopping network.

I can't wait to sit on that chair and try all of the positions especially the so-called Cloud Nine position. You may get one for yourself, as well. See the 21 positions on the pictures.

Jollibee, I Am Lovin' It!

2008-05-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

Proudly a Filipino product, Jollibee made it's way to my top list of favorite fast food restaurants for today's review. Any motion for reconsideration for other companies? Do you want the criteria I used?

Well, I cannot give you any percentage because I just based everything from my tongue's taste buds, the quality of food, the affordability, and most importantly, customer service. Actually, the reason why I came up making a review for fast food restaurants is because earlier, I have my late lunch delivered to my place.

Earlier, I did not noticed that it is already 3 o'clock in the afternoon and I haven't taken my lunch yet. I checked for food in the kitchen and found some left over that I think is not edible anymore. So, I came to a decision to pick up the phone and have fast food delivered to our house instead. I scanned the telephone directory and found 3 candidates: Chowking, Jollibee, and McDonald's.

That list is something to do with the availability of the fast food in our area, I picked on the 3 closest in terms of distance. From there, I spent about 30 seconds evaluating the list. And I concluded that Jollibee will be best and that is also related to the past food deliveries I've had. Well, to name some:

Chowking's service crews did not check on my exact location before and took 2 hours to have the food delivered. The person who delivered was really shaking that time because he said that the crews who are taking orders through phone did not even bothered checking if the order is complete, the whole name of the person who ordered, the contact numbers and the exact location. I really felt sorry for Chowking because they really kept me a loyal customer and I really adored their Chow Fan and Beef Siomai.

Jollibee, on the other hand, I think is keeping their customer's records through phone number because when I called before, they just verified my phone number and they already know what my name and complete address is. Cool huh? It is as if they have a call center within their store who can make their customer's pleased with their service. Food-wise, I like their Burger Steak Meal, French Fries and Chocolate Sundae among others. And another, this fast food company really did satisfied me with sending in many condiments, tissues and complete utensils. So, I think Jollibee will be a good choice.

McDonald's, McDonald's, McDonald's. You do not know how I hate McDonald's when it comes to food delivery. They are the worst! In the office and back then during our previous orders at home, we always expect that the food we will be getting will be incomplete. We also experienced not getting any straws or catsups or spoon and fork so we have to phone them again to complete the order or the utensils. Not to mention, we've read through emails, how McDonald's sucks when a customer found a sponge or a foreign object in his Egg McMuffin. Well, please pause for 10 seconds as we say "Rest in Peace, Egg McMuffin inventor" to Herb Peterson, who peacefully died last March 2008 at the age of 89.

Now, the conclusion, weighing on some aspects here, I dialed Jollibee's phone numbers and made my order there. I asked the gentleman who I spoke with to have the food delivered within 10-15 minutes or at the soonest possible time. I am expecting that they will arrive after 30 minutes because they have this ongoing promo that if they did not delivered within 30 minutes, then the customer will be receiving a 200 Peso gift certificate.

To my surprise, they made it at 15 minutes! I also received a certificate that I can have a free French Fries on my next visit and a raffle entry because they are celebrating their 30 years in the food industry. Gees, I am very glad they came very quickly and the order is complete. So I gave some extra, as tip, because of their great service.

And, it has been a knock out in favor of Jollibee. Happy 30th Year Anniversary to Jollibee Foods Corporation!

Oh, and by the way, I want to cite some food I like from the other restaurants. I like Tokyo Tokyo's Red Iced Tea; Chowking's Chao Fan, Beef Siomai and Chili Sauce; Starbucks' Vanilla Frap; KFC's Coleslaw, Mashed Potato and Brownies; Kenny Roger's Corn Muffin; McDonald's Caramel Sundae; among others. The choice is yours! Bon appétit!

Everybody's Security Comes First!

2008-05-25T02:41:00.000-07:00

As I am finding out ways on how to improve my blog site, I came across this comment from a person I do not know. This comment is for an article I posted last December 2007 but the date on the comment is March 2008. So this comment was posted a couple of months ago.

