Apol the Great

DragonVale Breeding Guide | How to breed a Rainbow Dragon?

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:47:00 +0000

If you are looking for an answer to How to breed a Rainbow Dragon, that makes the two of us. Most of the sites I visited talking about on ways to breed a Rainbow Dragon suggest that the most effective way is breeding a Level 10 Firefly Dragon and Level 10 Seaweed Dragon. I have tried that many times but without luck.

My daughter Pia introduced DragonVale to me last month and I easily got hooked. I have already reached Level 18 with 3 islands and lots of dragons! But aside from Rainbow Dragon, I still have to breed a Sun Dragon and Moon Dragon.

The easiest way to get these rare dragons is through Gems which you have to purchase. However, I wouldn't use my Google Money just to get these dragons. Haha! Never! Now, I wish I can find a really reliable DragonVale Breeding Guide.

Goodbye, SMART?

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:26:00 +0000

Two weeks ago my Smart SIM card suddenly got busted (SIM card error message). It was Dec 23, 2011 when I went to SMART Wireless Center at Mall of Asia to get a SIM replacement but I was told that the type of SIM (HLR 13 Gold) I'm using is out of stock. I was told to check again on Tuesday (Dec 27) and the customer service representative was kind enough to advise me to ask the guard first before I get a waiting ticket so as not to waste time.

So I went back on December 27 but there's still no delivery according to the guard. And worst they're offline. So even if there's a stock, SIM replacement can't be done. I then asked the guard for the contact numbers of Wireless Centers at SM Manila and Robinsons Ermita. He said if I want to get it, I have to get a number, a waiting ticket! I wouldn't wait that long just to get their contact numbers. Geez!

I check Smart's not so smart store locator and there's no contact numbers. So I dialed the crazy *888 to get those numbers and at the same time make a follow up on the bill dispute that I filed a couple of months ago

I availed of the Unlitalk feature but I did not receive a system notification about the expiration. So I was charged few thousands for SMART to SMART calls. I could have easily renewed the Unlitalk feature had I received a notice. It is to their advantage if subscribers will not be reminded. I hope it was just a system failure and not a scheme to deceived subscribers. Just the same, I wont be paying those SMART to SMART calls and will just pay for cost of Unlitalk feauture (P500). But that's just for the unlitalk.

For the data charges, I have a long history of disputing my monthly bill when I was still using Blackberry 8520. @SmartCares is witness to that.

But I digress. Now back to Wireless Center contact numbers. I was able to get those from Smart Hotline (*888) but their phones was just ringing. I really need my line back because most of my clients communicate with me through that number so I decided to visit Robinsons Ermita only to find out they were offline for several days already according to the guard. I then asked if they have stock for HLR 13 Gold. He checked the logbook and according to him, there's enough stock.

The following day, I went back to Robinsons Ermita and was glad to see that they're online. I then get a number and waited for almost two hours. Imagine my delight when my number got finally called. But I almost lost control when I was told that the HLR 13 Gold SIM was out of stock for several days already. I managed to maintain my cool because the customer rep I'm talking to was kind enough to check with SM Manila and Mall of Asia if there's a stock. But there's no stock in SM Manila either. He then gave me the contact number of wireless center in Robinsons Ermita to check the following day if there's delivery. I told him that I already have that and they're not answering their phone anyway. He then promised to call me back the following day, but he did not.

Last Monday, I went back to MOA wireless center. They're offline and there's no delivery. Meanwhile, I will be billed for the monthly service fee (P1800) and the Unlitalk and bandwith on demand I availed last month will be expiring soon without me using it. And worst, there are clients and potential clients who might have been wondering why I am not replying to their SMS and why my line can't be reached always. My Sun Mobile number is just new and not all of my clients know it yet. That may mean lost opportunities, and dissatisfied clients.

I sent DM to their twitter account, sent them email and left message using their contact page but got no reply.

Wait, there was a reply actually. It's a system generated reply telling me that I will be hearing from them within 24 hours. Other than that, nada.