The person who posted the comment is named Barb Michelin and she is saying that we had a chance to talk about an online business. As far as I am concerned, back then in March 2008, I still don't have a clue nor a plan for an online business. It is as if I have a blank slate when it comes to online business, that was before. Well, to tell you honestly, I am now an aspiring entrepreneur working hard to have a business online. But still, I need to learn many things about that topic.

Anyways, back to our main subject for today... That comment is also pointing me to another website, but when I checked on it, it leads to a different website. I am puzzled who this person is and what is that she is talking about. I did some research through the help of my best friend, Google, and found out that some bloggers already received the same comment verbatimly. And also, according to the websites' discussion, this is spamming all around and is like a phishing scam and that is why it is strongly recommended to have your blog comments moderated.

Securtiy comes first, so I immediately moderated putting comments to my blog posts. That's it for now, hope you learned from my first informative post. And I am also hoping to see you around. Oh, and by the way, there is already an email subscription form at the left side of this post. Just enter you email address and you will be receiving an email whenever new articles are posted here. Don't forget to invite your friends as well. Thanks!

Lakbay Aral (Field trip)

2008-05-24T01:23:00.001-07:00

Maybe you are again wondering what the title of this post denotes? Nope, I am not going to a theme park nor to a museum, not even to a library.

As of this moment, I do not have something to be busy with since I just resigned from my current 9-hour job. And all that I am doing at home is to surf the Internet the whole day long. So, what I plan to do right now because of the enormous opportunities and learning the WWW is giving us, I will be sharing with you what I am doing and getting from the web by means of this blogsite.

I wish to share everything by blogging, I guess at least thrice or three times in a week. Well, I hope it will be everyday. As long as I am learning something new from the Internet, I will definitely have it shared with you through this blogsite.

I am considering this plan as a part of my learning. I also want to make use of the Internet. Some of the new things I tried is monetizing a website; building several social networks through Friendster, MySpace, FaceBook, and the like; I even discovered some websites that offer web utilities and applications that really is a big help; etc. Most of them are actually under the topic Internet Marketing and Web Development.

But, don't you worry, I will also include several topics like How-to's, Ideas, Trivias, Current Events and Entertainment. You may already subscribe to my feed, please locate the "Email Subscription" form at the left part of this page. You can also send in your suggestions to my email (markanthonymayo@gmail.com).

Please check back this blogsite, http://mamaorong.blogspot.com, from time to time. I will also appreciate it if you share this with your friends.

I'm ready to fly!

2008-04-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Finally, after the long wait, I am already ready to fly. Fly where? No, I am not a bird, I don't have wings. But you can call me an angel, haha. Seriously, the reason why I am ready to fly to different countries is because I already have my own passport. :p

Anyway, I just want to share how I got my passport. I used an online hassle-free service of the Pilipinas Teleserv Inc website, http://www.passport.com.ph. First, just log on to their website and click on the Apply Now link. Read all the necessary instructions and once done, click on the Apply Now button. Enter all the details that will be asked from you regarding your identity. Schedule your desired Pickup Date and Personal Appearance Date. And if you are completely done, click on Submit Application Form for Processing button.

If the form has been successfully filed, your documents should be picked up by the Aboitiz/2Go courier on the pickup date. Just make sure to have your complete documents as well. Refer to their website for the required documents. The courier delivery guys will also help you out in checking them. You will be asked to sign a delivery form and you should also receive your carbon copy. Keep that copy because you will need that one during the scheduled physical appearance and also upon delivery of the passport.

The physical appearance will only take 15 minutes of your time. Mine was even less than 15 minutes. You just need to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs office Gate 3 in Manila and you will be guided by someone from the Pilipinas Teleserv Inc. Don't listen to the vendors or the people outside about applying for a passport, unless you wanted to be scammed. Just talk with the security guards and inform them that you have an appointment and show them the courier receipt as a proof. Once you are inside, you will be asked to do some fingerprinting on the documents. Be sure also to take some wet wipes with you. Then, go home. You just need to wait for the delivery of your passport after 2 weeks.

For any inquiries about their services, do not ask me, I am not getting paid by that company for this blog, you may contact Pilipinas Teleserv Inc anytime, 24/7 at 02-737-1000. But, speaking of payments, you need to pay PhP1,300.00 for the DFA Express Passport Delivery service. This will be collected from you during the pick up date.

Another thing, I am also happy with their NSO Birth Certificate Delivery services. You will just be asked to advanced pay PhP 300.00 to a bank. If you want to know how to get your NSO certified birth certificates, call them at 02-736-1111.

My first ever "Gift-mas Tree"

2007-12-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

"Do not forget to do good and to share; for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased." - Hebrews 12:16

Oh, how I love holiday seasons, although I didn't have the chance to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed last year's. And it is all because this is my first time to celebrate Christmas spending my own money. Yes, I am already a working person. And, yes also, today is Christmas day. But no, I am not in the office right now. But yes, I will be working tonight. No holidays, no parties, no reunions, no merry-making, no mercy, no nothing -- in short, work.

Anyways, my employer is kind, they scheduled my rest days 2 days before Christmas day. Also, I got transferred to night shift for this week. I don't know about next week, when fireworks are flying into the sky. Well, anyways, the company lets me enjoy the Christmas day, but later this night, I will still be going to work. At least, I didn't have Noche Buena in the company pantry. I also went to Church last night and earlier this day (the Lord cannot grant me my wish this year, because I didn't get to manage to go to the church for the Simbang Gabi...).

Yup, what you seen in the pictures above are the gifts that I made ready for today's celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I am proud of that because it came from my own pocket and not from my parent's. And they are gifts for all of my first degree relatives, mostly for kids.

Anyways, I really enjoyed buying all those stuff from the mall. There's a lot of sacrifice attached to these gifts - not to mention the numerous people I played obstacle in the skimpy mall. They are the fruit of my labor, he result of overtime work.

Although I already spent all of my salary for this month and my 13th month pay, I also enjoyed giving them away. And the happy smiles on my recipients' face is a manifestation that I really spent my income wisely over those simple, yet adorable things. (Though I should have over-purchased all the items in the mall for myself, hehehe...)

But the heart-warming part of my Christmas this year is that I received this (shown below) from my very old and weary Lola (the sister of my biological grandfather, mother's side). It hesitated to accept it, but what can I do, I didn't have anything this Christmas from anyone. So, as a remembrance, I accepted it, though I am not really expecting someone to give me aguinaldo's anymore.

Merry Christmas everyone! Thanks for reading. I don't want to promise you I'll update this often. Just missed sharing thoughts and events about my everyday life. I will just try to drop by often here.

Announcement: The Official Site of Aria Clemente is temporarily down

2007-04-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Please note that you have been redirected to Ma Mao Rong's blogsite because of the host problem of the Official Website of Aria Clemente. Lately, there have been problems regarding the incomplete showing of pictures. But now, the whole server is totally down or cannot be opened. For this, we would like to apologize.

We will be fixing this problem at the soonest possible time. Please bear with us and continue supporting our Star Princess, Aria.

The Labor Yet Starting

2007-04-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

I cannot express the joy that I have this past week. Finally I have finished my studies - no more assignments, no more projects, no more exams! Yes, I am in cloud 9! But wait, I must be dreaming.

No, I am not dreaming. I have attended our graduation exercises on April 2, 2007, a Holy Monday. It was not really that touching, as that of my elementary and high school graduations. But still, it's really the achievement of being a graduate that I am vey much proud of. That's why I asked my parents if we could have a small celebration lunch at our residence.

On April 4, 2007, an Easter Sunday, we have this celebration. My guests include Little Big Superstar's Star Princess, Aria Clemente and her parents, Tito Jonnel and Tita Tek; and the ICONS Alumni Choir members, namely, Kuya MarkDV, Philip, Espi, Arch, Jomar, Glen, Jovi, Bebs, and Ate Manel. Also, my high school friends, Cocoy and David; my college friends, Niña, J-Ann, Menard and MJ; my choirmates, Jeni, Letzkuh and Kuhletz; and my new friends, Kuya Ken and Kuya Jay are there. Most of my guests are my relatives. The following is my graduation celebration pictures:

Here are my graduation pictures:

Here are my graduation practice pictures:

Right Through April Fool's Day!