I've been a SMART subscriber for more than a decade now and with a postpaid plan for 7 years alredy if I remeber it right. I actually have two postpaid plans and I also have a SMART Bro account. This is not a smart way of treating your subscribers.

I demand a rebate and immediate resolution on the bill dispute I filed.

I was planning to get iPhone 4S from SMART when I renew my subscription next month, but it looks like I have to consider switching to Globe.

Back to blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Last year, I aimed to make US$1,000 Google Money per month. But that did not happen. Worst, my Adsense income went down dramatically. My numbers went down. My Gateway to Canada blog which used to rank 3rd at Top Blogs Philippines - Business and Finance Ranking is now down to 26th. The same thing is true with my other blogs.

If there's one thing I learned here, it's this: If you want to make money online, you shouldn't stop doing what you are supposed to do - creating new useful contents, link building and social media networking. You'll have to work for it. It's a continuous process.

So now, I'm back to blogging.

2012 is Year of the Water Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:52:00 +0000

2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon. Many Feng Shui experts say it's going to be a good year except for those born in the year of the Dragon, who must be extra careful. 2012, according to them is not a good year for the Dragons, except for the Water Dragons.

I was born 1976 (Fire Dragon), shall I worry?

Let's see.

One thing is certain though, I will work hard this year to achieve all my gols. It's going to be tough, I know. But I will make it happen.

Bring it on, 2012! Happy new year, everyone!

Less Atty. Topacio on TV Please!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Yes, I do not like Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo just like many other Filipinos. She is very much compelled to get likable people on her camp. For me, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, doesn’t help CGMA in that aspect.

Somebody give Atty. Ferdinand Topacio an Endotrex supplement or something. The guy has hogged the news telecast left and right for almost a month now. And the guy couldn't help himself being hyper during interviews, not to mention an air of braggadocio.

I’m sure at some point you have felt a certain dislike of someone even though he or she has done nothing wrong directly and specifically to you? That’s what I feel for CGMA. More so now, because one of her legal counsels, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio kinda irritates me. I can’t help it. I just do not like the guy. Frankly, I prefer seeing CGMA’s official spokesperson, Elena Horn.

Waah! I pray media people would prefer to interview her about CGMA’s concern than Atty. Topacio.

I'm sorry but I feel that the delay of CGMA's transfer to VMMC serves their camp just right. For goodness sake! Why do they have the gall to get irritated for the delay when they themselves fought against the transfer in the first place?

I also agree with the DILG Sec. Jessie Robredo that waiting inside St. Luke's Medical Center isn't the worst place to be in even if they woke up and packed up early.

On second thought, the delay has given Atty. Topacio more opportunity to speak up and more air time than to my liking. I smell political ambition for his over-eagerness in defending his client. Other CGMA counsels look more professional and lawyer-like.

Really, I do not watch local TV much. It certainly is never entertaining when you flip channels and see the same guy being interviewed. It’s worse when he is also shown during flash reports in between TV programs. Grrrh! Getting this Atty. Topacio on the few times I switch on to local channels, gives me more reason to stick to cable channels.

Video: Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:55:00 +0000

Kudos to Coca-Cola for this wonderful project! A very touching video for OFW's

Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project

To Rent a Car or Not To, That is the Question

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:35:00 +0000

Going to my seminars via a rented car is the next best thing to owning one for myself. I'm sure there's a plus-factor reputation-wise if attendees will see me drive to and fro at the venue inside a car.

My assumption of high expense in renting a car is the only thing that stops me from doing so. Other than that, there are merits that really works on my favor.

Weekend car rentals, for instance. Most of my out of town seminars are scheduled during the weekends. It is that same time of the week when passsengers going to their respective provinces almost doubles in number. It's a nice thought not having to fall in line in securing bus tickets.

Holiday car rentals, on the other hand, promises to offer wide open highways and road almost exclusively to yourself.

All in all renting a car affords me the chance to easily fetch my daughter Sophia and bring her to fun places for a father-and-daughter bonding whenever my seminars are north of Luzon.