2007-04-04T03:15:00.000-07:00

Last week, if you might be using Google as your homepage, you might have noticed a sign like that of the first figure below. It says "Get FREE breakthrough broadband with Google TiSP (BETA)." Wow, everybody might have liked a free Internet connection. But hello, it's April Fool's Day!!!
"Introducing Google TiSP (BETA), our new FREE in-home wireless broadband service. Sign up today and we'll send you your TiSP self-installation kit, which includes setup guide, fiber-optic cable, spindle, wireless router and installation CD."

That time, I am chatting with my friend, Lester, the owner of www.qreux.co.nr. I shared to him the information I got from Google. And we have discussed the topic really seriously. We have concerns regarding the sanitary properties that can transfer bits of data through human poopoo's and weewee's. It's not in anyway possible that data can get through from the USA to the Philippines through the underground yuckies out there. Are they connected, considering that there are lots of oceans separating them? Probably, not!

But why question the technology? If I would be given a chance to try it FREE, why not!

The real thing is this, Google really created those pranks to get right through with April Fool's Day! And it was really surprising that after a few days, I just learned that it was a joke!

To end the long story, I was fooled by Google on the occasion of the April Fool's Day! And there were also a lot of cranking up ideas that Google made for that purpose. There's the Google Gulp (BETA)™ with Auto-Drink™ (LIMITED RELEASE), a line of "smart drinks" designed to maximize your surfing efficiency by making you more intelligent, and less thirsty. There's a lot, just check them out HERE, so you will not be fooled around next year!

Standby, Turn Off, Restart: The End and Start for SCoES

2007-04-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

"Everything has its own beginning and ending - even computer programs has their own start and end tags. But how to make it special and worthy depends on the person holding its destiny."

Last week, the Society of Computer Engineering Students held its traditional Organizational Elections. The Board, which consists of the Officers and Board Members, are the ones responsible for the selection and election of the leaders of the organization for the next school year.

It was a very fair election because of the system implemented, with the support of the adviser, Engr. Romano Gabrillo. The balloting system has been used and each candidates for each position has been given the chance to say something about their platforms for the year to come. It is not yet definite who the adviser will be. But one thing is for sure, I have given my votes to the ones who deserve it and I can say "WISELY" won this time. I want to congratulate all of you and I am wishing you the best for the organization!

This is the list of the SCoES Officers for the School Year 2007-2008:
President: Maridel Adriano
Vice-President for Internal Affairs: Romina Susaya
Vice-President for External Affairs: Bennie dela Cruz
Secretary: Joel Clavio
Treasurer: Emmanuel Lopez
Assistant Treasurer: Kissza Marie Lourdes Cruz
Auditor: Jeffrey Lagazon
Business Managers: Jose Adrian de Dios and Ronel Santos
Public Relations Officers: Archie Maniti and Ruthlin Chan
Property Custodians: Teddy Boy Santos and Reynante Santiago

Aria Goes Online!

2007-04-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Whaw! After 48 years, nakapagpost rin ulit ako dito sa blogsite ko! Welcome back to me! hehhehe

Actually, planning, designing, and maintaining the Official Website of our Star Princess, Aria Clemente, is the thing that's keeping me busy nowadays. And it is a fun experience to be a webmaster of this website. Tomorrow, I'll be graduating and be given a title of Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering!

Though I am not that excited, I am sure that I can apply what I learned in college, especially that the real and the reel world will be out there. I hope it will not be as reel as I can imagine. I cannot decide where to go. There has been a work offered to me by my auntie to be a graphic designer of their company. I have also been asked to pass a resume to an Internet service provider company and be a web developer.

Anyway, I just shared it with you. Please give me an advice with that. Here are the screenshots of the website I have developed for Aria Clemente. Don't forget to text vote for her. Visit http://ariaclemente.ph.tc for more details.

The Star Princess, LIVE!

2007-03-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

I still cannot believe it! Eventhough I have seen her many times before this day, I will tell you, mark this one because it's different. I have a Star visitor in our house!

Yes, you've read it right! Pumunta si Aria, Star Princess ng Little Big Superstar, dito sa bahay namin right before I wrote this blog. Of course, para masulit, I invited a few of my relatives for them to see a star face-to-face.

"Ay! Talaga?! Wow! Astig!" This was the reaction of a friend of mine, whom I went with to ABS-CBN yesterday. As anyone would, I am proud of that! hehe. Actually, they fetched their laptop, which I was asked to reformat. I just told Aria's parents that my parent and relatives wanted to see Aria personally and have a picture with her.

Just to inform you, Aria is also from Malolos, Bulacan. And she is representing our province in the television program. Please watch her and the other kids every Saturday, 5PM, right after Abt Ur Luv. And don't forget to text vote for her! Just key in LITTLE ARIA to 2331 (Globe, TM, and Sun) or to 231 (Smart, Talk n Text, and Addict Mobile).

LBSS in SM Valenzuela

2007-03-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Habang mainit-init pa po ang mga pictures na ito, galing po kay Arlowne (Kuya Ron), post ko na po dahil nabalitaan ko na walang picture si Aria sa blogsite ng Little Big Superstar last mall show. Thanks po Kuya Ron!

And the Award Goes To... Us!

2007-03-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's another data that will be written in the History of Bulacan State University, the Computer Engineering Department, and the Society of Computer Engineering Students!

We, have won the top prize for the 3rd SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards, a project of SMART Communications. Actually, it was the SMART PHONE GUARD group, headed by Mr. Rexcel Balatbat under the advisory of Engr. Ma. Magdalena Gatdula, that made the CoE proud!

This year’s SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards competition will carry the theme “Safety Through Connectivity.” Participating schools competed in developing the next wave of wireless applications that will benefit their communities through safe and reliable machine to machine communication systems. The event took place March 9 and 10, 2007, at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia.

As I have read from their project brouchers, "the SMART Phone Guard (PG) can detect the new inserted SIM card of a stolen phone. If stolen, SMART PG will automatically reply to the registered buddy with the thief's phone number once the SIM card is changed. Then, the founder can be contatcted and may be reported to the National Telecommunications Commission to block the cellphone."

The team is composed of Mr. Balatbat, Ms. Jasmin Macalino, Ms. Carmelita Mendoza, Mr. Ferdinand Nicdao, and Mr. Reginald Payuran.

Aside from that, the other group, the SMART Lock Intercom, bagged the People's Choice Award for gathering the most number of text votes. The group is composed of Mr. Lyndon Cruz (team leader), Mr. Jonathan Donato, Mr. Roderick, Ms. Daisiree Angeles, and Ms. Mutya (sorry I don't know their whole names, hehe).

The other group, the SMART E-Spy, is composed of Mr. Rafael Bea (leader), Mr. Michael John Verano, Ms. Jennylyn Mendoza, Ms. Janessa Reyes, and Ms. Virginia Espineda.

The other schools who competed were Adamson University, Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Manila, Feati University, Fullbright College, Holy Angel University, Holy Name University, New Era University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, System Plus College, Tarlac State University, Technological University of the Philippines, University of Cebu, University of San Carlos, University of Zamboanga, and Xavier University.

The SMART Phone Guard Team.

The SMART Lock Intercom Team.

The SMART E-Spy Team.

We Came, We Saw, We Conquered

2007-03-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

Bulacan State University is proud to have 3 groups out of 10 finalists from the Computer Engineering Department that made it to the SMART Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP). A yearly event under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program,the SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards is a nationwide search forthe most innovative wireless applications designed by student-facultyteams.

To this time, the winners are not yet announced. But the fact that the groups from BSU are really that good and are early favorites, especially of the crowd and judges, we are definitely sure to bag several awards.

Aside from that, the Pala-ECE-pan, a yearly quiz show participated by the Electronics and Electrical Engineering students, also happened at the SM Mall of Asia yesterday and will be continued and concluded today.