I had a friend with car rental contacts but he is currently in Columbia. That is why I will only be relying online in finding affordable car rental rates just like CarRentals.com. It has partnered with car rentals agencies all over the US and World to bring all the best car rental rates for you to compare. It also also made it easy to compare its prices to Priceline and Expedia, so their users know where to find the best price.

Missing Out on Breaking Dawn Movie Premier

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:32:00 +0000

A fellow high school alumnus, we fondly call El Kapitan/Capt. USA gave us a surprised visit at home last Saturday.

The running joke for his abrupt trip from his hometown Infanta, Quezon all the way to Metro Manila was to catch the premiere showing of Breaking Dawn Part One, selling one pig in the process. However, watching this movie with so much romantic undertones together with another guy proved to be enough reason not to proceed.

I told him that if he really liked the movie, he can opt to wait for DVD release, filled with features and be among the firsts to own one. Another thing for him to watch out for is a Twilight movie club much like the Disney Movie Club.

Disney Movie Club is the official Disney-owned movie club giving access to great deals on all the best Disney movies.

I'm sure that the Twilight Movie Franchise can come up with its own official movie club given its phenomenal success. Or they might already have. It wouldn't be that hard to compile all the movies in one packaging, include exclusive features and perhaps with that offer the chance to be among the first to see the last part of Breakig Dawn. Twi-hards will surely gobble it up in seconds. Otherwise, if they don't go the same route, they'd be leaving a lot of money on the table.

Hey, El Kapitan / Capt. USA all is not lost on your quest!

Blckberry White Screen of Death - Blackberry Curve 8520

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:38:00 +0000

About a week ago, my Blackberry Curve 8520 suddenly died. My did not fall or something, it just died. I was checking Facebook feeds when for the first time, the white screen of death (WSOD) presented itself.

I have tried putting it on a safe mode and it was ok but only for a short while. Then I tried reinstalling the OS using the app loader and it did worked! But the white screen of death appeared again. I tried reloading the OS again but it failed after seveal cycles: WSOD- Reload OS - WSOD - Reload OS - WSOD.

So I gave up.

But there's another option that I haven't tried yet. That is to disassembe the device and fix the four solder points behind the mini usb port, which could somehow created a short behind the screen. I read this from one of the blackberry forums.

I will just try and try again to install the OS. :-)

So while waiting for my new phone from SMART this February 2012, I decided to buy a cheap smart phone for only P3,000. It's proudly Philippine made MY|Phone QW29 Duo!

I'm surprised that it is actually working - push mail, wifi, social media apps, etc. Transferring my blackberry phonebook to Myphone QW29 Duo is as easy as copy/paste procedure! I'll probably write a review of this phone later.

If you are looking for a fix to your blackberry white screen of death, check this blackberry support forum.

Phising Attempt - China Banking Corporation

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:47:00 +0000

I was surprised to receive an email from China Banking Corporation's Customer Service email account advising to update my information in line with their system upgrade. The email looks real considering the email used was onlineservice@chinabank.ph. But I knew right away that it's just a phising attempt considering that I don't have a China Bank Account.

But unsuspecting China Bank Account holders may be victimized by these scammers. Here's the email content I received.

On Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 7:53 AM, China Banking Corporation wrote:

Dear Valued Customer,
Please note that Your Online Services is about to expire.
Due to SSL Database upgrade on our system In order for it to remain active, follow the link below to Upgrade to the new SSL Database.

Upgrade

Thank you.
PRIVACY AND SECURITY STATEMENT
China Banking Corporation.
onlineservice@chinabank.ph

The "upgrade" text was linked to a fake China Bank log-in page which appears like this:

http://climbingforkids.org/wordpress/wp-content/china.htm

The log-in page was uploaded to a website, which apparently was hacked. The said website is totally unrelated to banking. But if you will not pay attention to the URL address, you may really be decived.

Phishing is an e-mail fraud scam conducted for the purposes of information or identity theft. If you use the said log-in page to access your China Bank online account, they will be able to get your access information.

Tourist Destination in the Philippines | Pilipinas, Tara na!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 06:27:00 +0000

Watching the Byahe na Tayo Video and Lyrics reminds me of the beautiful places in the Philippines that I have visited so far and motivates me to visit other places that I have yet to see.

Here are some of the tourist destinations in the Philippines that I have visited so far:

LUZON
Cagsawa Ruins Park - Legazpi City
Coron - Palawan
Tam-awan Village - Benguet
Baguio City - Benguet

I also used to join mountaineering activities and have climed some mountains in Luzon.

VISAYAS
Nogas Island - Antique
Sira-an Hot Spring - Antique
Roxas City - Capiz
Chocolate Hills - Bohol
Panglao Isaland - Bohol
Boracay - Caticlan

I'v been to Cebu City for business trips. I hope to visit Cebu City again soon.

MINDANAO
Davao City is the only place I have visited in Mindanao so far. I've been there for several times already but mainly for business trips. I plan to visit Davao City this year again for a short vacation.

Byahe Tayo Lyrics and Video | Pilipinas Tara na!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:24:00 +0000

It's my dream to travel around the Philippines and watching this Byahe Tayo Video makes me even more interested in pursuing my dream. Kudos to Department of Tourism and Filipino artists for this wonderful video!

Byahe Tayo Lyrics and Video

Pilipinas, tara na! Byahe Tayo!

Byahe Tayo Lyrics

Ikaw ba'y nalulungkot
Naiinip, nababagot?
Ikaw ba'y napapagod
Araw gabi'y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba'y walang saysay
Walang sigla, walang kulay?
Bawa't araw ba'y pareho
Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Kasama ang pamilya
Barkada at buong grupo
Para mag-enjoy nang todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Napasyal ka na ba
Sa Intramuros at Luneta
Palawan, Vigan at Batanes
Subic, Baguio at Rice Terraces?

Namasdan mo na ba
Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga
Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon
Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Mula Basco hanggang Jolo
Nang makilala ng husto
Ang ating kapwa-Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

From city to city,
Seven thousand and a hundred plus islas
Sa mahal kong Pilipinas
Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao ating puntahan.
Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!

Nasubukan mo na bang
Mag-rapids sa Pagsanjan
Mag-diving sa Anilao
Mag-surfing sa Siargao?

Natikman mo na ba
Ang sisig ng Pampanga
Duriang Davao, Bangus Dagupan
Bicol Express at Lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo,
Nang makatulong kahit pano
Sa pag-unlad ng kabuhayan
Ng ating mga kababayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakisaya ka na ba
Sa Pahiyas at Masskara
Moriones at Ati-Atihan
Sinulog at Kadayawan?

Namiesta ka na ba
Sa Peñafrancia sa Naga
Umakyat sa Antipolo
Nagsayaw sa Obando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo...
WOW Philippines...

I've been to few tourist destinations in the Philippines and there are many other places that I'm planning to visit. Tara na! Byahe tayo!

Batangueno.Net now on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:00:00 +0000

I probably should have done this long time ago, but I've been busy with other stuff. Just the same, better late than never.

Batangueno.Net is now on Facebook!

I started a group blog for Batangueno bloggers several years ago but it has been inactive for quite a time now. I will try to reactivate the blog and the community. If you are from Batangas, let's build our Ale Eh Community on Facebook!

May Alon sa Gubat - Gubat Bay Surfers | Gubat, Sorsogon Bicol

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:16:00 +0000

I have just found out that there is a surfing club in Gubat, Sorsosgon Bicol, where my mom came from. It's called Gubat Bay Surfers and they also have a Facebook Page.

Thanks to Adelina Ermino's FB Wall post. :-)

Surfing is one of those things that I really wanted to learn. Knowing about this Gubat Bay Surfers makes me want to visit Gubat again and learn how to surf there. Last time I went to Gubat, Sorsogon was in 1998 when we visited my grandparents there. Soon, I will visit Gubat again!