Anyway, let's stay away from serious talks. There were many CoE and ECE students not only in the Music Hall (venue of the SMART SWEEP) but also around the other parts of the mall.

The SM Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 6th largest mall in the world. In terms of gross floor size, it is next to the South Dongguan Mall(China), Golden Resources Mall(China), Central World Plaza(Thailand), Season Square(Thailand), and Runwal Arcade - Mumbai (India). It opened on May 21, 2006.

The Mall of Asia was constructed within the reclamation area, west of Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, aptly nicknamed "Bay City". It is built on 19.5 hectares of reclaimed land and has a gross floor area of 386,224 square meters. The mall is located at the southmost tip of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. A roundabout was constructed in the front of the mall with a huge bronze globe similar to Universal Studios.

I also met the makers of the "world-known music video", Purgalicious, headed by Lester, Ash, Madel, Bhing, Pardo, Mae and the rest of the CoE-4B. You may browse through the pictures I have in this page.

The Real Story Behind Aria's "True Colors"

2007-03-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

"... And Ill see your true colors Shining through I see your true colors And thats why I love you So dont be afraid to let them show Your true colors True colors are beautiful, Like a rainbow... "

-True Colors by Phil Collins

During the airing of the VTR of Aria in Little Big Superstar, I knew that she will be singing a song for her bestfriend. I thought she wants to encourage her bestfriend, that she sees her true colors. Yes, that's the message she wants to convey with the song, True Colors. But far beyond that, it is really the experience of Aria, as a student from her former school, that brought her to the position she is right now.

To give you some insights, she has been a good elementary student since her first grade. It is not really that serious when it comes to the judgement of many. But there, she was brought down by the enviness of her former classmates, since the day she have had the opportunities in Little Big Star (then). She is like a lame sheep because of what other people are doing and saying about her. That even her bestfriend cannot really control and eventually became a part of her distractors.

But she never gave up - living a normal life with the guidance of her good parents. She moved to another school, where the treatment to all the students are fair and they are really taught of good teachings. There, she experienced the freedom she somewhat lost from the former school.

But then, FORGIVENESS is always in the heart of Aria. She have already forgotten all of that and is now growing to be a fine princess - ready to show the goodness inside her. Her bestfriend is still her bestfriend, and they are even chatting once in a while in the phone. Aria have already accepted the apologies of her former classmates.

With her song, True Colors, Aria have gained the hearts of many. She is really deserving to be our Little Big Superstar! Please give her a chance to capture more hearts by text voting on March 10 to 15, 2007.

Get to know Mary Heart

2007-03-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

It is really overwhelming to see a newborn baby! What more if you are the baby's parents?

Actually, I have uploaded the videos of Mary Heart, the baby of Abeth and Mars, both are my friends, the day the baby was born. And it was a Valentine's Day! Mary Heart Medina was born on February 14, 2007, 6:30AM, at the Hagonoy Maternity Hospital.

I was with my friends, Menard and Nina, when we visited Abeth and see her baby. The child was supposed to be born early March. But it was a premature labor. We didn't see Mary Heart there because she had an infection due to her early birth. She was brought to a nearby hospital to be medicated and observed, apart from her mother. But not from her father, Mars is always beside the baby when we visited the hospital. The baby was small though.

To date, the baby is now on her third week, healthy, strong, and beautiful. Take a look on the pictures of Mary Heart! In the last image, she is with her father. Abeth is shy to give me some of her pictures. hehe, pero pumasok na siya nung Tuesday!

Harry, where's your insibile cloak?!

2007-03-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

As I have mentioned something related to the Harry Potter story in my recent blog, I remembered a news I have seen from TV Patrol last week. It's about the daring character of the Harry Potter character of JK Rowling's story, Daniel Radcliffe, in the stage play, Equus.

I became curious how a 17-year-old-teenager can bare it all on stage not once, not twice, but seven times, so here are the pictures I have found.

To see more of his promotional pictures, scroll below.

I don't think it is righteous to put the "Full frontal" pictures of Daniel. Anyway, they are just adobe-photoshopped.