Meanwhile, let me just share this video of Gubat Bay Surfers I found from Youtube.

Gubat Bay Surfers Video - Gubat, Sorsogon, Bicol

Apparently, the Rizal Beach in Brgy Rizal has now become a surfing hub for the locals and tourists as well. Pilipinas, Tara Na! Visit Gubat, Sorsogon and enjoy surfing!

Google+ is the next big thing | Gateway to Canada on Google+

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:34:00 +0000

Looks like this Google+ project is going to be big. I decided to get a Google+ account for my GatewayToCanada.Com blog.

I believe this will help drive more traffic to my site and probably help get better SERP rankings. You know, more traffic would mean more Google Money! :-)

Currently, my top referring site to gatewaytocanada.com is Facebook. That's because of the Facebook page I have created and the FB Share button I placed for each blog post.

Now that Google+ is starting to make wave (unlike the Google Wave. haha!), I also placed a Plus1 button for each blog post beside the FB Share Button. Let see how it goes.

By the way, if you're in Google+ too, you may want to add me in your circle. It's http://gplus.to/apolthegreat.

Global Gifting Connection | Gift Giving or Online Business?

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Yesterday, a friend from Canada asked me if I'm interested with online business. Because I'm into making money online, I got interested asked for the details. She told me it's actually a gift giving concept and introduced the Global Gifting Connection.

Global Gifting Connection
My friend explained to me the concept. My first impression is that it's one of those Ponzi Scheme. But my friend told me that it's not a pyramiding type of networking. Then again, if it's gift giving, why call it online business? She was quick to tell me that it's only her who call it that way. But the way I see it, most of those who will join look forward to receiving the returns - you give a one-time "gift" of $150 to a stranger and after indefinitite period, you will also receive $150 from 8 strangers. It depends on how fast you can invite other people to do the same. Yes, it involves recruitment, networking.

She gave me a password to access the Global Gifting Connection Website (www.globalgiftingconnection.org) and I was able to read few information about the concept. It's a provate group, no officers, no business address etc. If you join, you will then become part of a team and later on will become a team leader. With Global Gifting Connection, there simply is no transparency and accountability. And aside from the fact that you give money to stranger for whatever motive you may have, what have you really accomplished by doing it? If I have extra $150 to give as a gift, I would rather pay it forward. By doing that, I know that I am able to help poor students get an education.

I also searched the net for feedback and found this: Global Gifting Connection Revisited. The author has got problems and regret joining Global Gifting Connection.

Global Gifting Connection, in my opinion, is just one of those get-rich-quick schemes. Pretty much like Francswiss.

I once joined a networking business, First Quadrant, and learned my lessons there. Yes, I made money from First Quadrant but, sadly, some of my downlines never made it and I felt guilty. There simply is no shortcut in getting rich. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Global Gifting Connection may be legitimate and all that. But it simply isn't for me.

Pay it Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:13:00 +0000

I have just created a new page for my Gateway to Canada blog - Pay it Forward. My objective is help generate funds for the Sisters of Mary School.

I hope more ASMSI Bloggers would help promote Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. specially those who are making money online. FACFI now accepts online recurring donation via paypal, it is now easier to donate! A 5$ monthly donation may sound small but it will go a long way.

A pledge badge posted on a blog looks cool. Must ask somebody to create one. Any volunteer, ASMSI peeps? :-)

Home Lighting & Moving Out, Moving In Woes

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 06:54:00 +0000

We recently had no choice but to move out of our apartment. Termites have long established its colonies within the wood structures of that unit and it is only now that the owner finally decided to have it renovated.

We were offered a nearby unit that is smaller in size which we accepted after renegotiating a lesser monthly rental fee.

One of the first discomforts we initially encountered in our new apartment is installing a light bulb over the stairs. The location is in the middle and hard to reach. Floor lamps might be more suitable and might enhance that part of the house.

Our new apartment seemed designed for less use of appliances. Each room has only one electrical socket, allowing only two appliance to be plugged good enough for each of our electric fans and laptops . We had a hard time deciding to ditch our table lamps or risk tripping with extension chords.

Home lighting is just among the many discomforts we had to endure by our transfer. But we are ready to look beyond that and the ensuing period of adjustment.

We really loved our current location. It is a common point to our workplaces. It is within the vicinity of vital establishments such as the wet market, public transport terminals, hospitals, utility offices and the likes.

After all in real estate and in business, its location, location & location.

Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique Philippines | Pilipinas, Tara na!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:52:00 +0000

Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique

Nogas Island is an uninhabited marine sanctuary located at Anini-y, Antique Philippines. Since it is a protected area, visiting Nogas Island is regulated. To go there, you must register first at Sira-an Hot Spring, where you need to pay a P10 environmental fee.

Boat ride to Nogas Island, Anini-y Antique Philippines

Nogas Island is just about 15-20 minutes boat ride from Sira-an Hot Spring. A medium size motorized boat can be rented for P500 and it can accommodate up to 10 persons. As you will see, we were provided a life vest as a safety precaution.

Snorkeling at Nogas Island, Anini-y Antique

To enjoy the trip to Nogas Island, it is best you bring your snorkel set. If you don't have one, you can rent a set from Sira-an Hot Spring. There's only 4 sets available though.

There's a light house in the island and to go there, you will pass through this Frangipini (Kalachuchi)-lined pathway. It's beautiful! This place should be named Kalachuchi Island. :-)

Nogas Island Light House, Anini-y, Antique

I'm not sure if it's allowed, but since it's open and there's no guard around, we decided to climb the light house stairs and see what's up there.

Be careful though in climbing the stiff stairs to avoid hitting your head on the ceiling like what happened to this gorgeous lady with me in the picture.

The view from Nogas Island ligh house is great! We actually stayed there I think for almost 30 minutes just taking pictures.

While Nogas Island is not as exciting like Coron and Panglao, it is an alternative in case you're looking for a place to visit this summer.

Visit Nogas Island! Pilipinas, Tara na!

Sira-an Hot spring | Anini-y, Antique

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:21:00 +0000

Sira-an Hot spring is located at Anini-y, Antique. It serves as the entry point if you want to visit the Nogas Island.

Sira-an Hotspring and Health Resort needs to improve the place if they want to attract more tourists, particularly in the cleaning department.

I was in Antique last week and was able to visit Sira-an Hotsrping. There's a a swimming pool there but opted not to swim. It's dirty and I need not elaborate.

Cottage rate starts at P150 and there's an entrance fee of P20. We have grilled tuna and grilled pork for lunch.

Nogas Island view from Sira-an Hotspring

After lunch, we rent a boat to bring us to Nogas Island. The boat rent costs P500 and it's already good for 10 persons. You can also rent snorkel set for P200. They only have 4 sets though.

After few hours at Nogas Island, we went back to Sira-an Hot Spring to have shower, but not after dipping in at a small sulfur pool, which is a bit cleaner than the main pool.

Sira-an Hot Spring, I think, is government-owned resort. For more information about Sira-an Resort, you may contact 0918-2691099.

Brgy Caromangay Fiesta - Hamtic, Antique | Visit Antique Philippines!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Brgy. Caromangay in Hamtic, Antique celeberated the feast of their patron saint, St. Vincent Ferrer, last week (April 14-15). An officemate who lives there invited us to their place and we were there last week, my first time to visit Antique, Philippines.

Pink and Jean dancing like there's no tomorrow

I was pretty amazed how Brgy. Caromangay celebrated their fiesta. People there really loves to dance. There's a 2-night baile at the plaza. Guys need to pay entrance fee amounting P20 and P10 for girls. There was also a dance derby contest participated by diffirent dance group from Antique.

Hamtic Antique is just an hour drive from Iloilo airport. It's the town connecting Antique to Iloilo. We arrived in Hamtic, Antique Thursday night, just in time for the baile. We stayed in Antique for 3 nights and 2 days.

View from Nogas Island Lighthouse

On our first day, we went to Sira-an Hot Spring early morning. The resort is not that good but seems to be famous for the locals. It's actually the entry point if you want to visit Nogas Island, which we also visited in the afternoon of the same day. With a little work, I think Nogas Island may attract more tourists and help improve tourism in Antique.

San Jose is the Capital of Antique, Philippines. On our second day, I asked some of my officemates to go to San Jose using a public transportation for some adventure. Our host was a bit worried as we may get lost but I assured them we can manage. And we did! :-)

It only took about 30 minutes bus ride from Hamtic to San Jose. Our first stop was at Gaisano Grand Mall. I was hoping to find a souveneigr shirt there, but without luck. And since there's no network signal in Brgy Caromangan, we spend some 30 minutes at an internet shop inside the mall to check emails and of course, facebook. We also searched for places to visit in Antique. But because we have limited time, we only target those located in San Jose. Most of the tourist destinations in Antique are outside San Jose.

From Gaisano Mall, we went to San Jose Cathedral via tricycle service. I asked the driver to just wait for us and tour us within San Jose. He's friendly and didn't even negotiate for the price. We gave him P350 for the service.

After short prayer at the Cathedral, we went to Binirayan Sports Complex, the site for the Binirayan Festival. Since there's no event there, we didn't stay there long.

I asked our driver to bring us to a place where we can buy souveneigr shirts and pasalubong. He brought us to Antique Masonic Center and there's indeed a souveneigr shop there! :-) I bought an Antique shirt for P200. We also had the chance to see the meeting place of Masons in Antique.

Our last stop before we went back to Hamtic was at Kammea Resort, still in San Jose, Antique. We paid P10 entrance fee to see the place, have some refreshments and took pictures. If you've been to Boracay, Panglao and Coron, you will of course not appreciate the beaches in San Jose.

The Gang with Alejandro Family

We enjoyed our short stay in Antique, specially the fiesta celebration in Brgy. Caromangay - nice people, baile and the food! Thanks to Alejandro Family for being such a wonderful host!

I hope to visit Antique again for the Binirayan Festival.

Visit Roxas City, Capiz! | Pilipinas, Tara Na!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:13:00 +0000

I've been to Roxas City only once. That was on December 2010 when I went with friends on a post Christmas adventure to Capiz. I really don't have any idea of places to visit in Roxas City before this trip. It was because Roxas City is known as the Seafoods Capital of the Philippines that motivated to join the trip.

What we didn't know is that prices of seafoods in Roxas City during the month of December is pretty much like that of in Metro Manila. It is not cheap! But they say during summer, price of seafods in Capiza is really friendly.

Jay and Pink at Roxas City Airport

But because I'm with the company of good friends, the trip was full of fun just the same.

From Roxas City Airport, we went to Tina's place for lunch lunch. We were served with a sumptous Gintaang Manok, Adobo and fresh buko juice! Nothing beats home cooked food!

On the way to Tina's place, we passed through sugar cane plantations and saw Capiz Sugar Central. Passing through this narrow and muddy road in between sugarcane fields made me realized a lot of things. Farmers do all the hardwork and yet they end up with less. I see injustice left and right. No wonder there's a strong presense of NPA in Capiz.

When I told some friends that I'm going to Capiz, the common comment was what's there to visit in Capiz? Aren't you afraid of wak-wak, aswang and the likes? Such is the reputation of the place but there is really nothing to be afraid of. Well, at least based on my experience.

From Tina's place, we went on a short Capiz tour before checking in at San Antonio Resort. There are many interesting places to visit in Capiz but since we're there for a couple of days, we weren't able to visit much. A trip to Olutayan Island should have been a great adventure but we did not push through due to strong waves. December is not a good month to visit Roxas City really.

Panay Church

We visited Panay Church and Balisong Cave. We also went to Agtalin Church in Pilar Capiz. The beach in Roxas City is just ok. Not the type of what you will see in Boracay, Coron, Palawan or Panglao Island. And it's a good thing San Antonio Resort has a nice pool and a lake good enough for kayak and boat riding.

Agtalin Shrine

At the Roxas City Airport, you'll find a tourism desk there where you can ask information. From the brochure I got from them, here's some of the places to visit while in Capiz, which we failed to do:

Cascofamco (Ivisan) - factory of making oil, soap and other accessories. Not sure though why it is a tourist destination. :-)

Butterfly Garden - you can observe the life cycle of butterfly. It's not for us. But if you're going there kids, it may be a good destination.

Artist House - located in Pilar Capiz. I don't know what's there. Sorry. :-)

Pontevedra, Capiz - go there for hillside hiking and horseback riding.

Visit Roxas City, Pilipinas, Tara Na!

Is your Facebook Session Secured? | Secured Facebook Browsing

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:42:00 +0000

It's not new but I'm sure not everybody knows about secured Facebook browsing. So I'm making this post to spread the word on how to have a secured Facebook session.

Noticed the https encicrcled on the above image? By default, your Facebook session is set to unsecured browsing session (http) - without the "s". https stands for "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), a technology protocol developed with secure, safe Internet transactions in mind. With secured Facebook session browsing, it minimizes the possibility of getting your Facebook account hacked.

To set your Facebook account for secured browsing, simply log on to your account, and edit your account security settings. However, if you're using third party applications like Friendly for iPad, this may not work.

Happy April Fools Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:20:00 +0000

You are here now because today is April 1. And you know what that means.

Happy April Fools Day!

I Support the Formation of National Bloggers Association of the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:27:00 +0000

I would rather be represented by a national association of Pinoy bloggers than to be indirectly represented by few BIG bloggers and online marketers. Thus, I'm supporting the formation of a national bloggers' association of the Philippines.

But my decision to join this organization is not only because I want somebody to properly represent me. More than that, I want the idea of having a unified voice, of bloggers binding together for a common good.

Uhm... you haven't heard yet about the plan to form a national organization of Pinoy bloggers? Ok, start by reading the Pinoy blogger's manifesto:

One country, one blogging community
A Manifesto of Filipino bloggers and netizens (Draft)
March 7, 2011

We, Filipino bloggers coming from various places nationwide and those based overseas, coming from diverse backgrounds and specialties, using various new media outlets, hereby freely come together and call for the formation of a bloggers association of the Philippines that shall unite us around these common and beneficial objectives:

• Promote and defend the right to free speech and to free expression;
• Promote and develop blogging, vlogging, photoblogging, microblogging and other online creative and expressive forms in all their diverse categories, topics and types;
• Gather and share Philippine blogging’s best practices that reflect our contributions to ourselves and our online communities, media, causes, organizations and businesses, government, the nation and the world;
• Draft and adopt a code of ethics that underscore the members’ and organization’s sense of responsibility and maturity;
• Discuss issues and concerns that confront our members; and
• Campaign and work for more affordable, reliable and better internet access in the country

The association we aspire to form is voluntary in membership, national in scope, democratic in decision-making, progressive in outlook, and both non-partisan and non-profit in legal character.

• We draw inspiration from and ask the participation of the city-wide, provincial, regional and island-wide associations, summits and conventions initiated by bloggers across the country. We also pay tribute to overseas Filipinos and their blogging organizations and events.

• We want an association that makes decisions based on democratic processes, consensus-building and mutual benefit.

A long time has passed since the first blog posts and first blogging events. We are now a bigger, stronger and influential community. Businesses, causes and government have started to organize themselves to interact and engage with us. And we also face challenges within and outside our growing community.

The Philippines, our country and people are also expecting more from us, and we bravely and fearlessly say that we want to do more and achieve more

In view of all these and more, we declare that we are joining as founding members of what we hope would be a most awesome bloggers association for our country

As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing objectionable in the manifesto. How about you? If you want the idea too, JOIN US!